Free Puppet Raising Workshops for Earth Fest
In preparation for Earth Fest, Wickham Works will host three free puppet raising workshops on Saturday February 26, March 19 and 26, 10am to 1pm at the Warwick Valley Community Center. Workshops will be led by Warwick-based multi-media artist Karen Decher whose extensive puppet-making experience includes pieces for the New York City Halloween parade, Rhinebeck’s Sinterclaus parade, and the Warwick Summer Arts Festival. No experience is necessary and all are welcome. Children under 10 with parents. Space is limited so please Register here: For more information:hannelore.h.chambers@gmail.com
Earth Fest, a free one-day public art event celebrating Earth Day returns to Stanley Deming Park, Warwick on April 30th. This delightful spring arts festival features large scale puppets and sculptural works made from recycled material, making stations where participants can join the artists to create upcycled wearable art, carnival style games, puppet shows and a junk instrument-making workshop by Modern Times Theater - recipients of a Jim Henson Foundation 2022 grant, and a Grand Rumpus finale.
Earth Fest, a free one-day public art event celebrating Earth Day returns to Stanley Deming Park, Warwick on April 30th. This delightful spring arts festival features large scale puppets and sculptural works made from recycled material, making stations where participants can join the artists to create upcycled wearable art, carnival style games, puppet shows and a junk instrument-making workshop by Modern Times Theater - recipients of a Jim Henson Foundation 2022 grant, and a Grand Rumpus finale.
Open Door Makers Lab Social

Please join us on the first Thursday of each month for a fun virtual hour of chat, sharing, and inspiration. Email JennyTorino@WickhamWorks.Org to register and we'll send you the link each month. The event is free and suitable for adults and teens.
Check out Wickham Works on Facebook for our Children's Workshops, and upcoming events
Check out Wickham Works on Facebook for our Children's Workshops, and upcoming events
Words from Warwick
a Community Art Project
info.wickham.works@gmail.com
Words from Warwick, A Public Art Project From and For the Community
Wickham Works brings people together through the shared experience of artmaking. In early May, the Wickham Works team were pondering how to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic, quarantine, and social distancing. How do members of our community connect when they can't meet up, can't be with friends and family during this time of societal upheaval? What if there could be a public art display that could span the divide? The written word and artmaking are two powerful tools we humans have to connect to each other and feel less alone. The non-profit arts organization is pleased to announce Words from Warwick which brings those tools together in a dive-by or walk-by exhibition to reconnect our community through public art.
As part of the project, Wickham Works has commissioned local artists Karen Decher, Nicole Hixon, Heidi Lanino, Linda Mensch, Aurora Robson, Cody Rounds, Amy Lewis Sweetman, and Deb Zimmerman to create their own works of word art to be exhibited at Lewis Park, Railroad Green, and Stanley Deming Park. Artworks will be on display August 15th - 29th.
And, this summer, everyone--individuals, families, businesses--is invited to make along with Wickham Works' series of Virtual Workshops and create artworks that incorporate a word or words. The pieces can be displayed in people's yards, porches, or windows.
The artist-led workshops will run from July 15th to August 9th. They are designed to inspire and teach new skills and demonstrate creative reuse of recyclables and found objects. Workshops are for all ages, no experience necessary. They are free but registration is required. Virtual Workshop Registration.
Please reach out to us with questions. We'd love to hear from you!
info.wickham.works@gmail.com
Words from Warwick, A Public Art Project From and For the Community
Wickham Works brings people together through the shared experience of artmaking. In early May, the Wickham Works team were pondering how to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic, quarantine, and social distancing. How do members of our community connect when they can't meet up, can't be with friends and family during this time of societal upheaval? What if there could be a public art display that could span the divide? The written word and artmaking are two powerful tools we humans have to connect to each other and feel less alone. The non-profit arts organization is pleased to announce Words from Warwick which brings those tools together in a dive-by or walk-by exhibition to reconnect our community through public art.
As part of the project, Wickham Works has commissioned local artists Karen Decher, Nicole Hixon, Heidi Lanino, Linda Mensch, Aurora Robson, Cody Rounds, Amy Lewis Sweetman, and Deb Zimmerman to create their own works of word art to be exhibited at Lewis Park, Railroad Green, and Stanley Deming Park. Artworks will be on display August 15th - 29th.
And, this summer, everyone--individuals, families, businesses--is invited to make along with Wickham Works' series of Virtual Workshops and create artworks that incorporate a word or words. The pieces can be displayed in people's yards, porches, or windows.
The artist-led workshops will run from July 15th to August 9th. They are designed to inspire and teach new skills and demonstrate creative reuse of recyclables and found objects. Workshops are for all ages, no experience necessary. They are free but registration is required. Virtual Workshop Registration.
Please reach out to us with questions. We'd love to hear from you!
info.wickham.works@gmail.com
ARTIST-LED WORKSHOPS
Workshop 1, July 15th, 11am-12pm.
What is a Word Artist? & Nature Word Art Make-along, led by Aliza Schiff and Jenny Torino from Wickham Works.
In an introduction to the Words from Warwick Community Art Project learn about famous artists that use Word Art. Then participate in a Make-Along using natural materials to make your very own Word Art.
Materials needed: Piece of cardboard or a wooden board. Twigs (collect about 15- 12” sticks, not too thin) and lots of leaves, flowers, long grasses, other nature materials that catch your eye. Yarn, ribbon, paper, glue, scissors.
Please register to receive Workshop Zoom link. All ages welcome. Virtual Workshop Registration
What is a Word Artist? & Nature Word Art Make-along, led by Aliza Schiff and Jenny Torino from Wickham Works.
In an introduction to the Words from Warwick Community Art Project learn about famous artists that use Word Art. Then participate in a Make-Along using natural materials to make your very own Word Art.
Materials needed: Piece of cardboard or a wooden board. Twigs (collect about 15- 12” sticks, not too thin) and lots of leaves, flowers, long grasses, other nature materials that catch your eye. Yarn, ribbon, paper, glue, scissors.
Please register to receive Workshop Zoom link. All ages welcome. Virtual Workshop Registration
Workshop 2, July 19th, 3pm-4pm.
Trash Tetris led by Aurora Robson Participants are invited to look at their own household debris in a new light and make a unique piece of art integrating the bounty that surrounds us. Use your own glossy cardboard packaging (toothpaste boxes, cereal boxes or any other similar thin colorful, glossy cardboard packaging) to create a work that will reflect what it is to be alive on earth right now in your own way. Aurora Robson will be sharing her techniques and approach for using repurposed material. Suitable for 3rd grade and up, adult supervision required. Virtual Workshop Registration |
To get ready for this workshop we recommend the following
1) Gather a sizable collection of carefully pre-flattened glossy cardboard packaging salvaged from your own home. Start collecting right away as the more colors and variety you have to work with the more fun, easy and satisfying this workshop will be. 2) Before the workshop, prepare a canvas board, old scrap of wood, or piece of thick cardboard by painting or coloring it and allowing it to dry. You can include a graphic image or outline a picture, a word or words you’d like to add to during the workshop. Or you can bring your painted board and freestyle during the workshop. 3) You'll need a hot glue gun with glue sticks and a cup of iced water, OR a container of acrylic gel medium and a small bristle brush. 4) A pair of tweezers for placing smaller pieces of debris and holding them in place while they set. 5) Sharp scissors or snips. Recommended snips: Titanium snips with wire cutter. |

Workshop 3, July 22nd, 11am-12pm
Weaving and Wishes,
led by Linda Mensch
Create a mini tapestry with yarn, string and experiment with bits of ribbon.
Weave your wishes into the tapestry by adding charms, pictures and words.
Supplies needed:
A shallow box (eg- shoe box lid)
string to make your loom, yarn to weave with,
scissors, optional- ribbon, charms,
small cards with pictures to cut out, hole punch.
All Ages
Virtual Workshop Registration
Weaving and Wishes,
led by Linda Mensch
Create a mini tapestry with yarn, string and experiment with bits of ribbon.
Weave your wishes into the tapestry by adding charms, pictures and words.
Supplies needed:
A shallow box (eg- shoe box lid)
string to make your loom, yarn to weave with,
scissors, optional- ribbon, charms,
small cards with pictures to cut out, hole punch.
All Ages
Virtual Workshop Registration

Workshop 4, July 26, 3pm-4pm
Young Voices: Creative Workshop and Public Art Project with Cody Rounds
In these unprecedented times of uncertainty, our smallest residents are having their own experiences and ideas about recent public and global events. Kids have just as many feelings as adults, but sometimes their voices get lost. This workshop gives children an opportunity to channel their feelings through creativity and to be heard by the community. Wickham Works invites kids to get creative, get mindful, and be part of an interactive art work to be displayed in town.
Cody Rounds, contemporary artist and children’s mindfulness instructor, will lead the group in a brief discussion followed by a creativity meditation. The kids will then select a word or phrase to represent their feelings and will turn them into a small artwork. These works will be collected by Wickham Works and publicly displayed together as one cohesive creation.
Each participant will leave with an artwork, meditation experience, and opportunity to share their feelings and opinions.
Supplies to gather: scrap cardboard or cardstock, bits & bobs (bottle tops, twist ties, bubble wrap, old clothing, buttons), glue/glue gun, scissors, markers, pencils.
Ages 9+. Virtual Workshop Registration
Rounds will also incorporate the kids’ chosen words into her work, #HearmeHV.
#hearmeHV offers a public platform for Hudson Valley voices to be spoken and seen. Participants are invited to submit messages in response to current public and global events via social media, which will then be displayed at Railroad Green.
Young Voices: Creative Workshop and Public Art Project with Cody Rounds
In these unprecedented times of uncertainty, our smallest residents are having their own experiences and ideas about recent public and global events. Kids have just as many feelings as adults, but sometimes their voices get lost. This workshop gives children an opportunity to channel their feelings through creativity and to be heard by the community. Wickham Works invites kids to get creative, get mindful, and be part of an interactive art work to be displayed in town.
Cody Rounds, contemporary artist and children’s mindfulness instructor, will lead the group in a brief discussion followed by a creativity meditation. The kids will then select a word or phrase to represent their feelings and will turn them into a small artwork. These works will be collected by Wickham Works and publicly displayed together as one cohesive creation.
Each participant will leave with an artwork, meditation experience, and opportunity to share their feelings and opinions.
Supplies to gather: scrap cardboard or cardstock, bits & bobs (bottle tops, twist ties, bubble wrap, old clothing, buttons), glue/glue gun, scissors, markers, pencils.
Ages 9+. Virtual Workshop Registration
Rounds will also incorporate the kids’ chosen words into her work, #HearmeHV.
#hearmeHV offers a public platform for Hudson Valley voices to be spoken and seen. Participants are invited to submit messages in response to current public and global events via social media, which will then be displayed at Railroad Green.
Workshop 5, July 29, 11am- 12pm
Wax Resist Art, Revealing Hidden Words and Images with Heidi Lanino
Learn how to use watercolors with wax resist to explore words, groups of words, patterns or any symbol or image you would like to create. Experiment with the ratios of water to paint to create bold and light colors.
All ages. Virtual Workshop Registration
Wax Resist Art, Revealing Hidden Words and Images with Heidi Lanino
Learn how to use watercolors with wax resist to explore words, groups of words, patterns or any symbol or image you would like to create. Experiment with the ratios of water to paint to create bold and light colors.
All ages. Virtual Workshop Registration

Workshop 6, August 2nd, 3pm - 4pm.
Crocheting and Writing with Plarn (Plastic Bag Yarn) led by Nicole Hixon.
Connect with your community for a virtual adult only crochet circle. Learn how to repurpose your plastic bags to create plarn for crocheting. New to crocheting? Create a plarn mat to get your feet wet. If you're ready for a more advanced project, here are instructions to crochet a spider web. Please make in advance, then during the workshop Nicole will show you how to create writing and attach it to your Charlotte's Web.
To make plarn you will need five plastic bags - preferable in at least two colors. Please make your plarn in advance. Plarn instructions here!
You will need Crochet Needle(size 5.5), 12 x 12 cardboard or wood board, some sewing pins or thumbtacks.
Here are further instructions: How to Crochet for Beginners. And How to Double Crochet.
Adults only. Virtual Workshop Registration
Crocheting and Writing with Plarn (Plastic Bag Yarn) led by Nicole Hixon.
Connect with your community for a virtual adult only crochet circle. Learn how to repurpose your plastic bags to create plarn for crocheting. New to crocheting? Create a plarn mat to get your feet wet. If you're ready for a more advanced project, here are instructions to crochet a spider web. Please make in advance, then during the workshop Nicole will show you how to create writing and attach it to your Charlotte's Web.
To make plarn you will need five plastic bags - preferable in at least two colors. Please make your plarn in advance. Plarn instructions here!
You will need Crochet Needle(size 5.5), 12 x 12 cardboard or wood board, some sewing pins or thumbtacks.
Here are further instructions: How to Crochet for Beginners. And How to Double Crochet.
Adults only. Virtual Workshop Registration
Workshop 7, August 5th, 11am-12pm
Word Totems with Agrisculpture Amy - Amy Lewis Sweetman
Make Word Totems and Message Chains using recycled paper.
Supplies you'll need: Recycled paper - newspaper, magazines, printer scrap, old envelopes, scissors, tape, markers/paint/pencils/crayons
Ribbon/String, Hole Punch (optional). All ages. Virtual Workshop Registration
Word Totems with Agrisculpture Amy - Amy Lewis Sweetman
Make Word Totems and Message Chains using recycled paper.
Supplies you'll need: Recycled paper - newspaper, magazines, printer scrap, old envelopes, scissors, tape, markers/paint/pencils/crayons
Ribbon/String, Hole Punch (optional). All ages. Virtual Workshop Registration

Workshop 8, August 9th, 3pm-4pm
Flower and Butterfly Decorations with Upcycled Plastic with Karen Decher
Learn how to make eye catching signs, mobiles and garden hangings by turning upcycled clear plastic containers into stunning flowers and butterflies.
Supplies: Clear plastic containers
(produce containers, soda
bottles etc), scissors, paint,
string, hole punch, wire, and wire cutters, beads.
All ages (under 10 with adult supervision)
Virtual Workshop Registration
Flower and Butterfly Decorations with Upcycled Plastic with Karen Decher
Learn how to make eye catching signs, mobiles and garden hangings by turning upcycled clear plastic containers into stunning flowers and butterflies.
Supplies: Clear plastic containers
(produce containers, soda
bottles etc), scissors, paint,
string, hole punch, wire, and wire cutters, beads.
All ages (under 10 with adult supervision)
Virtual Workshop Registration