Debra Disman

Artist

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mixed media books

Flower-fold Bookmaking Honors Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at the West Valley Regional Branch Library!

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I was thrilled to lead a bookmaking workshop, (called a “program” in Library parlance!) on May 11, 2023,  celebrating the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (of May) with a “Flower-Fold” Bookmaking program using origami paper and folding techniques.

Participants of a range of ages learned to make the flower fold structure, then linked together several “flowers” into chains, added covers and ribbons. Some participants went on to develop their books with assorted materials including decorative papers, stickers and magazines.

The results were beautiful, and filled participants with pride as they navigated the trickier aspects of the process.

 

This offering was part of my Artist Residency in Bookmaking, “We Write the Book” at the West Valley Regional Branch Library of the Los Angeles Public Library, through the Los Angeles City Department of Cultural Affairs.
The Residency is comprised of a series of bookmaking workshops presented at the Library, planned in close coordination with Library Staff.

Earth Poetry Bookmaking at the West Valley Regional Branch Library!

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I was thrilled to lead a bookmaking workshop, (called a “program” in Library parlance!) on April 13, 2023,  celebrating the Poetry Month of April through the lens of Earth Day/Nature/The Environment.

This offering was part of my Artist Residency in Bookmaking, “We Write the Book” at the West Valley Regional Branch Library of the Los Angeles Public Library, through the Los Angeles City Department of Cultural Affairs.
The Residency is comprised of a series of bookmaking workshops presented at the Library, planned in close coordination with Library Staff.

For our EARTH POETRY BOOKAMKING program, participants of all ages learned to create a bound book that can be hung on the wall as well as about the 17 syllable technique of creating HAIKU poetry.

Once each maker had bound their book together, they were free to fill it with poetry, stories, illustrations, stickers, drawings and collage! The results were moving and inspiring, as testified to by Branch Manager, Kevin Hasely in this short video! Watch VIDEO.


Exploring the inner and outer POET!


We were thrilled to welcome a group of 8-12 year-olds from a program of the nearby police cadet academy!


Playing with materials.


Mother and son work together!



20-somethings explored their creativity!


Participants worked together and on their own.

E
Employing stickers and origami papers to great effect.


Storywriting!


Utilizing the Haiku poems from the information packet passed out.


Learning about HAIKU poetry.


Classic…



The import of kindness.



Cooperation.


Discovery.


Material abundance!


Sharing.


Friend fun!

PURE JOY!!!

“Women Artists Unfolding”: Celebrating Women Artists at the West Valley Regional Branch Library

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In honor of Women’s History Month (March) the West Valley Regional Branch Library celebrated women artists with a bookmaking workshop led by artist in residence Debra Disman!

Patrons joined us to create their own  handmade books which unfolded to hold informative and inspiring images and information about renowned artists Faith Ringgold, Frida Kahlo and Yayoi Kusama.  All materials were provided. The program is made possible in part by a grant from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.

Yayoi Kusama and her ubiquitous polka dots was a hit!

“Women Artists Unfolding” at the West Valley Regional Library!

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In honor of Women’s History Month the West Valley Regional Branch Library celebrates women artists with a bookmaking workshop led by our artist in residence Debra Disman!

Please join us to create your own handmade book, learn about artists Faith Ringgold, Frida Kahlo and Yayoi Kusama and add what you learn about them to your books!  All materials will be provided.

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

This event is part of my Artist Residency in Bookmaking, “We Write the Book” at the West Valley Regional Branch Library of the Los Angeles Public Library, supported by the Los Angeles City Department of Cultural Affairs.
The Residency is comprised of a series of bookmaking workshops presented at the Library, planned in close coordination with Library Staff.

Women Artists Unfolding
EventBright
KTLA Community Caendar

Making Memories: Create Your Own Photo Album at the West Valley Branch Library

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Celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Los Angeles Public Library and learn to make your own special photo album with artist in residence Debra Disman.

For ADA accommodations, call (213) 228-7430 at least 72 hours prior to the event.

Para ajustes razonables según la ley de ADA, llama al (213) 228-7430 al menos 72 horas antes del evento.

This event is part of my Artist Residency in Bookmaking, “We Write the Book” at the West Valley Regional Branch Library of the Los Angeles Public Library, supported by the Los Angeles City Department of Cultural Affairs.
The Residency is comprised of a series of bookmaking workshops presented at the Library, planned in close coordination with Library Staff.

 

Storybook Theater at the West Valley Regional Library!

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In July I started a new Artist Residency in Bookmaking, “We Write the Book” at the West Valley Regional Branch Library of the Los Angeles Public Library, through the Los Angeles City Department of Cultural Affairs.
The Residency is comprised of a series of bookmaking workshops presented at the Library, planned in close coordination with Library Staff.

On Thursday January 12th, we gathered in the Library’s community room, with participants of all ages including  children, grandparents, families and even a 5 month old baby, and learned as a group how to make the fantastical and fun Storybook Theater!

Cutting, folding, pasting, developing…


participants created three-dimensional stories that stood up, opened out, 


and expressed their imaginations, creativity, and hopes for the new year…new vistas indeed!

Bravo!