A Folksy Kind of Art

The idea of making art from “found objects” such as bits of metal, stone, wood or glass is not unusual, any kid knows that. This Sunday, the whole family, artistically trained or not, will be able to get hands dirty with this kind of activity when the Skirball Cultural Center presents a workshop led by artist Therman Statom.

But on this occasion, painting will also be included and, according to Shari Davis, Skirball’s education director, “families can paint one another.”

Don’t be alarmed by this idea. None of that messy, childish face-painting stuff here. What Davis is really talking about, she explains, is that “a family member can be the subject of a multimedia portrait made by another member of the family--or even do a self-portrait.”

Even though workshop participants will be provided with supplies for the project--there’s a $5 materials charge per participant--Davis is encouraging folks to bring along some old collectibles to embellish or incorporate into a new art piece. (Maybe this is a use for that box of odd hinges in the garage.)

What happens at these sessions is that Statom begins with a demonstration on how small groups can collaborate on a painting project. Then he divides folks into family groups. Their goal is then to make something measuring 16 inches by 16 inches by 3 inches--a sort of 3-D work--in a matter of about 30 minutes.

After that, participants do an individual project, Davis says, “painting each other, a self-portrait, something of your choice or painting blindfolded.” Yes, she said blindfolded.

All of this sounds like a fun way for a family to participate in a parlor-game version of the well-known psychologist’s shtick, the Rorschach test, creating the mysterious flash-card images involved rather than telling stories about them.

On Wednesday and Thursday next week, Statom will conduct a special program for kids from 7 to 14 at the Skirball. As an artist, he’s best known for his large works involving glass. Midday on Wednesday, and repeating Aug. 14, kids can learn some of his secrets.

Working with glass, “the edges of which have been finished so there are no sharp pieces,” Davis assures parents that “kids can paint glass houses.” Yes, glass houses, little ones, some of which may be selected for display at the Skirball in September, as part of an installation Statom is planning on the theme, “To Dwell in a Glass House.”

BE THERE

“Family Multimedia Art Workshop” with artist Therman Statom. Sunday, 2-4 p.m., Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. Participants pay $5 for materials plus museum admission, which is $7 general, $5 students and seniors, children under 12 free. Advance registration recommended. (310) 440-4647.

“Building Glass Houses With Therman Statom,” Wednesday, repeating Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Skirball Cultural Center. For children 7-14, $8 materials fee plus paid admission to museum. Limited to 30 participants each day. Registration required. (310) 440-4647.