Supported by the Friends of the Monmouth County Library

Presented by Teaching Artist Jenny Santa Maria

Unearth a Story: An Adult Studio Series Inspired by Prehistory

Registration is limited. Please Register for either the AM or PM session. If signed up for both and spaces fill, you will be registered for both sessions you may be asked to drop a session. 
All materials will be provided.   

Earth Palette Pastels: The Hand as Mark

The human hand may have been our first signature; pressed onto cave walls tens of thousands of years ago as a declaration: I was here. In this session, we’ll look to the origins of our creativity, and consider big questions: Why did early humans feel the need to make images at all? Working with a limited, earth-based palette, ( burnt sienna, raw umber, black, and white) participants will explore pastels as a direct and intuitive art medium. We’ll begin with the outline or imprint of our own hand and allow the composition to unfold organically from that starting point. Through layering, blending, and building atmospheric texture, simple gestures may evolve into symbols, environments, or personal narratives. This session is exploratory and grounded- returning to the first human mark as a starting point for our own work. No prerequisite skills required- all are welcome. Participants are encouraged to wear clothing appropriate for hands-on art-making.

Demonstration includes: techniques with pastels, blending, and picking up areas with wet qtips

Participants are encouraged to wear clothing appropriate for hands-on art-making.

Registration is limited. Please Register for either the AM or PM session. If signed up for both and spaces fill, you may be asked to drop a session.
All materials will be provided.   

About the presenter: Jenny Santa Maria is a multifaceted talent as a teaching artist, art coach, and exhibiting artist from Farmingdale, NJ. Her work has garnered recognition in various esteemed publications, including Jersey Shore Magazine and The Wall Street Journal. Throughout her extensive career, Jenny has touched the lives of a wide-ranging audience, both within traditional classroom settings and beyond. After a decade of teaching, she drew on her experience in special education to become an art coach, empowering individuals who struggle with perfectionism, self-doubt, and anxiety to see their creative potential. Her dedication to creative empowerment has led her to work in diverse environments, from retreat centers and libraries to art museums and galleries nationwide.