Paper Making Artists at Troika
~ The following appeared in The Floyd Press on September 29, 2011
An opening reception for more than 25 visiting paper artists was held at Troika Gallery on Friday. The artists were in Floyd for a quinquennial retreat on papermaking and to celebrate the 25th year anniversary of Hand Papermaking magazine, which all the artists are associated with.
Collaborative pieces of pop-up art made by the artists with handmade paper were on exhibit at the gallery. Portfolios of calligraphy and handmade paper pieces were presented as a fundraiser for the magazine. Floyd papermaking artist Gibby Waitzkin had new work on display.
The group of visiting artists, who lodged at the Hotel Floyd for the weekend, enjoyed refreshments, mingled with those in attendance and viewed a short film on the paper art of Helen Hiebert, titled “Water Paper Time.” Some stopped by the Friday night Jamboree. The weekend retreat was scheduled to be held at Waitzkin’s Sarvisberry Gallery and Studio. A luncheon meeting at Natasha’s Market Café was also on the retreat itinerary.
Waitzkin’s apprentice Grant Figura wore white gloves as he showed the whimsical paper pop-up works and encouraged others to put on gloves and touch. A ticket hung from one red piece that read “To Pandora from Zeus” and warned “Do Not Open (ever).” Everyone who viewed it was curious and delighted to see that it opened in accordion style, revealing a spiral of handmade paper snakes.
October 7th, 2011 2:03 pm
Nice to see the art is still more than alive and well.
And that there is a town called Floyd!!
I remember making my own crude paper in junior high, which was quite a rewarding endeavor, even tho it was not very serviceable for writing on.
October 8th, 2011 9:28 am
The Snakes keep coming up! You are a warrior and a poet.