About this Event
Age: 18+
Dat: Saturday April 6, 2024
Time: 1 -4 PM
Cost: M $45 and NM $50
Instructor: Birdie Gerhl
Inspired by the transformation of backroom to showroom found in Jeremy Laing’s , Hamilton-based artist Birdie Gerhl invites participants to raid the unconventional archive of their closets for materials to create soft sculptures that evoke and hold complicated feelings. Think: old uniform, ex-girlfriend’s t-shirt, unfinished project, tablecloth with storied stains, or something made of fabric that has lost its original meaning. Participants agree to only bring materials that they are ready to rip up and reconstruct, and are welcome to reclaim abandoned materials provided by the gallery instead. Birdie will guide participants of all skill levels through the process of constructing their “softie,” highlighting the sensuous details of their materials to make compelling tactile works, or just something sweet to squeeze.
To support accessibility for all participants, masking will be mandatory for this workshop. Masks will be provided for free as needed.
When attending any of our public programs please consider bringing non-perishable food and hygiene products to donate to the Burlington Food Bank. Like so many communities, Burlington has seen an alarming 20% increase in the need for assistance with groceries over the last year. We are collecting community contributions to support the food bank’s efforts in meeting the growing demand for food security.
About the Instructor:
Birdie Gerhl is a multidisciplinary artist based in Hamilton, ON. Her work understands that crip kinship can be chosen or blood, human or non-human, ancestral or material, and disabled or not. Birdie’s work has been included in exhibitions and screenings at Art Gallery of Ontario, Art Windsor-Essex, Centre[3], Hamilton Artists Inc. and Tangled Art + Disability. She was awarded the 2019 Intergenerational LGBT Artist Residency and the 2021 Centre[3] Emerging Artist Residency. Birdie was one of the inaugural Artists-in-Residence / Gallery Assistants at Hamilton Artists Inc. throughout 2020-21, and participated in the 2022 Hamilton Zineposium.
COVID-19 HEALTH AND SAFETY: Please review the AGB's COVID-19 safety guidelines on our website before attending your first class. We ask that all visitors self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms before arrival. If you are experiencing any symptoms, please do not come to class.
ATTIRE: Your clothing will get messy from the materials and media utilized in your class so please dress appropriately or bring an apron. Also, closed-toe shoes are mandatory.
ALLERGIES OR SPECIAL NEEDS? Important - Notify us on your registration if the student has an allergy, health concerns, or a learning exception that could impact participation in the class. We would like to remind you that we are a nut-free facility.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Art Gallery of Burlington, 1333 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington, Canada
CAD 45.00 to CAD 50.00