Through lecture and demonstration we learn how to create unique and beautiful papers without chemicals or the need for cooking fibers or pulp. Only mushrooms are used in this environmentally friendly class that returns safe water to the soil. The results are supple textured surfaces ready for use in various art applications. A resident of Mendocino for over 30 years and founding member of the Art Center, Ms. Rice first discovered that mushrooms would yield dyes for protein fibers in the early 1970s. Since that time, she has led workshops and International Mushroom Dye Symposia all over the world.
Emphasis is placed on craftsmanship, problem-solving, design and variety.
Students have the opportunity to work with paper, cloth, wool, sheep vellum, metal and other materials to create finished book structures. Students should have a basic background in bookbinding or at least basic art-studio techniques. She is a book collector and a member of the Hand Bookbinders of California, the PCBA, Guild of Bookworkers and the American Craft Council. Thanks for your patience with this lengthy message.