MMAC Hosts Papier-Mâché Workshop for Community Members

On Sunday, December 8, 2024, the Manzano Mountain Art Council (MMAC) hosted a lively and hands-on papier-mâché workshop led by local artist Samantha Kaye. The event drew Mountainair residents eager to explore the art of sculpting with papier-mâché. Participants got their hands messy crafting unique creations, with some choosing to sculpt peppers as their project.

Karen Smith, a MMAC volunteer, shed light on the origins of the workshop and similar events. “These classes grew out of a need for artistic after-school activities for kids during the pandemic,” she explained. Recognizing the ongoing value of community art engagement, Smith noted, MMAC extended these opportunities to adults and families. “At the end of these events, people go home with a beginner’s kit,” Smith added. “We want people to continue engaging in an artistic practice long after the program ends.”

The papier-mâché workshop is one of several educational art events MMAC organizes yearly. These initiatives are intended to foster creativity, connection, and skill-building in the local community. According to Smith, the next event is already on the horizon, with plans for a new program in February 2025.