PORT TOWNSEND — Three kinds of joy come from found-object art, said Steve Parmelee, one of the teaching artists coming to teach classes at the nonprofit Northwind Art School at Fort Worden State Park.
First, there’s the fun of hunting for things — at estate sales, antique shops, the beach.
Then comes turning the objects into a story, an assemblage.
“Come Home” is an assemblage by Northwind Art School teaching artist Steve Parmelee. A basketball trophy is one of the ingredients. (photo courtesy Steve Parmelee)
Parmelee’s workshop, “Sculptural Assemblage: Creating Art with Found Objects,” is set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 9-10, and it’s open to adults as well as teens, and beginners through advanced artists. Registration costs $340.
Also at Northwind Art School, artist Tracy Grisman will guide “Open Air,” a plein air painting meetup, from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday. The class fee is $25.
Grisman gives a plein air demonstration, turns participants loose to draw and paint, then offers individual critique and support.
Details and registration for these and many other summer classes are available at https:// northwindart.org.
Parmelee, in his July workshop, will cover the nuts, bolts and joys of assemblage.
He defines the art form like this: Assemblage is a way to bring together things you’ve collected into a clean, cohesive artwork that’s all your own.
The award-winning maker will include demonstrations, discussions and hands-on class projects in his two-day course.
Parmelee will also supply the tools, the fasteners and a variety of found objects, while participants can bring in their own collected things too.
“I don’t want people to be intimidated,” Parmelee said.
He guides people in the use of small hand tools and “cold connections,” so no welding or soldering is needed.
“I’m ready for anybody,” he said.
