Back by popular demand, we're hosting another papercutting workshop with Iso Setel for a special Shavuot edition!

This creative workshop that will delve into the Jewish folk art tradition of papercutting. With artist and researcher Iso E. Setel, participants will learn about the significance of this delicate art form, from its religious uses in homes and synagogues, its ties to Shavuot, as well as its presence in numerous contemporary artists who are redefining the medium.

The relationship between papercutting and Shavuot is one that runs centuries long. It was common to beautify the interior of one's home with papercuttings. Known in Yiddish as shevuoslakh (meaning "little Shavuots") or royzalakh ("rose," or "rosette"), this delicate art form was also accessible and sustainable.

All participants will be invited to create papercut or royzalakh of their own, either from a template provided, or from their own imagination. By the end of the workshop, everyone will be able to take home a finished or in-progress papercut to bring home.

Tickets are $17 for general admission and $12 for students, plus applicable taxes. All materials will be provided by the Concordia University Centre for Creative Reuse (CUCCR) and Au Papier Japonais. Complimentary snacks and beverages will be available. Early registration is encouraged as capacity for this workshop is limited.

About Iso:

Iso E. Setel is a filmmaker and interdisciplinary artist based in Montreal / Tiohtiá:ke since 2017. Utilizing moving images, text, and textiles, their work addresses questions of visibility, sense and memory in documentary film and installation. Their work has been exhibited in the U.S. and Canada, most recently as part of IGNITION '16 at the Leonard & Bina Ellen Gallery in 2020. Originally from Buffalo, New York, Iso received a BA in Political Studies and Electronic Media Arts from Simon’s Rock in 2017, and an MFA in Film Production from Concordia University in 2021.

Please note that at the moment, the upper levels of our building are unfortunately inaccessible to visitors with limited mobility. This workshop will take place on the ground level.