About the class

In this workshop, students will be introduced to the process of making Japanese paper. Japanese paper, often incorrectly referred to as rice paper, is known for its great strength while appearing delicate and gossamer-thin. In this workshop, students will learn the basics of preparing their own fiber, hand beating, and forming sheets in the traditional nagashizuki method. Students will take home wet sheets to dry at home with instructions.

Please be aware that papermaking is a wet activity – wear clothing and shoes that can get wet. Class involves some physical activity, including standing and arm movements. All supplies are provided through the materials fee. La maestra habla español.

Note: Please bring a bag lunch on Sunday.

This workshop is organized in conjunction with Sonoma Valley Museum of Art’s exhibition, Book Becoming Art 芸術になった本,
on view January 18 – April 27, 2025. For more information, visit https://svma.org/exhibition/book-becoming-art/.

About the Instructor

Michelle Wilson

Instructor / Artist

Michelle Wilson is an artist living in Oakland CA, whose work explores hand papermaking traditions from all over the world. Her practice includes frequent collaborations with other artists; in particular the Rhinoceros Project (with Anne Beck). She has been making paper since 2002. Wilson has an MFA in Book Arts and Printmaking from the University of the Arts, and a BFA from Moore College of Art and Design. She lectures and teaches widely, including places such as Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Magnolia Editions, the San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art Print Center, the Kala Art Institute, and currently teaches papermaking, printmaking, and book arts at Stanford University.

www.michellewilsonprojects.com
Instagram: @michellewilsonprojects

Are you an SCC Member? All Memberships(Excluding the $50/year tier) receive 10% off any purchase above $40. You should have received your discount code in your membership confirmation email.

If you have any questions regarding the use of your code, you can contact Sean Baskin at sean@sonomacommunitycenter.org or call the office at (707)938-4626.

Not a member? View more information about our monthly and yearly plans here.

The Sonoma Community Center is committed to creating an accessible learning environment. If you require any special considerations(medical, physical, learning) please share them with Sean Baskin, Program Associate, by emailing him at sean@sonomacommunitycenter.org so that he can forward them to the relevant Program Director and Instructor.

Questions and Answers

What skill level is right for me?

• All Levels
• Welcomes participants from beginning through advanced. Instructor provides a balanced and flexible curriculum suitable for participants with any level of experience.
• Beginning
• Participant has little to no experience with this medium and needs or expects guidance at every step during the class. Participant wants to learn about materials, techniques, and vocabulary of the medium.
• Intermediate
• Participant is comfortable with the medium and expects both guidance and time to work alone with the medium.
• Advanced
• Participant is very confident with all aspects of the medium. Participant is self-motivated; ready to experiment and develop their artistic voice.

Is there a building map so I can find my room ahead of time?

You can click on the images below to expand them.

What is the process for cancelling my registration?

We ask that you notify us at least 10 days in advance of a class if you need to cancel your registration. You may cancel by phone or email and we will gladly offer you a refund or credit toward a future class. If you cancel with less than 10 days’ notice, we will not be able to provide refunds, due to our contractual obligations and material purchases for each class. 

Sometimes, the Sonoma Community Center has to cancel a class due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster or health emergency. If this happens and we do not offer a reschedule date, you will be refunded 100% of your registration fee, or credit towards a future class. If we are able to offer a reschedule date but you are unable to make the new date, we will gladly offer credit towards a future class.

Do you pro-rate late additions to classes?

Late additions to any program, class, or workshop that has already begun will be allowed on a per-case basis depending upon the Program Director & instructors approval. Late additions will have to pay the full registration cost of the class, along with any materials fees, and will not be prorated for the time missed. You may reach out to the program directors directly, or the Program Associate Sean Baskin at sean@sonomacommunitycenter.org to request a late addition.

I am interested in teaching, where can I find more information?

We are always looking for new instructors. You can find more information about the process here, or fill out the form directly here.

Where can I find your full class policies and guidelines?

You can view our full class policies and guidelines here.

Related Events

• 

  Lunar New Year – Free Community Celebration

  Saturday, February 15from12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
• 

  Sold Out – Abstract Pop Art Workshop

  Sunday, February 16from9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
• 

  Yang Style 24 Tai Chi

  Monday, February 17from8:00 AM – 8:45 AM

  |Recurring Event (See all)

  An event every week that begins at 8:00 AM on Monday, happening 52 times