Written by Gabriella Radujko, Director, Bronxville Public Library

Jan. 21, 2015:  Fiber artist Anna Upston will lead the Village of Bronxville into a new year by introducing it to the joyful art known as temari. These stunningly beautiful spheres are relatively unknown in the U. S., although they have a rich history reaching back for centuries in Japan. It is common for a Japanese mother to present temari to her children at the start of the new year to represent joy.

Constructed of yarn, thread, and recycled materials, the orbs are measured with folded paper, marked, and embroidered with cotton thread into jewel-like works of art with a myriad of dynamic, eye-catching patterns.

This ten-week workshop, funded by a Creative Aging Grant and the Friends of the Bronxville Public Library, will take place on Fridays between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm, beginning on Friday, January 23, and ending on Friday, March 27, 2015.

In class, participants will learn to create and embroider two to three temari each. A wide variety of techniques, from simple wraps to complex florals, ensures that students can work at a comfortable level whether beginner or advanced. Great attention is paid to color selection as a mode of expression, memory, and personality.

The temari will be photographed as they are created and the finished pieces exhibited in the "Little Gallery" at the Bronxville Public Library on April 16, 2015.

These workshops have been especially designed by the teaching artist for adults age 50+ who are prepared to make a commitment to participate in each class and the culminating event, an artists reception on April 16, 2015. Class size is limited.

Interested older adults must complete and sign a participation registration form. Please contact Joann Meehan at 914-337-7680, ext. 31, to request a registration form. Prospective participants will be contacted once a class is formed.

Pictured here: A temari ball.

Photo courtesy Gabriella Radujko, Director, Bronxville Public Library