FREE papermaking + natural dye WORKSHOP for korean diaspora: Sacramento, 2023

모든 한국계 분들 환영합니다

WHO:

All community members who self-identify as KOREAN and are interested in papermaking, natural dyeing, and community building

WHAT:

FREE workshop hosted by artist/papermaker Steph Rue. The purpose of these gatherings is to:

• build community

• learn about papermaking + natural dyeing

• discuss + reflect on our own Korean heritage, identity, and family immigration history

WHERE:

All workshops will take place outdoors at Steph's studio in Sacramento, CA (address will be provided upon registration confirmation)

DETAILS:

• All workshops will take place in English

• Kids age 6+ welcome with accompanying adult

• Families welcome; please submit one registration form per family

• Snacks + drinks provided

• Participants will be asked to join a discussion and fill out a survey about their Korean heritage

• Surveys will be available in both English and Korean

• Basic schedule:

  • Sign-in and introductions

  • Demonstration of papermaking and natural dyeing

  • Participants form sheets of hanji (and brush-dye hanji with natural dye - time permitting)

  • Snack time; informal discussion on Korean identity + heritage; fill out surveys

  • Dry sheets onto boards

• All participants receive at least 1-2+ samples of handmade paper after the workshop

DATES:

This 3-hour workshop will be held on the following dates:

• Sat June 17, 9a-12p

• *Sat June 24, 9a-12p

• Sat July 29, 9a-12p

• Sat Aug 5, 9a-12p

  *English/Korean translator present

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must be able to answer YES to all of the below:

• I self-identify as a person of the Korean diaspora

• I can stay for the entire duration of the workshop 

• I agree to fill out and leave behind a survey

• Release agreement: I agree to allow my photos and writings to be used for promotional and research purposes 

• I agree to participate in an informal group discussion about Korean identity and heritage

FAQ

what do you mean by “korean diaspora”?

I use "Korean diaspora" to include all those who identify as Korean and live outside of Korea. This includes adopted Koreans, mixed Koreans, Koreans with a Korean citizenship or a citizenship of another country, Koreans born in South Korea or elsewhere. 

I hope these workshops will be spaces of connection and community for folks of the Korean diaspora here in Sacramento and beyond.

Are kids allowed?

Kids age 6+ can participate, as long as either they or you (the accompanying grownup) are a person of the Korean diaspora and can fill out a survey. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please only bring your children if they will be participating in the workshop and you are able to assist them; we will not have extra childcare onsite. 

Can I invite my Korean parents?

YES! Please bring your mom, your dad, your grandma, your auntie, etc. I would love for these spaces to be intergenerational and include voices and stories from as many Korean folks as possible. If you or your family member(s) do not speak fluent English, please either be prepared to translate, come with a translator, or come on a date with an asterisk (*), which indicates that a translator (Korean/English) will be present.

I can only stay for an hour, can I still come to a workshop?

If you sign up for a workshop, please stay for the full allotted time (3 hours). If you cannot stay for the duration, please join my mailing list to be notified when future workshops become available.

Who IS STEPH RUE?

I am a Korean American artist and papermaker living in Sacramento. I have two kids, ages 6 and 4. You can read my full bio here and check out my Instagram here.

How do you plan to use photos of participants?

Photos will be taken to document the project for both marketing/promo and grant reporting purposes. Photos will mainly focus on the activities rather than on faces. When you register, you’ll note that you agree to having your photo used.

How do you plan to use survey responses?

I am collecting survey responses, stories, and physical artifacts that are produced and shared during these workshops as research and material for a future creative project related to the Korean diaspora. Recorded survey responses may also be digitally published and preserved as field notes. Responses will be anonymous, though I will publicly thank all participants for contributing to the overall project. I will post updates on future exhibits or publications related to this project on this website and on my Instagram, @sjrue.

I am a Korean American living outside of Sacramento; can I still participate? 

As workshops are taking place in Sacramento, I anticipate most participants will be local. However, if you are a person of the Korean diaspora living outside of Sacramento but would like to attend, you are more than welcome. 

How much paper will I get after the PAPERMAKING workshops?

Participants will receive at least 1-2 samples of handmade paper after the workshop. As paper will not be dry by the end of the workshop, you can either come back the following day to pick up your handmade paper, OR you can leave your mailing address and $10 and I can ship your papers to you.

Please note that these workshops are meant to be communal group experiences that foster dialogue and shared learning, rather than yielding perfect sheets of paper!

What is the max number of participants for each workshop?

Workshops are limited to 10 participants per session. Due to overwhelming response, I have increased the # of participants for each workshop. Curriculum will be adjusted accordingly; expect anywhere from 12 to 16 participants per workshop.

how are you able to offer this workshop multiple times for free?

Thanks to a grant from the City of Sacramento Office of Arts and Culture, I am able to make this workshop free and accessible to the Korean community. I regularly offer workshops but it’s very rare that I am able to offer them for free, as teaching workshops is part of my livelihood. I am grateful that this grant allows me to connect with and share my knowledge and resources with others! If you would like to support my work, please consider joining my mailing list, purchasing my artwork or handmade paper, and/or signing up for a regular workshop in the future!