PlySpace, the artist in residence program of The Muncie Arts and Culture Council is excited to announce Open Curiosity: An Exploration of Material as Metaphor. This workshop series will be led by Summer 2021 Virtual PlySpace Resident Carrie Dickason. The free, four-part workshop series will take place via Zoom on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30 pm, beginning Tuesday, July 20 and ending Thursday, July 29. The program is open to ages 18+ and all skill levels. Registration is required.

Open Curiosity: An Exploration of Material as Metaphor, a four part online workshop, invites participants to release their expectations about “Art-making” and embrace process-driven, open-ended inquiries. Participants will use simple basketry techniques to consider relationships- both physically/structurally and metaphorically/philosophically. The sessions will include discussion and interaction among workshop participants, with facilitation by New Mexico-based artist, Carrie Dickason, and will culminate in an online Instagram exhibition with a map of participants’ locations and their individual works. Participants do not need to be based in Muncie in order to participate. The course is capped at 20 participants.

The purpose of this virtual workshop is to spark creative exploration and experimentation, opening and expanding it into everyday life. The content will include gentle guidance with prompts and support to consider inquiries such as: How can we use curiosity as a tool to stimulate growth and joy in our lives? What happens when we approach personal expression and interactions, with an open responsiveness? Can we use openness as an entry into helping ourselves and others to heal?

This series of virtual workshops welcomes individuals 18+ and all skill levels. Participants are requested to commit to all four sessions as they will build upon one another, and because group participation and interaction is integral to the direction of the workshop and the unfolding of the content. Please note that this is not a product-driven, skill-based workshop. Participants are encouraged to experiment and take risks. Fiber processes are generally slow, and this is an introduction, so the intention is that participants will be compelled to continue their pursuits beyond the workshop and share their projects as they develop.

Thursday, July 29, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm EST