Paverpol Gnome Workshop coming this May
Green Acres Art Centre (GAAC) is hosting a paverpol gnome workshop on Saturday May 11 at 10 a.m.
Judi Braid of Stony Mountain is a certified paverpoling instructor and will guide participants on how to create their own Paverpol gnome. Braid is the only certified Paverpol instructor outside of Brandon.
Paverpol is an art medium originating in the Netherlands. Artists first united over sculpting natural materials for parade floats.
Paverpoling uses only naturally sourced materials such as wood, 100 per cent cotton and natural fibres.
Paverpol sculptures are able to withstand the harsh Canadian winters. Sculptures must cure indoors for three weeks, then they can survive all year-long outdoors.
Braid began paverpoling in 2019 as a hobby.
“Paverpoling acted as a saving grace through the pandemic,” she said.
Braid lost her husband in 2021 and paverpoling acted as a positive activity for her.
Now, she hosts several lessons and workshops on paverpoling.
Braid instructs paverpoling at her home in Stony Mountain. This is her first workshop outside of her in-class studio.
Braid’s favourite part about paverpoling is that it is an art everyoe can do.
“The product produced will show people that there is nothing to be afraid of.” said Braid, adding that everyone can be an artist.
The workshop is recommended for teenagers and adults. Adult supervision is required.
Braid will provide all the required materials. All supplies will be cut and prepared for participants in advanced.
Braid will guide artists step-by-step on how to create their garden gnome.
The workshop will entail the basics of paverpoling. What paverpoling is, what the materials feel like and how to apply the materials will be explained.
The workshop is expected to take four hours, but the length of the event is dependant of participants.
Participants are expected to bring their own lunch.
At the end of the workshop, participants will have their own gnome to take home. Braid will also provide artists with knowledge about paverpoling and fun memories.
“My workshops are about getting people together, having fun, and forming new friendships,” she said.
Braid hopes that participants will want to do more projects and want to continue to learn about the medium.
A paverpoling sculpture gallery, information about Braid and more details about paverpoling lessons are available at www.paverpolingwithjudi.com.
Participants must register in advanced by April 25. Registration forms are found on GAAC’s website at greenacresartcentre.ca/event and must be emailed to info@greenacresartcentre.ca.
The workshop costs $75 for GAAC members and $85 for non-members.
Individuals may become GAAC members at any time.
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