TEACHING ARTIST SESSION

Junk Journaling from Scratch: Mixed Media Storytelling (9-12)

In this workshop, students will design and construct their own handmade journals using recycled and found materials, then bring those pages to life with collage, writing, drawing, and mixed media techniques. Through a mixture of guided prompts and creative freedom, students will explore personal expression and visual storytelling in a low-pressure, highly tactile format. Students will learn simple book binding techniques, explore artistic journaling as a tool for self-reflection, and discover methods for collaging and repurposing recycled materials.

Short-Term Residency Option:

Day one: The teaching artist will discuss what a junk journal is, show examples, and create the cover/main structure for their journals.

Day two: The teaching artist will begin with a brief demo showing students some ideas for pages and techniques for creating things like pockets. Students will be given a number of prompts to use as jumping off points for their pages.

Day three: Students will warm up by creating a new spread focusing on slightly deeper prompts such as “what my room says about me” or “things I want to remember,” followed by time for reflection and group discussion.

Brianna Autin

Brianna is a multi-media artist with a BFA in New Media and Digital Art from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and an MFA in Integrated Media Arts from the University of Colorado at Boulder, is originally from Houma, Louisiana. After 5 years in Denver, Brianna is now based in Lafayette. In her art practice, she often focuses on self-investigation and personal experiences. Much of Brianna’s work is deeply personal, but she feels it is important to share because radical vulnerability of one allows others to feel seen and maybe even safe enough to be vulnerable themselves. Although Brianna deeply believes art is a place to play and explore, she also feels that art is an invaluable tool for discussing more serious and difficult topics. In addition to her art practice, Brianna works as a college-level art educator who teaches fine art, digital art, video art, and photography.