I started leading art workshops for teen girls at a Juvenile Detention Center in Maryland again. So far we've created several accordion books and just finished our printmaking unit. I taught them how to print using stamps they carved out of thick blue foam pads using a pencil. After creating the linework, they inked up the pads and stamped onto handmade Japanese papers. Last week we talked about spring and the hope that is inherent in it. I read from my book Grandma's Purple Flowers as they listened attentively and anticipated the impending death of the grandma. Using long strips of white paper, they stamped their hand carved images on them using bright colors and then cut shapes from paper to add to their designs. The banners they created were cheerful and encouraging.
