BMCA launches a pair of new September workshops
Cyanotype printing and installation art courses debut this month
Jessica Klarp
Guest contributor
The Valley Echo
September 14, 2021
Clayton Sharp will lead a workshop, Sept. 11, that focuses on the process of cyanotype printing at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts. Photo courtesy of BMCA
The registration period is now open for a pair of workshops debuting this month at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts.
The new courses begin, from 10 - 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 11, when photographer Clayton Sharp introduces a class that will focus on cyanotype printing, as artist David Collins lends his years of experience with installation art to a workshop, from 5 - 7 p.m., Friday. Sept. 17 and from 9 a.m. - 4 -p.m., Saturday, Sept. 18.
Cyanotype is a photographic printing process that produces a cyan-blue print. Engineers used the process well into the 20th century as a simple and low-cost process to produce copies of drawings, referred to as blueprints. Because the process Sharp will use is dependent on sun exposure to develop the prints, there is a rain date scheduled for September 12.
“I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge of the process to help participants realize that they can easily get creative, individual results in a short period of time.” Sharp said.
No experience is necessary for this fascinating workshop, and all supplies are provided, though participants are encouraged to bring any flat, opaque objects) they would like to use, such as pressed flowers or leaves or feathers. In addition to learning about the history and process of cyanotypes, participants will leave with two 8x10 prints or four 4x5 prints. The workshop cost $40 and is open to students ages 10 and up, and is a great family activity.
Later in the month, Collins shares his experience with participants in a hands-on workshop focused on taking installation art from visioning to completion.
A September workshop at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts, led by David Collins, will focus on creating art installations. Photo courtesy of BMCA
“Creating public art is daunting because you put it out there for everybody to see and judge... and judge they will,” said Collins, who recently relocated from Florida and painted the mural on the Thai Basil retaining wall. “I'm so happy to be able to share my experiences, which I hope will help others gain the knowledge and confidence they need to overcome any fears or doubts they may have about engaging in public art."
The artist, along with participants, will demonstrate the process through visioning and creating an art installation in the retention pond behind Black Mountain Center for the Arts.
During the workshop, participants will create a larger than life sculpture made from packaging tape which is capable of surviving wind, rain, snow and sun for a year or more. Life size exoskeletons of people will be created before assembling them in the pond.
Participants will learn the processes of exoskeleton and stretch wrap construction and painting. They will also make a small packaging tape sculpture to take home in addition to working on an exoskeleton part that will be used in the finished installation. Students will learn that anything that can be conceived of or envisioned can be achieved. Choosing and understanding personal, corporate or municipal funding options for public art will also be discussed. Cost for the weekend workshop is $95 per person.
To register for either or both workshops visit blackmountainarts.org. For questions call 828-669-0930. The Black Mountain Center for the Arts is located at 225 West State Street.