with Veronica Pham
Saturday, June 17; 10am–4pm and Sunday, June 18; 1–4pm CT
Traditional papermaking in Vietnam dates back seventeen centuries; however, colonization, war, and rapid industrialization have rendered this ancient craft nearly extinct. Learn traditional Vietnamese papermaking techniques using the liềm seo (bamboo woven screen) and khung seo (two-part bamboo frame) in this in-person workshop. Various local plants like hemp, invasive bamboo, mulberry, and prairie grass will be used to showcase differences in fiber length and strength in sheet formation.
Instruction will cover fiber preparation, hand beating, sheet formation, pressing, and drying using traditional equipment. We will work in various sizes—9 x 12 inches, 12 x 18 inches, and 20 x 30 inches—and everyone will have a chance to build their own stack of giấy (paper) with local fibers.
Participants will gain valuable knowledge on traditional Vietnamese papermaking techniques and be able continue their practice in their own studios!
Please wear clothing/shoes fit for wet work (e.g. rain boots, clogs, water resistant shoes).
Participants need to return to pick up their paper on Saturday, 6/24 or later in The Shop at MCBA to allow the wet sheets of paper time to dry while pressed flat for a few days.
Please note that papermaking is a wet and physical process that involves repeated lifting and bending. Accommodations can be made for individuals with specific needs (please share these when registering) and we encourage all abilities to participate in ways that feel safe and comfortable.
All skill levels welcome
Certificate: 9 hours, Category A, B or D; fulfills Core papermaking requirement
$25/participant (10% discount for MCBA members)
$10 for BIPOC/Financial scholarship participants (10% discount for MCBA members)
MCBA offers two scholarship types for workshops—Financial Hardship Scholarships and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) Scholarships—to honor equity and increase access and artistic opportunities for those who have historically been underrepresented in the book arts. For individuals to whom these scholarships do not apply, register at the Adult rate and, if you are able, consider making a donation when registering to support MCBA’s efforts to make scholarships available.
Registration for this workshop has closed.