Project Impact

Transformation of Wool to Felt

Felt has an interesting history and was used for many practical purposes. Recently, it has had a resurgence in popularity as a design material used in fashion, jewelry, and home décor.

This 3-7 day residency gives students the opportunity to create beautiful felt pieces - both flat and hand-shaped 3-dimensional forms - using wool fiber, moisture, agitation and pressure.

This art form has many curriculum connections as students learn the humble beginnings of felt and the historical uses of the fabric; the physical make-up of wool and the “sheep to wool” process; and how to calculate the amount (weight) of wool needed for a project, taking into consideration shrinkage.

Students will enjoy the amazing experience of the transformation of beautiful wool fibers to a new material – felt.
             Photo shows some of the many colors of wool
                 that can be blended to create projects.

Projects will be tailored to specific grade levels and can be individual projects (placemats, coasters, scarves etc.) that students take home, or a group project (wall hanging, rug, etc.) to be presented to the school as a lasting piece of art from the class. 

Grades 4-12 & Adult

In this 2 -5 day residency, artist Gerry Fierst builds on his single day workshop of examining and explaining the language of Shakespeare, so students will be able to understand and enjoy his works, through the use of innovative games and webbing brainstorming.

For students in grades 3 - 5, the additional sessions will be language oriented. Another Shakespeare scene may be introduced and/or students will create their own poem. This would depend on the length of the residency.

For students grade 6-8, the workshops are theatre/character oriented, with such exercises as students writing their own version of the text, placing it in a different era.

Under the guidance and instruction of artist Donna Conklin King each student will design, glue and grout an original mosaic tile artwork.

This 5-10 day residency encourages creativity and exercises higher level problem solving skills, as children select and use shapes and colors to build a design.

Each child’s vision will be realized in a mosaic creation to take home, or to be installed at the school as a lasting piece of art.

Created to reflect a specific theme, the tiles can be permanently placed as an archway border, a frame around a door, a decorative ledge, etc. For schools undergoing construction, they may even be placed in the foundation.

Students will learn the history of the art and gain a better understanding of the magnitude of the undertaking in covering entire walls and ceilings with these beautiful works of art. 

Grades 6-12