Ellen Merchant, an art teacher whose students range from grade schoolers at Catalina Ventura Elementary School in Phoenix to older adults at Doing Grief Community Healing Project in Sun City, will offer a Freeform Fiber Sculpting workshop 12:30-2:30 p.m. Thursday, June 12, at Banner Olive Branch Senior Center, 13049 N. 103rd Ave.
All supplies will be provided and no experience is necessary.
Merchant’s fiber sculpting workshop is based on the work of Judith Scott, who was born with Downs Syndrome, was deaf and was institutionalized for 40 years. Despite her setbacks, Scott popularized the craft of fiber sculpting, producing more than 200 sculptures before her death at the age of 61. Her artwork is displayed in public museums including the Museum of Modern Art and American Museum of Folk Art, and in private collections all over the world.
Merchant’s love for fiber crafts began when she was a child. Merchant says the solace of the colors, rhythms and textures of her creations continue to serve her as she meets personal setbacks in adulthood, including the death of her daughter, Emily, who died from ovarian cancer in 2022 when she was only seventeen.
“Creating freeform fiber sculptures allow a person to put their thoughts and feelings of the moment into the creation,” said Merchant. “This can be a great way to work through grief or difficult times and to celebrate happy times, too.”
Merchant encourages participants to bring objects from home to work into their freeform sculptures. Sculptures can be created as a remembrance piece for a loved one who died or as a creative expression of the joys, grief or hope of the present moment. The workshop is limited to 20 participants so an RSVP is recommended.
Other upcoming healing project programs in Sun City include:
- “Geometric Drawing as a Healing Path” with educator Dr. Andrew Darian noon-2 p.m. Thursday, June 19. Limit 12 participants.
- “Art Share Circle” with Shea Darian, spiritual care provider and author of “Doing Grief in Real Life: A Soulful Guide to Navigate Loss, Death and Change,” noon-2 p.m. Tuesday, June 24. Participants are invited to share a work of art – their own creation or from another artist – a song, poem, visual art or craft that has provided healing after a loss or significant life change. Limit nine participants.
To RSVP, call Banner Olive Branch Senior Center at 623-465-6000, email Connect@DoingGrief.org or fill out the RSVP form at DoingGrief.org.
A suggested donation of $5-10 can be given at DoingGrief.org or at the door. All are welcome regardless of an ability to pay.
