Monday, October 24, 2011

Embroidery at Oil and Cotton

Our embroidery teacher, Stephanie Scoggin brought the finished example for her next workshop, a beautifully embellished linen clutch. During our visit we discussed the history of needlework and the similarities and differences of this craft throughout various cultures and it's evolution.

This evening I spent hours looking at strange embroidery samplers found via VADS, brightly colored examples of African embroidery on black cloth, intricately decorated Indian dresses, and revisited several artists that use embroidery and thread in their work like Maurizio Anseri and Gabriel Dawe.

This is a simple tutorial about Shashiko, a Japanese tradition of embroidery. I like the bold contrast of the  indigo dyed cloth against the white thread that is most often used in Shashiko embroidery .

To learn more about the history and art of embroidery please join us for our next workshop.

Mulch

This morning began with a delivery of stacks of The New York Times and Dallas Morning News (thanks Jenn D. and Mary R.) Our friend and Oak Cliff Community gardener, Jenni Stolarski recommended that we cover the backyard of Oil and Cotton with newspaper before laying mulch. The newspaper is biodegradable and it prevents weeds and grass from creeping up. JD's Tree Service generously donated a HUGE load of mulch. We were immediately impressed with their mention of craftsman, artist and father, George Nakashima.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Silkscreen Printing at Oil and Cotton

Oak Cliff was buzzing with activity this past Saturday. The Blues, Bandits and BBQ Festival, Indie Genius Street Bazaar and Cyclesomatic brought people from near and far to our parks and streets. At Oil and Cotton we held the last class of our six week silkscreen series taught by the sweet and talented Mylan and Jessica.

But fear not! The ladies are already on the schedule for another six week silkscreen workshop series beginning February 4, 2012 . Students build their own presses, learn everything needed to know to print at home, receive an 18 page textbook and complete three silkscreen projects in class. Visit our website to register for this SUPER WORKSHOP. Enrollment is limited to 8 students.

Early Registration for Winter Session


November 27 - February 18 (no class Dec 24-Jan 1) 
*Save 25% off art classes when you register by November 1.

Art for ages 3 to 6*
Tuesdays 3:30, 4:30, Wednesdays 4:30, or Thursdays 10:30, 4:30, or 5:30.  
Draw, paint, sculpt and collage to learn art elements and art history. This winter we will learn shape with the Cubists, color with Henri Matisse, and texture with Max Ernst. Small class emphasizes self-expression, motor skill development, sharing, material and tool safety, and the language of positive critique.  
$220 for 11 weeks. Register by November 1 and pay just $165.   

Tues 4:30 (age 7-10), Wed 3:30, 5:30, or Thursdays 5:30 (age 11-15) 
Focus on drawing skills, sketchbook development, and independent visual expression as we learn to work with various art materials. Learn art elements, principles, and history through hands-on studies and critique. Students will have the opportunity to visit museums and galleries, drawing inspiration from working artists, engaging with classmates in the studio and making interactive projects.  This winter we will do a Rembrant-inspired self-portrait in oil paint, learn perspective and space with De Chirico, and embark on independent studies.   
$220 for 11 weeks + $25 supply kit. Register by Nov 1 for just $190.   

Thursdays 6:30-8:00
Students work through classical and conceptual art exercises, developing their portfolios and creative identities along with drawing, color theory, and design.
$220 for 11 weeks + $35 supply kit. Register by Nov 1 for $165. 


Tuesdays 3:30-4:15 or 4:30-5:15 
Join Gretchen House for a fun yoga class. Students enjoy the benefits of the poses as they build comradery and self-esteem through yoga practice. Stay for art class and have an extra mellow after school day.  
$165 for 11 weeks. Siblings save 10% off with discount code FAMILY. 


Register for classes online.

Oil and Cotton and the Dallas Museum of Art

Oil and Cotton spent last night at the Dallas Museum of Art. If you have not made it to the DMA's Late Nights you are missing out on an evening jam packed with art, community and creative energy. Oil and Cotton lead two art activities in the museum's Center for Creative Connections. Folks were invited to respond to the current exhibit of artist Mark Bradford. The Bradford show is not to be missed...AMAZING!

The Tech Lab was transformed into a space for an ephemeral, large scale community collage mixing digital and traditional media. A rotating selection of Dallas maps was projected onto a wall framed with small hooks used as anchors for a variety of cord, rope and thread. People were encouraged to create an intricate web of materials inspired by the map projection and their own sense of place.
 Museum goers explored Bradford's process of layering through creating collaged landscape necklaces.
The final result of the community collage was RAD-TOWN!!! Look for more collaborations with the Dallas Museum of Art and Oil and Cotton soon! A big thank you to our friends at the DMA, Oil and Cotton's super talented teen students, Miss Emily, and our new intern Jessica Sinks!!!

Gracias!

Kayli and I wish we had hours to sit down, compose and hand write thank you notes to each person that has given their time, shared their talents, or donated materials and supplies to Oil and Cotton. In our first year, a week has not gone by without someone lending a hand. We could not have made it without each of you. Thank you to our wonderful neighbors, kind strangers, and loved ones.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Día De Los Muertos Celebration - November 2nd

The Tyler Davis District is hosting a Día De Los Muertos Celebration on November 2nd from 7pm to 10pm. The Day of the Dead is an event that was created to serve the public need to mourn, reflect, and celebrate the universal experience of Death, through their ancestors, loved ones, and the living.

Bring the entire family out to the Tyler Davis District as we recognize  Día De Los Muertos and welcome relatives and friends back from the grave in a celebration of creative energy and a rejoicing of the living. The event is free to the community and all are welcome to participate.

Live Music
Interactive Art Workshops
Face Painting
Festival of Altars 
Live Theatrical Performance & Storytelling
Educational Presentation-History of Día de los Muertos
Altar Contest Judged by a Special Guest
Delicious Traditional Food & Hot Chocolate