MASKED/UNMASKED: A Self-Portrait in Creative Stitching
Virtual Workshop for High Schoolers
Tuesdays, Sept. 15th, 22nd, and 29th 
Live via Zoom, Registrants must commit to all three classes

We all wear masks and only some are made from fabric! In this three-part workshop, we will create a quilt block that explores the difference between how we see ourselves and what the world sees. Using disposable masks, felt, and embroidery floss, each workshop participant will make a super cool, dimensional self-portrait showing themselves “masked” and “unmasked.” Participants can display their finished quilt block as part of the Form, Not Function exhibit at the Carnegie Center for Art and History.

In this workshop, participants will:

• Reflect on who we are/what we show the world and how to express that difference in a piece of artwork
• Learn how to thread a needle, tie a knot, and work with embroidery floss
• Discuss how color choices influence the mood of a piece of art
• Explore simple pattern making and tissue paper transfer
• Try out several stitches of creative embroidery, including straight stitch, blind stitch, chain stitch, and blanket stitch
• Using batting to create subtle dimensionality 
• Discover how to sew buttons, beads, found items, paper and other embellishments to your artwork and discuss how sewing can be used in mixed media artwork

We will also explore some of the fabulous art quilts on display in the “Form, Not Function” show to learn how other artists used these techniques to create their artwork and express themselves through creative stitching!

The workshop is FREE, including art materials! A materials kit for the class will be available for pick-up up from Carnegie Center for Art and History during open hours beginning on Tuesday Sept. 8 th through Monday Sept. 14 th . Hours at the Carnegie Center are Mon. through Fri. 10am – 5:30 and Saturday 10am – 2pm.
 

About the Instructors: This class will be taught by dynamic stitching duo Jinn Bug and Alexis “Stix” Brown. Stix and Jinn are two friends who meet online every week to stitch together and talk about life and art.

Jinn Bug is a poet, photographer, gardener, activist, visual artist and life-long dreamer based in Southern Indiana who learned to stitch as a child and continues to make tiny worlds out of felt and thread to amuse herself and others. Her photography, vignettes and poems have felt and thread to amuse herself and others. Her photography, vignettes and poems have appeared in numerous online and print journals and her quilted book “Jinn & Ron’s Crazy Quilt Book of Love” was featured in the 2019 “Form, Not Function” exhibit at the Carnegie Center for Art and History. Learn more about her at www.JinnBug.com

Alexis “Stix” Brown is a writer, illustrator, poet, philosopher, publisher and conduit who explores healing and connectivity in her work. Stix received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree with an emphasis in Drawing from Bellarmine University. She is the author of four illustrated books and has recently received grants in support of her unique work from the Kentucky Foundation for Women and Fulfill Your Destiny. Learn more about her at www.alexisstixbrown.com