The Re/do: A Journey into Upcycling
@ Washington Park Arts Incubator
301 E Garfield Blvd, Chicago, IL 60637
Opening Saturday, June 24th, from 12PM - 1:30PM
“The Re/do” is a creative workshop series that teaches participants how to transform discarded or unused materials into beautiful and unique jewelry or accessories. The goal of this class is to encourage participants to think creatively and sustainably while also learning and exploring new fabrication techniques.
In this class, the instructor will provide a variety of materials such as old jewelry pieces, scrap metal, fabric remnants, pottery, worn leather and other recyclable materials. Participants will learn how to assess these materials and identify which parts can be used to create a new wearable item.
In a “potluck” fashion, participants are encouraged to bring items that they wish to give a new life or no-longer find valuable to share with other participants in order to generate a shared sense of creativity and exchange.
The instructor will provide tools and equipment, such as pliers, wire cutters, hammers, and other assorted metalsmithing and craft utensils, to help participants assemble their creations. During the class, the instructor will offer guidance and tips on how to make the most of the materials provided and participants will learn how to repurpose these materials to create fresh designs in various shapes, sizes and styles.
By the end of the class, participants will have learned how to turn trash into treasure and create one-of-a-kind pieces to wear or give as gifts. Additionally, the workshop students will have gained a new appreciation for sustainable and eco-friendly practices that can be applied in other areas of their lives.
About the instructor:
The workshop is guided by instructor, Etiti Ayeni, a Chicago-based metalsmith, textile artist and recycling enthusiast. Having traveled frequently to West Africa to source material and knowledge, Etiti experiments with found objects where she repurposes materials to create, reuse and rebuild a world that feels colorful and purpose-driven. Ranging from demi-fine jewelry, statement accessories and artisanal home goods, her work combines modern and traditional metalsmithing techniques with textiles and other found objects to create harmonious pieces of art that can be worn. Shying away from generic factory produced elements, she incorporates tactile objects like fabric, clay, beads, wire, leather and stones to match the organic uniqueness each of these objects possess.
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Tags: Arts + Public Life, Chicago, Etiti Ayeni, The Re/do: A Journey into Upcycling, Washington Park, Washington Park Arts Incubator
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