The Silk & Shades project took place at the Chattanooga Downtown Library from January to October 2019. This partnership between the library and Silk Artist Claire Vassort was made possible by the Lyndhurst Foundation. It led to an installation that involved the community through a series of eight silk painting workshops in the Maker Space of the Chattanooga Library. Over 100 students (ages 7 and up) participated and painted a total of 44 large banners and nearly 100 practice pieces. All of these paintings along with Claire Vassort's work will be displayed on the first floor of the library for a minimum of two years.
The theme of flying birds and leaves was imposed during the three-hour workshops. Students learned the basics of silk painting and formed teams to come up with a plan for a large banner. Collaboration was a central aspect of the classes. The various and unique interpretations of the theme reflect the diversity, power of creativity and collaboration within our community.
