Workshop: Fabric Collage Tote with Nia Aretakis

EAC is pleased to present the first of a series of summer Workshop Wednesday offerings on June 19: Fabric Collage on a Tote, 4-6 pm, with instructor Nia Aretakis.

Participants will learn Nia’s easy techniques for creating fabric collage on a full-size 100% canvas bag. Participants may choose between a cross-body messenger style bag with a large cover flap, or a traditional tote bag with double pockets on one side. An inspiring array of fabrics and trims, buttons and pins will be on hand for students’ designs. Nia will teach some ‘no-sew’ adhesive techniques she has developed and also some simple decorative stitches for those who’d like to embellish/reinforce their work that way.

The session is designed for students ages 12 to adult. Children 8 to 11 years old are welcome to attend with an adult helper. All materials are included, though participants are welcome to bring materials to incorporate, or their own bag to customize.

Workshop fee is $20 per student (or for younger students, per student/helper team). A sliding fee scale (pay what you can) is available by request. Space is limited and registration required. Please email workshops@eastportartscenter.org to reserve or buy your ticket below.

Aretakis has been involved at EAC for many years, as a student and a teacher. She graduates this June from the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design where she studied fashion design. Her first fashion collection was shared in April at the college’s Annual Runway Show.

This session has been supported by the Belvedere Traditional Handcrafts Fund of the Maine Community Foundation.