Oct. 15-18: WSU Tri-Cities welcomes papermaker for workshops to help veterans, others cope with trauma

By Maegan Murray, WSU Tri-Cities

RICHLAND, Wash. – A master papermaker will join the Washington State University Tri-Cities community Oct. 15-18 to offer workshops and a public lecture in the therapeutic art of hand papermaking as part of what is known as the “Peace Paper Project.”

Individuals participate in a papermaking project during a Peace Paper Project event.

The Peace Paper Project is an international organization of hand papermakers, art therapists, social activists and fine artists. The organization uses hand papermaking across the globe to improve the lives of survivors of trauma and loss through the traditional practice of hand papermaking.

Master papermaker Drew Matott will hold a public lecture from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 16, in the Floyd Atrium on the art of hand papermaking and the goals of his Peace Paper Project. There is no cost to attend.

Matott will also lead several free workshops and sessions with the following student and campus groups during the week:

• Veteran students will recycle their old uniforms into paper from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 15 in the Student Union Building
• Members of the Dreamers and MEChA clubs will recycle migrant farming clothing and other fabric-based items into paper from 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 15, in the Student Union Building
• International students and their cultural learning partners will make paper together on Tuesday, Oct. 16, from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
• The community is invited to bring their own fabric to make paper from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 16-18, in the Student Union Building
• Matott will also work with a variety of classes and other student groups at various times throughout the four days as a means to show how the traditional art of hand papermaking is accomplished and is used as a therapeutic practice
  

  The Peace Paper Project often works with military veterans to hand-make paper out of old uniforms as a therapeutic process.

“We are very excited to have the Peace Paper Project on campus,, especially as it provides a creative avenue for our students to learn resiliency as they cope with change,” said Jana Kay Lunstad, director of enrollment and campus registrar. “Art has the power to heal. Our hope is that our students will connect with a practice that allows them to share their stories with their families, friends and other individuals dealing with difficult loss and trauma.”

Since 2011, the Peace Paper Project has set up more than 40 collaborating studios worldwide and has made paper with more than 30,000 survivors.

For more information on the Peace Paper Project, visit www.peacepaperproject.org.