Teen Open Studio: Familiar Materials: Paper Squishies

Admission Free · No registration required Location TAM Studio, Tacoma Art Museum Come join us December 17, 5–7pm for our Familiar Materials: Paper Squishies in Teen Open Studio! In artist Martha Parrish Bush’s Dangle Twisty sculpture, found in TAM’s Legacy: Highlights from the Permanent Collection exhibition, she is drawn to familiar and tactile materials like yarn and fabric. Today we are going to use materials familiar to us like construction paper and tape to create our own tactile piece of art in the form of a DIY paper squishy! Martha Parrish Bush, Dangle Twisty, 1995, crocheted yarn, 41 × 48 in. Gift of Herb and Lucy Pruzan, 2013.22.2 The project is a unique space for young minds to explore their creativity, connect with peers, and embrace the joy of self-expression. The schedule provides an array of hands-on artmaking activities. Every session, from painting and drawing to crafts, is a chance to discover new techniques and mediums. We will have some squishy giveaways (while supplies last), and a fidget trading station for anyone who wants to trade their paper squishies or fidgets with others! Know before you go: Drop in anytime from 5–7pm. All materials are provided. This program takes place during Free Thursday Neighborhood Nights, when admission to TAM is free from 5–8pm. For accessibility information, see Accessibility at TAM → → About the Artist: Martha Parrish Bush Martha Parrish Bush (born Chicago, Illinois, 1963) received her BFA from the University of Kansas, Lawrence and her MFA from the University of Washington. She taught at the University of Washington and North Seattle Community College, then went on to positions in Michigan and Connecticut. She trained as a painter but works across media. “I had just returned from living abroad in Japan teaching ESL and studying traditional arts, ceramics, ikebana and paper making in Matsue, Japan. I was trying to make sense (probably) of the experiences I’d had there. In Japan, the age old forms and traditions of making things were finely honed and honored and it got me thinking what I had been taught just simply by what was around me, what did I see, what had I grown up seeing around me — what were the traditional arts of the mid-west around the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s from my eyes? What came to me was a tactile quality of materials, mostly fabrics, yarns and various craft materials; I knew what these felt like and they had a voice in my hands. I started collecting various handmade craft items from the shelves of various Salvation Army shops. I just let these things have a place in my studio. I loved the colors and the intricate patterns of the crochet work and the personal story acrylic yarn has was rooted into my sense of touch from an early age. The shapes I was trying to paint on canvas pushed out into space and began to claim size, multiples and attitude. Parts of the story that came with the materials worked with my sense of humor and also with my sense of placement and vantage point. The work took on a playful and child-like voice, sneaky with meaning or in your face bold.” Artist statement courtesy of marthaparrishbush.com → Try It at Home: Paper Squishies Suggested materials: markers, colored pencils, scratch paper, construction paper, clear packing tape, rulers, scissors, and polyfill stuffing. Grab a piece of paper and trace out the shape you want your squishy to be. (Design your own or use a printed template!) Use your scissors to cut out the shape for the front and back of your squishy. Once you have your paper shapes, use markers or color pencils to color and add designs to your squishy. Cut a piece of packing tape that’s at least 4 inches longer than your squishy is wide. Place the tape onto the paper so it’s overlapping both the top and the sides; repeat until you reach the bottom of your paper. Cut off some of the excess tape, following the shape of the squishy and leaving about an inch along each side. Flip it over and attach the back side of the squishy, cover back with tape, still leaving the bottom open. Stuff your paper squishy with polyfill stuffing and then use tape to close the bottom. Now you have a complete paper squishy! About the Series Teen Open Studio Teen Open Studio is a relaxed, creative space where teens can explore and express themselves through art. Participants have access to a variety of materials and receive supportive guidance from teaching artists and museum educators. Whether teens are working on personal projects, experimenting with new techniques, or trying art for the first time, the studio offers a welcoming environment for creative exploration, self-expression, and peer connection, encouraging artistic risk-taking, collaboration, and skill-building in a safe space to grow confidence. Learn more about Teen Open Studio → Related Exhibition Legacy: Highlights from the Permanent Collection → Teen Open Studio is generously supported by Tacoma Creates. • Get involved • Love what’s happening at TAM? Explore membership and other ways to support art and artists in Tacoma. Explore MembershipDonate Today