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Masking the Arcana // Crafting Tarot-Inspired Papier-Mâché Archetypes & Totems

Apr 19, 2025
10:00 am - 2:30 pm
934 SW Salmon St., Portland, OR
General accessibility

Workshop over two Saturdays: April 19 & May 3, 2025, 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $150.00

Dive into the world of creativity and mysticism in this hands-on workshop and bring the Major Arcana archetypes to life through the art of papier-mâché. In this class, you’ll explore the rich symbolism of tarot while crafting your own unique objects or masks inspired by its 22 trumps, such as The Fool, The Empress, and The Tower. Join Portland-based illustrator and teaching artist Fry for this two-part immersive papier-mâché workshop. We will practice storytelling, personal creativity, and artistic expression while guiding you to make a piece that’s uniquely yours.

Saturday, April 19, 2025 Session 1: Foundations and Construction

Begin with an introduction to the essentials of papier-mâché, including how to prepare different kinds of pastes and preparing and applying paper strips to achieve optimal adhesion and a smooth surface. Learn to build armatures using everyday materials like balloons, cardboard, and wire, creating the foundation for your mask or object.

Saturday, May 3, 2025 Session 2: Painting and Finishing Touches

Bring your creation to life as you apply base coats and layer color to create depth, shading, and highlights. Add details and character through the use of acrylic paint and paint pens. Personalize your creation further by incorporating finishing touches with fabric, feathers, and beads.

Why Join? This workshop is an opportunity to experiment with new techniques, and inject fresh energy into your creative practice. It’s also a chance to connect with like-minded individuals and have fun getting messy with papier-mâché. Come with curiosity, and let the magic of the Major Arcana guide your artistic journey!

Workshops are for those 18+ and are limited to 16 participants of any skill level. Participants are encouraged to bring a snack and any personal art supplies that spark creativity.