(October 4, 2017) KANSAS CITY, MO – On Saturday, Sep 23, Avila art therapy students had the opportunity to learn the art of paper making from Drew Matott and Jana Shumacher of Peace Paper Project. www.peacepaperproject.org The students worked with Matott and Shumacher at Ozanam, a psychiatric residential treatment facility for pre-adolescents and adolescents. Under the guidance of Nannie Mead, LPC, ATR-BC, instructor for Art as Therapy, 53 clients were assisted in transforming meaningful clothing into paper using a variety of artistic methods.
Matott is a master papermaker with an expertise using traditional papermaking as a form of trauma therapy, social engagement and community activism. He directs the vision and strategy of Peace Paper Project across the world.
Shumacher is a fine artist working and living in Hamburg, Germany. Her work is focused on drawing and installation art which she exhibits internationally. Her work with Peace Paper has focused on designing and facilitating Global Papermaking & Social Justice workshops in the United States.
Avila students were instructed in the processes of papermaking by Matott and Shumacher. They assisted clients throughout the day, assisting them in the process of cutting up pre-selected clothing, pulping it using a Hollander Paper Beater and creating sheets of paper using a mould and deckle. Clients were able to overlay their paper with a variety of screen prints, further gaining empowerment over the meaningful issue related to their clothing.
Avila University, a Catholic University sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, is a values-based community of learning providing liberal arts, professional, undergraduate and graduate education to prepare students for responsible, lifelong contributions to the global community. Our approach to education brings out the best in our students, so they can bring out the best in others