American Antiquarian Society
185 Salisbury Street
Worcester, MA 01609
United States
This program is intended for a general audience. Participants will be provided with a materials list prior to the workshop in case they choose to follow along. Digitized versions of collection material examined during the workshop and other resources will also be shared at the time of the program. Opportunities for direct interaction between presenters and participants will occur throughout the program.
Marbling is everywhere—from book covers and end papers to tiles and wallpaper to neckties and phone covers. Its history speaks to a marriage of art and practicality, as its infinite variations make functional objects unique and beautiful. This workshop will explore both the history of the art of paper marbling and a modern-day version for DIY crafters. AAS curators will share a variety of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century examples from the Society’s collections, and artist and illustrator Melanie Cataldo will demonstrate how you can make your own paper marbling at home. Check out our #MarbledMonday posts on Instagram and Facebook to start getting inspired!
Melanie Cataldo is an artist living in Worcester, Massachusetts. She enjoys using pencil, oil, acrylic, and digital paint to build her illustrations. Melanie has illustrated picture books for Learning A-Z, Candlewick Press, and Flyaway Books. She has designed illustrations for packaging, clothing, signage, and educational materials. She is currently working on a picture book with Flyaway Books called Hiding Baby Moses, to be released on April 27, 2021. Melanie has a BFA in illustration from Syracuse University and an MFA in design from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth. She spent time as a dog walker, typesetter, and high school art teacher before working as an illustrator. She continues to teach as a visiting lecturer in the College of Arts and Humanities at Framingham State University. Learn more about Melanie’s work at melcataldo.com or follow her on Instagram (@melcataldo_things).