In this 4 day summer camp (9am – 12:30pm) 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 tools & carpentry, 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.

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.

Class Details
Date: June 21-24, 2021
Time: 9am-12:30pm
(youth enrolled in the afternoon session may stay and hang out with us from 12:30-1:30pm)
Cost: $165*
Who: Youth ages 8-18 (All Genders)

*A Dapper Hammer scholarship fund is available to young women, LGBTQIA+ youth, & Black, Indigenous, and People of Color for Dapper Hammer classes, lessons, and workshops. Please contact us to request scholarship funds.

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

Safety
Camps are held at The Dapper Hammer Workshop, which is a large, open, well ventilated space. All adults and youth are asked to wear a mask at all times. 

Additional notes:

• 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

About the Instructors:

Kim Shaw (she/hers) is an art educator, illustrator and working art maker with an emphasis in painting and the practice of expressive art therapy. Kim is on the visual arts faculty at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp and is the former Arts Director of the Kazoo School in Kalamazoo. She stepped away from the school in response to Covid 2020 in order to create her own virtual and Covid-safe outdoor art programming to better support individuals of all ages in deepening their connection to the art world. 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 people. Dell loves the energy & empowerment that comes from a space designed for inclusivity & diversity – especially when it’s about a niche that has historically been exclusive to so many of us. Dell loves Jeeps, vintage motorcycles, campfires with friends, and being Kim Shaw’s fiancé.