From a press release:
“DC will host a talk and workshop investigating how local invasive species can be turned into useful materials and tools. Beginning at noon on 2/15, artist and writer Patterson Clark will make a presentation at SCRAP (3101 12th Street NE), discussing techniques he has developed and refined for creating paper, inks, brushes, and even wood printing blocks.
Following a question & answer period, we’ll help attendees get over to Bostwick House in Bladensburg, MD. Our partners from the Anacostia Watershed Society will direct us in an “invasive pull” — a volunteer event they hold semi-regularly in order to clear these harmful plants and make more room for natives. We expect to be cleaned up by 4:30pm.
At noon on Sunday, 2/16, back at SCRAP DC HQ, Artistic Director Karen Klein will lead a hands-on session, letting you get creative with materials gathered the day before! We’ll definitely try some of Patterson’s techniques for cooking up some inks, but you’ll also have the opportunity to experiment a bit and learn for yourself how these plants might be repurposed.
Admission for the SCRAP-run portions (presentation & workshop) does require a ticket, available for sale — together or separately — at this link. Working with the Anacostia Watershed Society costs nothing but has its own registration form to fill out.
SCRAP DC is on the corner of 12th and Irving Street NE. Affordable office and arts materials are waiting to be discovered during open hours Wednesday through Friday Noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.”
