Scratch, Scrub + Sand: Subtractive Collage

Artist/Instructor: Sara Baker Michalak, an Art in Craft Media artist
Saturday, March 2 and 9
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Fee: $48 members/$58 not-yet members

Register Here

What is Subtractive Collage? Participants will explore the what’s, whys, and ways to add content to collaged artworks by removing selected elements of the composition. Lots of take with you including ideas on materials, processes, and designs to move forward with.

In this 2-session workshop, participants will explore materials and techniques used in creating subtractive collage. Included will be working with found imagery and creating new interpretations for application, layering, and adhering, followed by processes for altering and removing areas of a collaged work.  

Session 1: Participants will look at Sara Baker Michalak’s subtractive collage artworks in The Center’s Art in Craft Media exhibition and see first-hand her techniques. Participants will create their own collages on prepared substrate samples and learn how to customize and prepare their own. 

Session 2:  Participants will explore the process of subtractive; cutting, sanding, washing, scraping, delaminating, and sgraffito. We'll play with the challenges and opportunities that paper presents as we push the material beyond its typical treatments. 

Sara Michalak:

Sara Baker Michalak has a BFA from Rochester Institute of Technology’s School of American Crafts. As environmental issues emerged and became a focus for artists she returned to school for an MA, Interdisciplinary Studies (Humanities/Geoscience) at SUNY Fredonia, NY.  Sara has exhibited her collage and mixed media artworks at the American Craft Museum; Burchfield Penny Art Center and in 'Western NY Artists' shows at Albright Knox in Buffalo; and at Roger Tory Peterson Institute's Art That Matters to the Planet. As a member of the Buffalo Society of Artists, Sara shows at many regional galleries. Solo shows include at the Crary Art Gallery, Warren PA; VIEW in Old Forge NY, TCAC in Olean NY and at the Houghton College Art Gallery.  In addition, she engages with street art and public collage projects in the region and beyond. Sara's work is included in BPAC's Collection, MERZ Gallery in Sanquihar, UK and the Ontological Museum, SantaFe NM.

Supplies for Participants to Bring:

Scrap pieces and papers of various colors, textures, and translucencies 

Mixed media paper, 100 lb or heavier, 9x12 or larger (3 sheets per participant)

Acrylic gel medium (preferably matte) 16 oz  

Inexpensive brushes for applying adhesive

Scissors

Disposable gloves

Utility and/or palette knives

For further information contact Kathy Shiroki: shirokkg@buffalostate.edu