Due to the March for Israel in Washington D.C., this event will be postponed. New date TBD
Explore felting techniques and expand your knowledge of what you can make with just wool and warm, soapy water. Harness your imagination and create a felted work of art that reflects gratitude, a value central to Jewish tradition and to this time of year. This hands-on workshop will get you into the spirit of Thanksgiving and explore the ethical teachings which can provide a language for how we give thanks.
Christen Hazel discovered the arts of bookmaking and felting over 20 years ago and has taught classes for students of all ages and adult workshops for over 10 years. With a Master of Art Education, a Bachelor of Art History, and a minor in Ceramics, she brings extensive knowledge of the art and craft of bookmaking with a focus on the creative process. When she’s not fundraising for The Vilna, she is always collecting fancy papers, ribbons, postcards, envelopes and myriad found objects to incorporate into her bookmaking. In the fall and winter, she felts. She enjoys taking long walks down the Charles River and perfecting her family’s challah recipe. She lives in Cambridge, MA with her husband, amazing son, 140-pound Newfoundland dog, and a cat named Claude.
Elyse Winick joined the Vilna team after nearly 30 years of work in experiential learning. Most recently, she served as the Director of Learning and Education at Combined Jewish Philanthropies in Boston. She has also been the Jewish Chaplain at Brandeis University, the Director of KOACH/College Outreach and a freelance educator with M2 : The Institute for Experiential Jewish Education. A graduate of Brandeis, Elyse was ordained by The Jewish Theological Seminary. With an eye towards creating meaningful and accessible Jewish experiences for adults of all ages, Elyse also has a background in intergroup relations, text-based learning, community building and mentoring.