"I believe that the arts by their very nature stimulate participation and that everyone is artistically gifted."
- Richard Aldorasi

PAPERMAKING PROGRAM:
In this program Mr. Aldorasi introduces the history and methods of papermaking with an emphasis on our environment. He covers environmental issues such as producing and recycling paper, book conservation (“The Silent Fire”), and our natural resources: trees, rivers, and animal habitats.

He demonstrates, wearing an historical colonial costume, and uses only fibers used by the early colonial papermakers such as flax (linen) and cotton. Cultivating the flax plant to be processed into linen thread, then woven into cloth; making paper from linen rags; and using ink derived from flax seed oil for the printing press are all the result of centuries of development whose end product took on the form of a book. The paper is formed out of a three-foot coopered, cedar vat with an authentic mould and deckle. An antique press, drying rack, and various hand tools are all part of his exhibit. Combined with the aesthetics of this artful, 2000 year-old craft, he tries to present a truly authentic educational experience focused on life in colonial America.

Each person gets hands-on participation as Richard takes them through the variety of steps in forming his or her own sheet of paper. Each student takes not only the unique experience, but also a piece of colonial history. Each participant receives an 8-1/2 x 12-inch deckled edge piece of flax paper with a Heart and Scroll watermark.

LETTER PRESS PRINTING:
Beginning with the inspired genius of Johann Gutenberg to the colonial press of Benjamin Franklin and on into the twenty-first century, the printing press has continued to contribute to the spread of classical and humanistic literature. Making its lasting impression using simply ink on paper, it has raised nations and established worldwide consciousness, moving mankind from one generation to another.

In this program each person becomes part of the rich history of printing. Mr. Aldorasi’s press is build from solid walnut and designed after the Franklin Lever Press in Philadelphia. Each participant experiences the authentic process of inking the plates with inking balls, setting the paper, rolling the plate under the platen and working the lever to print his or her own piece of handmade linen paper. Along with this historic presentation, Richard also covers the environmental issues of today and printing throughout the ages.

It is Mr. Aldorasi’s hope that this presentation will leave an impression as clearly on students as the type face of the printing press and the water mark of the papermaker have done since the Vulgate Bible was first printed in the fifteenth century.

PAPERMAKING & LETTER PRESS PROGRAM OPTIONS:

Papermaking - One day program in paper making
Letter Press Printing - One day program in letter press printing
Two-Day Papermaking/Printing - Participants form paper day one. The papers are then dried over night in Mr. Aldorasi’s drying system. On day two, participants learn letter press printing.

WORLD ART RESIDENCY PROJECT
The World Art Project residency program allows students to explore hands-on art techniques from around the world: Turkish and Japanese Suminagashi marbling applied to paper and silk; making linen paper with flowers, ferns, gold, silver and metallic iridescences; paste painting and momigami paper design; making Egyptian papyrus paper; bookbinding; and letter press printing. Using only 100% authentic tools and materials, students produce lots of take home art. A teacher resource packet with project specific worksheets and material lists are provided for lesson extensions.

• PASTE PAINTING & MOMIGAMI
  Learn the history and techniques of these centuries’ old decorative art forms.


• SUMINAGASHI MARBLING
  Traditional 12th century Japanese marbling


• PAPERMAKING & GOING GREEN
  Learn the history of this 2000-year-old craft of making paper, using linen and cotton rag or recycled paper.


• PAPYRUS
  Learn the history and uses of the Cyperus Papyrus plant; understand the significance of this plant as the most important writing material of the ancient world.


• LETTER PRESS PRINTING
  Learn the history and techniques of movable type.


• BOOKBINDING
  Learn non-adhesive bookbinding

We will be happy to provide you with samples and to put you in touch with Mr. Aldorasi should you wish to discuss further the World Art Residency Project.

CREATE YOUR OWN SILK SCARF BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT/PTO FUND RAISING EVENT
Via the "Silk Road" the art of marbling made its entrance into 15th century Turkey. Marbling is the art of creating floating pictures on the top of a special water bath. After selecting and applying paint from 22 different color choices, swirling patterns of color are created, using special tools known as rakes and combs. On the surface of these intricate swirling patterns, we apply the elegant method of figuring, thus producing fascinating floral effects. This centuries’ old Ottoman/ Islamic art technique has captured our hearts and minds. Each participant can print a 15 x 45 or 15 x 72 inch China silk scarf.

"Create Your Own Silk Scarf" is one of Mr. Aldorasi’s most popular events. Price is based upon number of participants and number of scarves created.

PEOPLE SAY:
"Richard has taught hand papermaking to Master of Science students in the University of Delaware/Winterthur Art Conservation Program. A goal of his teaching has been to enable the students to make a sheet of paper using the same materials, which have been used historically in the West since the 12th century. Richard’s teaching is stimulating and his kindness and wit encourages student involvement."
-John Krill, Senior Conservator,
Paper, Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library

"As an educator, I highly recommend Richard for this program. He is not an artist who is looking for a way to make extra money on the side; he is committed to education. It was a teaching situation that got him started and he has continued to make education his main purpose. He is interested in each child learning about his craft but he is also interested in giving them an appreciation for paper that will encourage them to be “kind” to paper and their environment. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions."
-Nancy Dyson, Director
Woodlyn Christian School

"From 1993 to 1999 I was the Executive Director of the Elfreth’s Alley Association in Philadelphia. Elfreth’s Alley interprets the working class trades people’s lives through the architecture and furnishings of their homes and through a variety of programs. The Alley’s most popular event is the two-day June Fete Days. This event includes house tours and demonstrations by twenty artisans. Richard Aldorasi has been one of the demonstrators for six years. His demonstration techniques are some of the best that I have ever seen. He has a special quality that engages the visitor and leads them through the process of papermaking. Both children and adults are encouraged to "make a sheet" of paper.

The public achieves a wonderful understanding of the beauty and the value of paper. This appreciation makes all of us more conscientious consumers."
-Gayle L. Petty
York County Heritage Trust

Tanya Bickley Enterprises, Inc.
P. O. Box 1656
249 Old Stamford Road (for express deliveries)
New Canaan, CT 06840
TEL: (203) 966-5216
FAX: (203) 966-6340
tbickley@optonline.net

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