Design Apprenticeship Program (DAP)
The Design Apprenticeship Program I & II (DAP) is a design-based mentorship and skills-building initiative that encourages teens and young adults to invest in the improvement of the physical and social conditions of their community.
DAP II Spring 2021 Coursework Assignments
Accordion Book
Students explored the concept of a book as a design object. Using two basic book folding methods, accordion and lotus fold accordion, students used origami elements and a bone folder and hand-cut paper to craft these delicately folded books.
Coptic Stitch
Students hand-stitched a six-signature, 48-page journal using a four-hundred-year-old binding method, using chipboard and decorative papers.
Signal Signature Pamphlet Stitch
The single signature pamphlet stitched book is the simplest iteration of a sewn book. Students explored the history of stitched and hand-bound books while practicing simple sewing patterns. The results were beautifully crafted pamphlets using watercolor paper that allowed for individualized painted covers.
Softcover Japanese Stab Binding
Students were introduced to Japanese Stab Binding, a book binding method that sews single sheets of paper together using intricate patterns. Students repurposed found materials in their home for their book covers.
Hardcover Japanese Stab Binding
Furthering their knowledge and skills in Japanese stab binding, students crafted hardcover books using the hemp leaf pattern.
DAP Instructors
DAP I: Nathan Miller is an artist, educator and musician from the South Side of Chicago. Drawing from spiritually charged experiences, his work is a wide-ranging study of the nature of time, belief and his Christian faith. Miller melds together photography, sculpture, public installation and ministry in ways that constructively collapse rigid distinctions of content and form, and he self-admittedly frames his practice as, "a sonata composing itself". Having studied photography at the University of Illinois at Chicago (BFA, 2013), The University of The Arts London (2011), and the Rhode Island School of Design (MFA, 2017), Miller's practice is rooted in the tradition of documentary image making. Miller has exhibited at galleries and museums in Chicago, New York, London, and Rhode Island, including: Schneider Gallery Chicago (IL), Chicago Art Department (IL), Washington Park Arts Incubator (IL), ClampArt (NY) and the RISD Museum (RI). Miller is an AICAD Fellowship recipient (Pratt, 2018), and lecturer of photography at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
DAP II: Sherry Diaz (she/her/hers) is an artist, designer, woodworker, educator, and a super-proud mama. Sherry studied at The Krenov School of Fine Woodworking, based in Fort Bragg California. Previous projects include the small business Elephant Playthings, an online-based store focused on the design and crafting of simple wooden toys and furniture. She strongly believes that craftspersons need to take the initiative of teaching younger generations the craft itself— as well as an appreciation for work done with one’s hands and heart.
Accepting Applications for Summer 2021 (Session runs July 6 - August 13)
Arts + Public Life Education Programs offer in-depth arts programming to Chicago South Side youth cultivating creativity, social development, and leadership, while inspiring them to find and create their places in the world. Are you, or someone you know, between the ages of 14-19 and interested in pursuing creativity, joining a community, and being paid? Arts + Public Life, in partnership with After School Matters, is accepting Summer 2021 session applications for Backstage Production Program (BSP), Community Actors Program (CAP), Design Apprenticeship Program Level 1, and Teen Arts Council (TAC). Classes consist of three group meeting hours per week, plus 4-6 hours of small group and independent work. Learn more about Arts + Public Life’s youth education programs.
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