Artist-Led Workshop with Nickola Pottinger

Join artist Nickola Pottinger for a lively, hands-on workshop that offers participants both a hands-on introduction to paper pulp sculpting and a deeper engagement with narrative-making using personal and/or familial materials. Drawing from the techniques and approaches she uses in her own practice, and highlighted in her current exhibition fos born at The Aldrich, Nickola will guide participants in crafting their own one-of-a-kind three-dimensional paper pulp objects and sculptures. Whether you come with family, friends, or on your own, you will create a work that’s uniquely yours.

The workshop will begin with an introduction to Nickola’s practice, in which she merges traditional papermaking with found objects, weaving personal and cultural narratives into layered, tactile forms. Her work often transforms everyday and salvaged materials into objects rich with memory and meaning—inviting us to reconsider what we keep, discard, and reimagine.

Participants will then have the opportunity to create their own original paper pulp sculpture (approximately 10 x 10 x 10 inches or smaller) using all materials provided. To make the work personal, attendees are encouraged to bring a small item from home to serve as a structural support or adornment for their piece. This could be anything from a figurine, photo frame, drawing, or piece of cardboard, to an organic material, document, or other found object—provided it fits within the finished sculpture’s scale.

Because the paper works require drying time, participants will return to the Museum later in the week to pick up their completed sculpture.

Additional Details:

All materials and aprons will be provided; please dress for a wet and hands-on art-making process.

Participants are invited to join an optional guided tour of fos born led by a Museum Educator from 1:30 to 2 pm before the workshop begins.

Open to all ages; families with children are invited to register.