Louise Nevelson (1899 – 1988) was an American sculptor (born in Russia) known for her monumental, monochromatic, wooden wall pieces and outdoor sculptures. Nevelson built boxes and walls from dismantled furniture, ornaments, and scraps of wood that she found on the street, and often painted them in single colors to emphasize the effects of light and shadow. She was fascinated with the living quality of wood, creating dreamlike constructions that evoked dramatic cityscapes.

In this camp students learn about the life and work of Louise Nevelson and use this knowledge as inspiration to create their own dreamlike construction in wood. Students will explore carpentry (expand on this), basic design, sculpture, teamwork and delight in the process of combining created wood pieces with found objects. All materials and safety equipment will be provided. Students are welcome and encouraged to bring found objects to include in their work or share with the group.

Class Details

Date: June 27-30, 2022

Time: 9:00am – 12:30pm

(youth enrolled in both morning and afternoon sessions may bring a lunch and stay with us from 12:30-1:30pm)

Cost: $225*

Who: Youth ages 8-18 (All Genders)

*A Dapper Hammer scholarship fund is available to LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC youth. We also offer a sliding fee scale. Please contact us to inquire about our financial support options.

Adults

Please complete a waiver upon arrival on the first day and plan to return 15 mins before the end of camp each day. 

Covid Safety

Camps are held at The Dapper Hammer Workshop, which is a large, open, well ventilated space. As of May 1, 2022, The Dapper Hammer has moved to a mask optional policy. 

What To Bring:

• Upon arrival, please complete a waiver for your youth before camp begins
• Please wear closed-toed shoes
• Avoid wearing clothing with long ties (ie no hoodie strings)
• Any long hair should be tied/clipped back
• Sanitized eye and ear protection will be provided
• Please bring a water bottle and light snack

About the Instructors:

Kim Shaw (she/hers) is an educator, illustrator, and working art maker with an emphasis in painting and the practice of expressive art therapy. Kim currently teaches at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Education for the Arts, and is on the faculty at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. The focus of Kim’s work in education and therapeutic practice is to grow individual and community enrichment through creative process, active art-making, and human experience. Her goal is to encourage students to follow curiosity, cultivate emotional resilience, foster self-esteem, and nurture wonder. Kim has a great love for Lake Michigan, twinkle lights, tap dancing, nachos, and collaborative art endeavors.

Dell Darnell (they/them) is the founder of The Dapper Hammer and is a carpenter, contractor, and woodworking educator. Dell started The Dapper Hammer in 2019 to chase a dream…a dream of supporting the community with their hands, helping families in need, building beautiful things, and sharing their passion of teaching people who are not traditionally represented in the trades including women, trans, & non-binary folks. Dell loves the energy & empowerment that comes from a space designed for inclusivity & diversity. When they aren’t swinging a hammer, Dell provides facilitated trainings, keynote speeches, and customized workshops as a Certified Transgender 101 Facilitator and serves on the Board of Directors for both Equality Michigan and Radicle. Dell loves Jeeps, vintage motorcycles, campfires with friends, and being Kim Shaw’s fiancé.