*This class is only open to Tewksbury residents ages 13+. We will be offering future workshops that are open to all. Please do NOT register if you are not a Tewksbury resident. This is part of a series of three Intro to Marbling Workshops for Tewksbury residents. Residents may register for ONE of the three workshops. One of the workshops (3/23, morning) is geared toward families.

Paper marbling is an ancient technique of floating ink or paint on water or another bath and then capturing the results on paper. The concept dates back to the 12th century in Japan with Suminagashi. However, the techniques we'll be using align more closely to Ebru, a Turkish marbling artform that originated in the 16th century.

We will be using acrylic paints and a carrageenan bath. The carrageenan, a seaweed derivative, thickens the water just enough that the paints float, while retaining enough fluidity for us to gently manipulate the designs on the surface. We will then capture the results on paper. We'll use skewers and marbling tools called combs and rakes to create designs that appear to be intricate and complex. The paper can be used for making cards and books, wrapping small gifts, or just framing for your enjoyment. **The paper may not be dry enough to take home that day. Participants can arrange a pickup time or have their paper shipped for an additional fee.

While our goal will be to keep the paint on the bath and the paper, it can get messy. Please wear an apron or clothes you don't mind "decorating." You may also want to tie back long hair and avoid flowy clothes and dangly jewelry.

This technique generally requires standing on your feet and some reaching/leaning.

This class is open to Tewksbury residents ages 13+. ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST HAVE A WAIVER ON FILE. We will have hard copies available on site. Please also refer to our parking and accessibility information.

Instructor: Christy Matte is a lifelong artist, crafter, and maker with a diverse background that includes youth work, non-profits, consumer technology, public speaking, and freelance writing. She holds an M.Ed. in Technology in Education from Lesley University and has shared her joy for creative and technological pursuits with kids and adults from Manhattan to Manila. She launched Indigo Whimsy as a way to build a creative community, increase access to less common forms of art, and share her interests with others.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Tewksbury Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.