Mixed Media Artist Books
In partnership with Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office (MCSO), the Bechtler offered residents at Detention Center Central the opportunity to participate in week-long virtual book-making residencies during the fall of 2020. Art kits with materials and lesson plans were delivered to the facility prior to instruction and Bechtler staff virtually led each residency with the aid of onsite Detention Center Central staff. Students explored the portfolio, 1 Cent Life, conceptualized by Chinese-American artist and poet, Walasse Ting, and learned about the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. 1 Cent Life contains sixty-two original lithographs by twenty-eight artists in addition to sixty-one poems written by Ting. Students drew upon the varied artistic styles represented in the portfolio to inspire their own artist books, using mixed media, illustration, abstraction, and free verse poetry techniques. Taking the theme of “Past, Present, and Future”, each participant created an artist book and portfolio envelope with unique imagery and poetry. During class, students were able to express themselves and reported feeling less stress and tension, contributing to an overall improvement in the facility atmosphere affecting staff and residents.
To view each artist book, click the image and enjoy.
