Overview: Join the Oak Spring Garden Foundation for a hands-on workshop exploring the art of marbling silk scarves, inspired by the collection of marbled books and decorative endpapers housed within the Oak Spring Library.
The day will begin with a special visit to the library, where participants will examine rare books, manuscripts, and illustrations featuring intricate marbled patterns. These works not only showcase the rich history of the marbling tradition but also reflect the artistic influences that informed the landscapes and gardens of Oak Spring, including Mrs. Mellon's Formal Garden.
Drawing inspiration from these objects, artist and instructor Cidney Cher will introduce participants to the history and techniques of marbling, exploring traditions and styles that originated in cultures around the world, including Turkey, Italy, and Japan. Participants will learn how marbling evolved across centuries and how its distinctive patterns have been applied to books, paper, textiles, and decorative arts.
Each participant will leave with a unique marbled silk scarf of their own creation. All materials will be provided.
This workshop is suitable for artists of all levels, from complete beginners to experienced makers, and offers a unique opportunity to engage with the intersection of art, craft, history, and the collections of Oak Spring.
About the Instructor: Cidney Cher
Cidney Cher is an artist living and making in Richmond, VA. She holds a BFA in Artist Books and Printmaking from Longwood University.
Her studio practice of marbling silk and textiles is rooted in the history of book arts, papermaking and fiber studies. A reverence for textiles comes from the hand of her grandmother who was a farmer on the Eastern Shore of Virginia with a remarkable love for quilting and fabric.
The focus of her current research centers women in rotorcraft aviation and the spiritual history of Persian marbling and craft in Iran, where her father was from.
Outside of her art practice, she has worked at 1708 Gallery for almost 4 years, one of the oldest artist-run nonprofit galleries in the country.
Her work has been acquired by CoStar and Capital One Arts for their corporate collections.
About Oak Spring Garden Foundation: The Oak Spring Garden Foundation (OSGF) is a philanthropic foundation based at the former primary estate of the late Paul and Rachel Mellon, who were major philanthropists in the U.S. of the arts, humanities, and sciences in the second half of the twentieth century. OSGF is located in the northern Virginia Piedmont and Blue Ridge Mountains region (ca. one-hour drive from Washington, D.C.). Led by Sir Peter Crane, the Foundation’s inaugural President, OSGF provides workshops, short courses and supports residencies for artists and scholars. Its celebrated Library comprises rare books, manuscripts and works of art relating to horticulture, landscape design, botany and natural history. It is becoming a new center of stimulation of all things botanical, from fundamental research in plant evolution and conservation, to horticultural and plant conservation practice, to the history and art of plants, gardens and landscapes.
Photo Release Statement: By attending this event, you consent to your likeness and image being used for ongoing promotional and marketing efforts.
Availability: This Floral Arranging workshop will be capped at 10 participants. Registrations will be accepted on a rolling basis through Zeffy until full.