Making Magic: Besom Style Broom Making with Jada Patterson

Service Description

Brooms have been used for centuries to tend to the spaces we occupy. Only in the last few decades have they begun to be redefined as both useful and artful objects of ritual. In this class we will first create a hand whisk broom to get comfortable with the broom making techniques then we will create a besom style broom, also known as a witches broom, that’ll beg to be shown off, possibly in your Halloween costume. We will explore traditional ways of working while incorporating some elements of play. Be prepared to usemoderate hand and body strength in this class. Jada Patterson is a multidisciplinary artist, craftsperson and educator born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Their work spans across sculpture, broom making, basketry and weaving. The intersections of identity, material culture and personal histories are the basis of Jada’s work, with a deep interest in Black traditions of hair and body adornment as well as objects used in ritual to tend to place and imbue power in the everyday. Jada began their studies at the Kansas City Art Institute where they received their Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramics and Art History and continues their education as a fellow, mentor, resident and instructor at art and craft schools across the country. Jada is currently based out of the Southeast, USA