Crash Course in Knitting

Learn how to knit! This workshop introduces beginners to the basic tools and materials used in knitting. Participants will receive group and individualized instruction. Materials are provided for this day-long workshop and at least one project will be on its way to completion by the end of the day.

Unique Tees: Silkscreen

From idea to finished object, participants print their own professional-looking and unique t-shirt. Starting with a discussion of what makes a good design, participants create their own designs, cut stencils, and print onto shirts using the silkscreen printing technique. Along the way, the concept of positive and negative shapes is introduced as it relates to stencil design. This workshop is a fun and fast-paced day that involves both individual creativity and teamwork!

Sketchbook: Constructing and Content

This workshop is a combination of bookbinding and idea generation. We begin with learning and preparing the basic parts of a sketchbook, as well as discussing the importance of keeping a sketchbook. Then, as we begin to bind the textblock, we will do several content-based exercises to “get those creative juices flowing.” At the end of the day, students will leave with a handmade sketchbook and new ideas to take back to their workspace and turn into masterpieces.

Picasso and the Fearless Print!

Picasso was not only a prolific artist, but also a fearless one! Throughout his long life, he was constantly trying new ideas and techniques. One of these fun techniques is the reduction print, which provides a quick introduction to relief printmaking and color layering. The print is designed in advance, and then slowly carved and printed in a succession that produces a final multi-colored print and a fully exhausted carving block. Since there is no “reverse,” reduction printing rewards both careful planning and spontaneous problem solving!

Exploring the Mellon Collection: I Spy through Edgar Degas’ Eye

This workshop begins with a slide-and-poster-talk introduction to works by Edgar Degas from the VMFA Paul Mellon Collection. Students create Degas-inspired drawings that they transfer to print blocks. They make relief cuts from the transferred drawings using block printing gouges and produce hand-rubbed black ink prints on colored stock.

Very Physical Science

This school performance interprets the Virginia Science SOLs that relate to potential and kinetic energy, simple machines, gravity-equilibrium-inertia, and the states of matter through dance sequences. The presentation offers short movement demonstrations before each dance, which pull the audience into the dance-making process.

Speaking Dancing: Creative Movement Workshop

This workshop explores the magic of words and movement. Participants observe, analyze, and interpret words and movement throughout the workshop. The workshop begins with movement, breathing, sound, and word exercises. Students develop expressive skills as they experience the creative potential of whole body movement. Upon completion of this workshop, participants have a dynamic structure that can be used to create their very own dance and performance pieces. Each workshop group provides their own specific interests. Groups may explore the themes of heritage, family icons or traditions, interpret text or script, or build an original group document, story, or dance.

Sand in my Shoes

This performance is inspired by four Virginia locations: the high rises and crosswalks of urban Crystal City, the rural Piedmont area surrounding Charlottesville, the mountains near Luray, and the recreational Northern Neck. The dancing echoes each location. The journey encompasses the pedestrian missteps and moving walkways in Crystal City, the playful loyalty of a country dog, the Appalachian Trail with breathtaking moments of falling, and the summer fun of a beach party.

 

Ridge Line

This performance, suitable for a school assembly, uses dance, photographs, personal letters, and original sound scores as a way to study, examine, and interpret the Civil War. Dances reference the clear-cutting of trees to construct the forts for the Defenses of Washington, Frank Wilkeson’s book Turned Inside Out: Recollections of a Private Soldier in the Army of the Potomac, and the civilian viewpoint documented by Marion Southwood in her description of some 20,000 people, mainly women and children, bidding their dear ones goodbye.

Organic Beauty

Building on their signature style that intersects art forms and community, Jane Franklin Dance creates a site-specific work inspired by the organic beauty of Dale Chihuly’s glass sculptures. Audiences take part in a trans-formative event as they follow the dancers to experience performances in unexpected places. See Dale Chihuly’s glass sculptures through a unique lens and experience the power of taking a second look.