Visual Workshops:

1.           Abstract painting                                                                                        2.           Landscape painting                                                                                          3.           Still life painting                                                                                          4.           Mono(Gelli) printing: Focusing on image transfers, collage, botanicals              5.          Glass Mosaic: Totem Poles (see Funerary Art). Also perfect for seasonal/eco art 6.           Funerary Art: short presentation and creation of a personal totem pole (used by Native Americans to place at a burial or remembering site. The poles memorialize the characteristics of a departed person. Made of glass mosaic and can be installed outdoors afterward. Can collaborate with sexton from a local historic cemetery.    7.           Street painting (crosswalks): site selection, theme selection, preparation of site, art production team tips, hands-on production on-site. No more than 4-6 artists per team. Several crosswalks or street/parking lot projects can happen simultaneously within a short distance. (Min: 4 hours)

Literary Workshops:

1.           Poetry (Japanese & modern Haiku)                                                                2.           Memoir Writing/Telling                                                                                      3.           Haunted Storytelling (can be paired with Funerary Art)                                  4.           Book binding can accompany any of the above and can be as simple or complex as time and attention allow (journals made using one of the following methods: wire, coptic stitch, section sewn binding {the latter requires two or more classes}

Cultural Art Classes: (can be customized, particularly in time and breadth)

1.           Japanese Culture: Choose from the following:                                                a.           Shibori Tie-dye bandanas, pillowcases, shirts,                                              b.            Origami mobile                                                                                              c.            Haiku (create class anthology or individual chapbooks)                            d.           Shadow Puppetry (from learning history to production of puppets, storyline & performance)                                                                                                            e.            Suminagashi Marbling in water and on paper                                                f.             Japanese book binding (terrific to pair with haiku or Suminagshi papers) g.            Japanese Tea Ceremony & Culinary Experience - create simple no-cook sushi rolls, Daigaku Imo (requires burner), Mochi ice cream (requires microwave & freezer), practice using chopsticks, tea ceremony

2.           Latin American Holidays: Dia de los Muertos (Mexico): Choose from the following:                                                                                                                      a.           Present history                                                                                                b.            Macrame tiny skeletons                                                                                c.            Create ofrendas (altars) honoring loved ones who are no longer with us (can easily be a free-standing workshop)                                                                          d.           Make marigold necklaces or tissue paper marigolds                                    e.            Decorate sugar skulls                                                                                  f.             Create calaveras (short, funny poems)

Caribbean Carnival & Dia de Los Meyes Regos (Puerto Rico):

a.           Present histories of both holidays, the relationship to the US & reccognize PR cultural influences                                                                                                        b.            Create Vejigante Masks, recognize music and practice movement (Carnival) c.            Create crowns and traditional instruments, discover the traditions associated with Three Kings Day                                                                                                        d.           Teach dance either Bomba or Plena                                                              e.            Comparison to Cuba presentation (could be a part of a conceptual art show the group puts together - see professional development) Try hand at traditional poetry forms

3.           Social Justice Creative Project:

Contact artist to discuss. This is intended to be an extended study and experience, personalized to a social issue participants notice and want to address in their community through a creative response.

Professional Development

Dexta Jean offers mentorship to emerging artists of all ages who wish to learn how to create a gallery show: how to write artist statements, deliver a gallery or author talk, collaborate with a venue, establish a theme, place a call for artwork, prepare press releases and other marketing, and plan a timeline for execution. Works well with the Social Justice Creative Project.

Bio:

Dexta Jean Rodriguez BFA, ATU

MLA, ATU

PhD, Community/Change Leadership, UCA (ABD) Arkansas Licensed Educator

Experienced Artist, Art Teacher, Program Director, Nonprofit Leader, University Visiting Lecturer (Writing/Art History/Management/Leadership), Certified Family Development Specialist & Certified Volunteer Manager

8-year Representative for the Arkansas Arts Council Advisory Board