Dime Store Alchemy: Make a Found Object Poetry Box

In the spirit of Joseph Cornell, a 20th century artist inspired by the poetry of found objects rearranged into evocative tableaus, participants will craft small inventive shadow boxes. A variety of mixed media and assemblage techniques will be introduced. This will be an opportunity to creatively explore memories, dreams and personal visions or give tribute to a friend or family member. It is a great way to practice intuitive art making skills and mine your personal and collective unconscious for insights and wisdom.

Participants will look at examples of Joseph Cornell's assemblages and learn a bit about his motivations and techniques before crafting a shadowbox of their own design. Various mixed-media, collage and assemblage techniques will be discussed and demonstrated. Materials, wooden boxes and small hand tools will be provided, but participants are invited to bring in small bits of ephemera from their personal spaces too. Old cards, stamps, small objects, prints, broken electronics and such can all be intriguingly arranged using this art-making approach.

All materials and tools will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own collection of small objects and ephemera too.

Instructor: Viki Walchak. Class size: 6-12 participants. Register by: August 19.

Refund Policy

• If a workshop does not reach the minimum number of students within 3 days of the workshop, it may be cancelled at the instructor’s discretion. If you are already registered (and have paid) for a workshop that is cancelled, your whole registration amount will be refunded.
• If you request to withdraw from a workshop 72 hours or more before the day of the workshop, Del Ray Artisans will refund the Workshop Fee and any Supply Fee minus a 15% processing fee.
• No refunds will be provided for cancellations less than 72 hours before the day of the workshop.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, United States