East Tennessee State University’s Reece Museum will host a hands-on art experience Friday, Sept. 12, with its “Geometric Genesis: Inspired Mobiles” workshop.
The program takes its name from Geometric Genesis, a stained-glass installation by artist Amanda Renfrow that hangs above the museum’s entrance doors.
“When we created the name of the workshop, we wanted to reference the piece that’s permanently installed in the museum,” said Rebecca Proffitt, director of the Reece Museum.
Renfrow, who first exhibited at the museum several years ago, was commissioned to create Geometric Genesis during a recent foyer renovation.
“It was so beautiful. And she’s just fun to work with. She has great energy,” Proffitt said. “We really wanted to bring that experience of working with her to the public.”
The workshop, open to students, faculty, staff and community members, will use safe, glass-like materials designed to mimic stained glass without sharp edges.
“We developed this workshop as a way for people to approach working with glass without working with glass,” Proffitt said.
Participants can expect a relaxed, creative environment with plenty of freedom to experiment.
“There’s not focus on needing skills or doing things in a specific way,” Proffitt said. “It’s more about experiencing sitting beside somebody and working on a project in the same space.”
The museum frequently hosts community workshops, ranging from doll making to collaborative installations. Proffitt hopes this program will spark creativity and connection.
“I hope participants enjoy having an opportunity to relax and to feel the community that’s developed when you’re making things in a space with other people,” she said.
The event runs from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Reece Museum. Registration is available via the museum’s social media pages, email, phone or in person.
For more information, contact the Reece Museum at 423-439-4392 or email reecemus@etsu.edu.
