Debra Disman

Artist

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Bookmaking

ARTIST RESIDENCY CULMINATION EVENT: Poetry, Flag Books and More at the West Valley Regional Branch Library!

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Join us Tuesday April 20th at 4:00PM for a very special program, as we culminate our Artist Residency at the West Valley Regional Branch Library, supported by the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs!

In celebration of National Poetry Month, Artist in Residence Debra Disman will lead us in creating a “flag book” that you can personalize with poems written by yourself or your favorite writers.

In addition, Staff Librarians will share their favorite poems and poetry books, there will be  a slide presentation showing bookmaking projects completed during the 2020-21 Residency, and YOU will have the opportunity to share YOUR BOOK!

So, mark your calendars, and email the Library at [email protected] and make an appointment to pick up your special materials packet which contains extra art materials and Library goodies to enjoy!

Program log-in information, will be sent once supplies are picked up.
If you have any questions, please send an email to [email protected] with “Poetry” in the subject line.

 

SEE YOU THERE!!!

 

 

ZOOM In On Distance Learning 6

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As everyone keeps saying, 2020 was a year like no other. Well, no-one had seen 2021 yet.

2021 it seems, may also prove to be a year like no other, finding us teaching online, in my case through Zoom, engaging in what is called, “distance learning”. Well, you can’t beat the commute and clean-up time, and I found there are indeed ways to connect significantly with students and colleagues, and even teach some things!

In February 2021, I led an accordion book with pockets program at the Panorama City Branch Library,  part of my artist residency in bookmaking there, through the wonderful Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.

Using bright tag board and richly patterned origami papers,


participants learned the accordion/consertina fold,


how to create pockets in their books,


how to cover and embellish their covers,


and how to add hopes and wishes to their pockets!


Whole families, as well as Library staff, got into the act.


Pure Joy.

Gratitudes!

 

Celebrate Womens’ History Month at the West Valley Regional Branch Library!

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Join us online as the West Valley Regional Branch Library celebrates Women’s History Month!
Our Artist in Residence, Debra Disman, will lead us in creating a “folded fan” book where you can add images and
information about these women artists:

Frida Kahlo   Faith Ringgold   Georgia O’Keefe

Program log-in information  will be sent once supplies are picked up.
If you have any questions, please send an email to [email protected] with Women’s History in the subject line.

This is an online program. Supply packets are limited and required for participation in the program.
There is a limit of 2 packets per household. To request yours call 818-345-9806. Supplies will be distributed in order of request.

This program is made possible in part by a grant from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.

 

ZOOM In On Distance Learning 5

By

As everyone keeps saying, 2020 was a year like no other. Well, no-one had seen 2021 yet.

2021 it seems, may also prove to be a year like no other, finding us teaching online, in my case through Zoom, engaging in what is called, “distance learning”. Well, you can’t beat the commute and clean-up time, and I found there are indeed ways to connect significantly with students and colleagues, and even teach some things!


As part of my artist residency in bookmaking at the West Valley Regional Branch Library through the  Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, participants learned the “double flower fold” technique, and created unique valentines with richly colored and patterned origami papers, which they then placed in paper boxes they unfolded, then folded, to house their creations.


After learning the fold, interestingly challenging over Zoom, the makers learned how to glue them together into an expanding and contracting chain,


which folded up into a 2.5 x 2.5″ square,


and was easily placed in their boxes, to create a one-of-a-kind gift. Participants could then embellish their boxes,


and add words and imagery to their folded “flowers”.


A diverse intergenerational group of enthusiasts worked together happily and supportively.


Branch Manager got into the act, carefully planning the colors of his flower-fold chain.


Children’s Librarian Kristin Peers also created stunning color combinations, and, what a background!

It looks like there may have been some very happy Valentine gift recipients, but maybe not as happy as their makers.
Because making, is the BEST!

Watch AROHA Philanthropies: CREATIVE AGING in Action!

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I have been so honored to participate in AROHA Philanthropies Creative Aging initiative, and to work  with  with LA’s beloved Craft Contemporary museum, Curator of Public Engagment Andres Payan Estrada, and Museum Director, Suzanne Isken.

It has been my great joy to teach the AROHA Bookmaking classes for Seniors through Craft Contemporary. I have been so moved to hear and see our participants’ stories expressed through their book projects, and to witness their extraordinary creativity with materials, expression and craft. The opportunity for these students to come together, share about their lives, and weave their personal histories into their projects has been so meaningful, not only for the students, but for myself and the Craft Contemporary Staff. I have been continually amazed at the richness and depth of our participants’ life experiences and their hunger to share them with others.

Our spring workshop series in bookmaking was held in-person, at the Craft Contemporary. When the pandemic hit, we had to pivot to online learning and delivery, and despite the inevidable challenges, our online class community proved to be just as creative, supportive, connective and energetic as our in-person group. An incredible and indelible experience that I will carry with me moving forward.

Russ Haan, owner of After Hours Creative, directed the creation of the following videos sharing about and documenting the process of AROHA’s programming. They are inspiring, moving and energizing to watch. ENJOY!
Creative Aging: The Essentials
Creative Aging: Why Teaching Artists?
Creative Aging: Untapped Opportunity
Creative Aging: Isolation to Connection
Creative Aging: In-Person to Online 

Zoom In On Distance Learning 4

By

As everyone keeps saying, 2020 was a year like no other.
Well, no-one had seen 2021 yet.

2021 it seems, may also prove to be a year like no other, finding us teaching online, in my case through Zoom, engaging in what is called, “distance learning”. Well, you can’t beat the commute and clean-up time, and I found there are indeed ways to connect significantly with students and colleagues, and even teach some things!


Here are some highlights fronm our 2021 Calendar-making program at the Panorama City Branch Library,  part of my artist residency in bookmaking there, through the wonderful Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.


Creating the calendar structure, using a side-stab/side-bound stitch, at the top, to produce a vertical format.


Honoring KOBE.


Sketchbook ideas for calendar.


Forging on with the project, even without a materials packet!

Here’s to a better 2021.  Thumbs up as we Zoom on.