Debra Disman

Artist

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West Valley Regional Branch Library

CULMINATING OUR ARTIST RESIDENCY: West Valley Regional Branch Library

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My 2020-21 artist residency supported by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs at the West Valley Regional Branch Library has drawn to a close!

We had wonderful CULMINATION event of  bookmaking, sharing, art and poetry to celebrate our Residency program, and honor National Poetry Month (April)!
Please see video slide show of the Residency projects,  during the CULMINATION event and online on the West Valley Regional Branch Library‘s Facebook and Instagram pages!


Librarian Daryl shares a poem by Theodora Goss.

FLAG BOOK FUN!

Mothers and Daughters

Such a wonderful experience, and now, ever onwards to our Artist Residency of 2021-22!

Thank you to the LA DCA!!

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 wvally@lapl.org 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 wvally@lapl.org with “Poetry” in the subject line.

 

SEE YOU THERE!!!

 

 

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 wvally@lapl.org 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

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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!


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!

Zoom In On Distance Learning 3

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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!

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


Participans learned a “side-stab” or side-bound stitch, and used it to create vertically-hanging, fully-functional 2021 calendars.


They used their own stickers, markers and other embellishment materials to develop their calendar covers and pages,


highlighting special dates for their year.


Calendar cover,


and “March” 2021 page.

Here’s to a better 2021. Zoom on.

Bookmaking and Boxes: Valentines Day at the West Valley Regional Branch Library!

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Join us to celebrate Valentine’s Day by learning to create the double flower fold book structure, complete with it’s own box, to offer as a loving gift for the holiday! Contact the West Valley Regional Branch Library to reserve your spot and pick up your free materials packet!

This program is part of my Artist Residency through the wonderful Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, and is online to accomodate participants all over Los Angeles. For all ages. See the instructions on the attached flier!

We hope to see you there!