PaperConnection

A Gyotaku Gathering!
2023-07-23 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Hope Artiste Village, Art Annex, 999 Main Street, Unit #109, Pawtucket, RI, 02860, United States
A casual fish printing session with both real fish and plastic fish! All materials included.
10 spots available.
please call or email: eventbrite link coming soon.
paperexperts@paperconnection.com
Tel: 401.454.1436 M-TH

Fun with Suminagashi -Paper Marbling
2023-07-25 17:30 - 20:00 | Hope Artiste Village, Art Annex, 999 Main Street, Unit #109, Pawtucket, RI, 02860, United States
Beginners workshop based on the art of Suminagashi-Japanese marbling on handmade papers. Material fee included.
Must be 4 students for class to run. 12 spots.

Print Social with PVD Printmakers
2023-08-04 18:00 - 20:00 | Hope Artiste Village, Art Annex, 999 Main Street, Unit #109, Pawtucket, RI, 02860, United States
Tour and Demo
Time to gather to meet other printmakers and paper lovers!

Pulp It Spin It Weave It
2023-09-21 16:00 - 19:00 | Hope Artiste Village, Art Annex, 999 Main Street, Unit #109, Pawtucket, RI, 02860, United States
So many wonderful events going on during DESIGN WEEK RI 2023 including ours! Pulp It Spin It Weave It is free, but requires pre-registration due to limited space.

Collage Artist Book workshop with Elisa Lanzi
2023-09-23 13:00 - 16:00 | Hope Artiste Village, Art Annex, 999 Main Street, Unit #109, Pawtucket, RI, 02860, United States
Do you have a stash of paper odds and ends (e.g., handmade paper experiments, printmaking scraps, drawing fragments, etc.) that you can’t bear to part with? Join me in making a one of a kind hinged accordion book using upcycled materials. Your multi-panel book can serve as a visual journal of your art (for example, a handsome catalog) or a unique artist collaged book.
The workshop will introduce participants to a simple hinged book format – methods used include hinging, collaging, cutting, pasting, folding, and layout from remnants. Participants are encouraged (but not required) to bring their favorite paper odds and ends to use in their books. (Material fee included.)
Don’t worry, the instructor will also give away some of her own handmade paper scraps. Plus, participants will get to incorporate a variety of unique and beautiful papers from the Paper Connection collection. It’s fun to have lots of scraps to choose from and they only need to be 3 x 4 in.
No previous art or bookmaking experience is needed. This workshop will focus on simple ways to use upcycled materials making it accessible for artists and creators of all backgrounds to take what they learned and apply it at home.

Monday: One Day Weaving Adventure with Suzi Ballenger
2023-09-25 10:00 - 16:00 | Hope Artiste Village, Art Annex, 999 Main Street, Unit #109, Pawtucket, RI, 02860, United States
Workshop 10am-4pm, ART ANNEX, 999 Main St., Unit #109, Pawtucket, RI
Create your own 18” x 28” Cheerful Kitchen Towel. Using colorful cotton yarns, you will learn to weave on a 4-shaft floor loom and go home with a finished piece! No experience necessary. All supplies included!
same course repeats at the same price on October 2nd.
Instructor: Suzi Ballenger at Real Fibers.

Monday: One Day Weaving Adventure with Suzi Ballenger
2023-10-02 10:00 - 16:00 | Hope Artiste Village, Art Annex, 999 Main Street, Unit #109, Pawtucket, RI, 02860, United States
Workshop 10am-4pm, ART ANNEX, 999 Main St., Unit #109, Pawtucket, RI
Create your own 18” x 28” Cheerful Kitchen Towel. Using colorful cotton yarns, you will learn to weave on a 4-shaft floor loom and go home with a finished piece! No experience necessary. All supplies included!
Instructor: Suzi Ballenger at Real Fibers.

Fall Thursdays: Open Weaving Studio
2023-10-12 10:00 - 16:00 | Hope Artiste Village, Art Annex, 999 Main Street, Unit #109, Pawtucket, RI, 02860, United States
Workshop 10am-4pm, ART ANNEX, 999 Main St., Unit #109, Pawtucket, RI
Create your own 18” x 28” Cheerful Kitchen Towel. Using colorful cotton yarns, you will learn to weave on a 4-shaft floor loom and go home with a finished piece! No experience necessary. All supplies included!
Instructor: Suzi Ballenger at Real Fibers.

Same course repeats at same cost per day on:
October 26 , November 9 and 16, 2023 10am-4pm

Way of Washi Weekend Workshop Series
2023-10-14 12:00 - 2023-10-15 16:00 | Hope Artiste Village, Art Annex, 999 Main Street, Unit #109, Pawtucket, RI, 02860, United States
Join Ayako and Tomoko Yoshizumi flying from Japan all the way to Rhode Island for the first time to share the the wonders of washi!
WEEKEND WORKSHOP series will take place over the course of two days. One day is not a prerequisite for the other. You can take either day on its own, or both for a complete experience. 12-4pm both days.
The schedule for October 14th is:

sheet-forming with kozo fiber
uchiwa (Japanese fan) making
decorative techniques on handmade paper

The schedule for October 15th is:

sheet-forming with kozo fiber
stencil-printing with shibugami (please prepare a design idea in advance)
paper thread-how to’s

*Note that workshop details are subject to change before the event, check back for details and updates.

PAPER TIDES : North American Hand Papermakers Annual Meeting
2023-10-19 08:00 - 2023-10-21 17:00 | RI
SAVE THE DATE. North American Hand Papermakers will hold its conference in Providence, RI, October 19-21, 2023, at Rhode Island School of Design. Join papermakers, artists and craftspeople, curators, conservators, researchers, scientists, and historians at the Rhode Island School of Design. Some events at the Art Annex too! We’re very excited! For more information, visit :
https://www.northamericanhandpapermakers.org/paper-tides

2 Thursdays & 1 Saturday: Learn to Weave with Suzi Ballenger
2024-01-25 10:00 - 15:00 | Hope Artiste Village, Art Annex, 999 Main Street, Unit #109, Pawtucket, RI, 02860, United States
Join Suzi Ballenger at the ART ANNEX for a fun, hands-on weaving workshop!
(This workshop will repeat on Thursday, February 1st, and Saturday, February 3rd)
Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, this event is perfect for anyone interested in learning the art of weaving. You will be guided through the process step by step, learning the basic techniques of this unique craft. Get ready to unleash your creativity and discover the joy of weaving! Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to learn a new skill and meet fellow weaving enthusiasts.
Sign up now and let’s weave some magic together! All supplies included.
Located at the ART ANNEX at the Hope Artiste Village 999 Main Street, Studio 109 Pawtucket, RI 02860

2-Day (2 Wednesdays) Weaving Intensive: Ms and Os with Suzi Ballenger
2024-02-07 10:00 - 2024-02-14 15:00 | Hope Artiste Village, Art Annex, 999 Main Street, Unit #109, Pawtucket, RI, 02860, United States
Get ready to dive into the art of weaving as we explore the intricate techniques of Ms and Os in this hands-on weaving intensive!
This unassuming, traditional 4-shaft weave structure can be surprisingly fun and sophisticated! Explore how different yarns can create texture and pleasing color effects. Although it is most often 2 blocks on 4 shafts it can also be 3 blocks on 4 shafts. We may even discover a 4th block!
Looms will be warped and threaded with colorful cottons and ready to weave according to the draft provided. Bring a few bobbins of your favorite yarns and threads. Note: Participants must be able to read a draft and thread a loom. There will be lots of samples to inspire your creativity. All materials provided! Come learn with other weaving enthusiasts! Sign up now to reserve a spot!
Please note this is a 2-day event. 10am-3pm on Wednesday February 7th and 14th.
Located at the ART ANNEX at the Hope Artiste Village 999 Main Street, Studio 109 Pawtucket, RI 02860

4 Fridays: Contemporary Papermaking with Suzi Ballenger & The Handicraft Club
2024-02-09 10:00 - 13:00 | Hope Artiste Village, Art Annex, 999 Main Street, Unit #109, Pawtucket, RI, 02860, United States
Contemporary Papermaking explores methods for using paper as an expressive medium that enhances our visual language. We will use abaca, flax, hemp and foraged garden plants to make paper using a traditional Western Style “dip method”. You will learn how to embed, layer, color and shape this malleable material. We will study various hand manipulation and drying procedures that highlight the characteristics of different fibers. These basic techniques can be mimicked in your home studio. The class will culminate in creating small, personal books of our handmade papers.
Friday: January 19th, 25th and Feb. 2nd, 9th, 10am-1pm
$250 per person (does not include guest fees for non-members)
Art Annex, Hope Artiste Village, Studio 109
999 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI
Registration is through The Handicraft Club.
Email Rebecca: educationmanager@handicraftclub.org

Make Paper by Hand! Embedding Techniques
2024-03-02 13:00 - 16:00 | Hope Artiste Village, Art Annex, 999 Main Street, Unit #109, Pawtucket, RI, 02860, United States
This workshop is for beginners and non-beginners and we will focus on embedding inclusions and experiencing the elegant translucency of paper made by hand.
Papermaking pulp and tools wiill be provided for making 5x8in. and 8×11 in. sheets mainly. Various items to embed will also be provided, but please bring your own!
Suggestions: other decorative paper, printed matter, handwritten letters, leaves, petals, twigs, rope, string, wire, fabric on the thin side, decals, stamps, etc.
Please note:
If you desire, please bring your own favorite apron, and wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet.
Paper may not be dry by the end of class, so you can bring home in plastic bag or pick up at a later date.
Please consider joining us on March 10th when we will be sculpting with handmade paper in our workshop called : Paper & Light also on Eventbrite.
If you have any questions, please reach out to contactus@paperconnection.com or call Monday – Thursday (401)454-1436

Paper & Light: sculpting with handmade paper, found and DIY armatures
2024-03-10 13:00 - 16:00 | RI
In this workshop, you will explore will explore using handmade paper with armatures to diffuse light with instructor Lauren Pearlman Sugita.
Bring an old lampshade to recover with paper, or any 3D shape, or make your own armature with found objects, wood, twine, reed and wire.
Three basic shapes will be reviewed: hinged “window”, spherical, and upcycling of traditional wire shades or wire forms. Abstracted- free form will be encouraged!
Also please consider joining us on March 2nd, Saturday afternoon, for Make Paper by Hand! Embedding Techniques so you can potentially make your own paper in advance of this Paper & Light workshop.
Supplies provided:
handmade paper ( if you would like to purchase additional paper, please bring cash or check)
methylcellulose (adhesive)
reed
jute twine, florist wire
balloons, bowls, containers
chipboard
tools (scissors, knives, etc.)
garden wire
If you have any questions, please reach out to contactus@paperconnection.com or call Monday – Thursday (401)454-1436

VERIFIED BY PROOF-SGCI Printmaking Conference
2024-04-04 - 2024-04-06 | RI Convention Center, 1 Sabin St., Providence, RI, 02903
SGCI’s 2024 Conference: Verified by Proof is coming to Providence, right “in our backyard” So, stop by our tables at the RI Convention Center- Ballroom B/C

Vendor Fair Hours
Thursday, April 4, 9am – 6pm OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON THIS DAY
Friday, April 5, 9am – 6pm
Saturday, April 6, 9am – 5pm

And in Ballroom D/E , across the hall, for the:
Regional Printshop & Programs Fair & Open Portfolio Sessions:
Thursday, April 4, 12:45pm – 5pm OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON THIS DAY

PRINT HOP at the ART ANNEX
2024-04-05 18:30 - 20:30 | Hope Artiste Village, Art Annex, 999 Main Street, Unit #109, Pawtucket, RI, 02860, United States
We’re hosting an Open House tour at the ART ANNEX during the PRINT HOP by SGCI Printmaking Conference.
The PRINT HOP is city wide (Providence/Pawtucket). There will be a whole slew of printmakers and artists all over the area, coming from places far and wide.
If you want to participate and get to enjoy some amazing spaces around Providence, you can jump on the SGCI shuttle by registering for their events. The Art Annex is stop #5. https://www.sgcinternational.org/providence-2024-2/
or email us directly so we know you’ll be visiting that Friday evening!
For more details please email: contactus@paperconnection.com or call: tel: 401.454.1436

Botanical Paper Dyeing - EARTH DAY at the ART ANNEX
2024-04-20 13:00 - 16:00 | Hope Artiste Village, Art Annex, 999 Main Street, Unit #109, Pawtucket, RI, 02860, United States
Celebrate Earth Day with us at the ART ANNEX! Come experiment and explore the world of natural dyeing on paper with Lauren Pearlman Sugita. Discover the unique “kakishibu” dye; hand-carried by Lauren from Japan! “Kakishibu,” is a pigment dye made from fermented persimmons, known for its rich, earthy color and waterproofing properties. Lauren will demonstrate the process of hand-applying dye and show uses for other handmade dyes from avocado pits, beet juice and onion skins.
Dye, brushes and paper will be provided, but feel free to bring pieces of fabric, even paper or cloth grocery bags you would like to dye!
Must be 16 or older to sign up.

Botanical Drawing with Natural Inks - EARTH DAY at the ART ANNEX
2024-04-21 13:00 - 16:00 | Hope Artiste Village, Art Annex, 999 Main Street, Unit #109, Pawtucket, RI, 02860, United States
Celebrate Earth Day with us at the Art Annex! Join us for a fun and creative afternoon of botanical drawing using natural inks. Learn how to create beautiful artwork inspired by nature while using eco-friendly materials. No previous drawing experience required, just bring your creativity and enthusiasm!
Instructor Gwen Caponigro will cover the basics of making your own inks, with natural pigments like avocado and onion skin mixed with gum arabic, and follow up with a floral still life drawing session. You’ll learn observational drawing in pen, ink and brush, emphasizing contour and silhouette to make intricate floral images with an antique feel.
All supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own flowers to draw!

Kitchen Lithography with Valerie Syposz
2024-05-11 13:00 - 16:00 | Hope Artiste Village, Art Annex, 999 Main Street, Unit #109, Pawtucket, RI, 02860, United States
Discover the fascinating technique of kitchen lithography with artist and printmaker Valerie Syposz. Transform your drawings into beautiful, handmade prints using common materials like aluminum foil and Coca Cola!
Date: Saturday, May 11, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Art Annex @ the Hope Artiste Village, 999 Main St. Unit #109, Pawtucket, RI
No prior printmaking experience is required.
All supplies included, with paper courtesy of Paper Connection International!

Japanese Calligraphy: An Introductory Workshop for Beginners
2024-08-30 17:30 - 20:00 | Hope Artiste Village, Art Annex, 999 Main Street, Unit #109, Pawtucket, RI, 02860, United States
Come join us at The Art Annex for a hands-on experience with Japanese calligraphy! In this workshop, beginners will learn the basics of this meditative art form. Our talented instructor will guide you through the strokes and techniques to create one or two meaningful Japanese characters No prior experience is necessary – just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn!

Winter Shipping Pause
2024-12-11 08:00 - 2025-01-02 10:30 | RI
SHIPPING BREAK: DECEMBER 11, 2024-JANUARY 2, 2025. To ensure your order gets shipped out within this year , please send in your orders no later than December 8, 2024.

Papermaking Basics: Embedding Techniques SOLD OUT
2025-03-22 11:00 - 15:30 | Hope Artiste Village, Art Annex, 999 Main Street, Unit #109, Pawtucket, RI, 02860, United States
This workshop is for beginners and non-beginners and we will focus on embedding inclusions and experiencing the elegant translucency of paper made by hand.
Papermaking pulp and tools will be provided for making 5×8 in.=. and 8×11 in. sheets. Various items to embed will also be provided, but please bring your own!

Suggestions: other decorative paper, printed matter, handwritten letters, leaves, petals, twigs, rope, string, wire, fabric on the thin side, decals, stamps, etc.

Please note:

We encourage you to bring your own water and snacks. It’s likely that we will pause to have a quick bite at some point in the afternoon.
If you desire—please bring your own favorite apron, and wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet.
Paper may not be dry by the end of class, so you can bring home in plastic bag or pick up at a later date.
If you have any questions, please reach out to paperconnection1@gmail.com or call Monday – Thursday (401)454-1436.

Traditional Embroidery Sampler
2025-03-23 13:00 - 16:00 | Hope Artiste Village, Art Annex, 999 Main Street, Unit #109, Pawtucket, RI, 02860, United States
Learn the basics of embroidery with instructor Molly Smith . In this 3-hour workshop you’ll review setting up a hoop, threading needles, and some of the most commonly-used stitches. This class will include straight stitches, including the elusive French knot, before moving on to decorative and knotted stitches. Along the way, you’ll receive tips and tricks for smooth embroidery. Molly will provide some of her completed work as samples.

Participants will have access to:

A six to eight-inch hoop
An original design to be stitched
Templated fabric

UNDER 14 WITH PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN

Stretching for Artists and Crafters-March 28
2025-03-28 11:30 - 12:30 | Hope Artiste Village, Art Annex, 999 Main Street, Unit #109, Pawtucket, RI, 02860, United States
If the change in time/weather/age has you a little stiff and achy, join us in our sunny studio and stretch it out! As artisans, crafters, and people who use our hands as our primary tools, we can become accustomed to a certain kind of hurt.
Lauren is not only experienced in body work, such as yoga, pain relief, dance, she has training in teach mat pilates and dance aerobics, and she has developed her own stretching routine/methodology to get things limber.
We’re looking to be proactive for ourselves and our community. Let’s meet up, say hello, and streeeeetcchhhhh!
Wear comfortable clothing and please bring your own floor mat.
♦️Stretching for Artists and Crafters will be repeating again on Friday, March 28th , Friday, April 11th and Friday April 25th.♦️
We suggest a donation of $5-$10 to partake in the class. Walk-ins Welcome- and you pay cash at the door.

FELTED PODS: Vessels to have, hold, and carry
2025-03-30 12:00 - 15:00 | Hope Artiste Village, Art Annex, 999 Main Street, Unit #109, Pawtucket, RI, 02860, United States
3 hour, vessel-building workshop with instructor Hollis Hickerson.

Learn the basics of wet felting 3D forms and create a one of a kind soft pod perfect for small trinkets, led lights, and even plants! What’s wet felting? Wet felting is the process of turning wool fibers into felt fabric through applying friction with soap and water. This workshop will introduce two “sculpting” methods: (1) starting with a 2D template to create a 3D form, and (2) using a glass jar as the base form to build off of. Materials included!
This event is open to all ages and could be great for families! We request that anyone under the age of 14 be accompanied by an adult.

Hollis Hickerson is not only a sculptoral felt artist, but a brilliant illustrator that we’re excited to welcome back! Find them on instagram under @horned_hare_studios.

Stretching for Artists and Crafters-April 11
2025-04-11 11:30 - 12:30 | Hope Artiste Village, Art Annex, 999 Main Street, Unit #109, Pawtucket, RI, 02860, United States

Stretching for Artists and Crafters-April 25
2025-04-25 11:30 - 12:30 | Hope Artiste Village, Art Annex, 999 Main Street, Unit #109, Pawtucket, RI, 02860, United States

Art Annex Shop Friday Hours April 25th
2025-04-25 13:00 - 17:00 | Hope Artiste Village, Art Annex, 999 Main Street, Unit #109, Pawtucket, RI, 02860, United States
Our mini gift shop is open at the ART ANNEX, 999 Main St., Unit #109, Pawtucket, RI.
Next: April 25th 1:00-5:00pm
Please stop by to say “hi” and check out the gorgeous items for sale in our shop. Lauren will be in-house to help troubleshoot your paper, fiber, and book arts queries and quandaries.
Check or cash preferred. we do take credit cards, but there is a transaction fee.
Your purchases will help sustain our studio, allow us to keep building out the space and help us to bring in diverse educators and programming around the subject of book, paper and fiber arts.
Of course, donations are most appreciated!
For inquiries or to make an appointment, please call Paper Connection – M-TH 401.454.1436

MAP WORKSHOP & OPEN STUDIOS DESIGN WEEK RI
2025-09-13 10:00 - 14:00 | Hope Artiste Village, Art Annex, 999 Main Street, Unit #109, Pawtucket, RI, 02860, United States
papermaking demo DESIGNWEEKRI last year!
check out the Art Annex!
It’s free, but it would be great if you could pre-register here:

https://www.designxri.com/events-calendar/design-week-ri/design-week-calendar-2025/a-map-for-a-cat/
