Workshop: Earth Totem with Becky Grismer (RE:Create)

Found Object Earth Totems

Kick-off the RE:Create space with Spearfish sculptor, Becky Grismer. This is a FREE event presented by ArtCentral Spearfish. All materials are included. Recommended for ages 15 and up. Younger children may attend but must be accompanied by an adult.

Details about this workshop
Make your own miniature found object sculpture in the style of Becky Grismer’s Earth Totems. Using found objects with interesting shapes, both naturalistic and man-made, Becky will guide you through the process of making your own sculpture using found objects and reclaimed materials, while discussing the symbolism and significance of the totem.

A totem is usually a natural object, animal or spirit believed by a particular society to have spiritual significance and is adopted by that group as an emblem. Totems and totem poles function in cultures worldwide as a method of storytelling, a representation of family or clan, and spiritual practice.

Becky’s Earth Totems pay homage to the idea that all things in nature–objects, plants, rocks, and creatures–all possess a sacred, animated or spiritual essence. Using both man-made and natural objects from the earth, they are meant to celebrate elements of the natural world around us. The significance of re-using, reclaiming, and recycling objects that have been discarded into the totem serves as a way to elevate something viewed as “junk” into something beautiful that can be celebrated. The man-made components also serve as a reminder of what we discard and how it affects our natural resources.

The workshop takes place in the ArtCentral RE:create makerspace in The Matthews’ art gallery.

Sign-up is preferred

Even though the workshop is free, sign-up would be preferred in order for the instructor to be prepared with the correct amount of materials and supplies. Either call the art gallery at 605.642.7973 ext.0 — OR email [email protected] to add your name to the class list. If emailing, be sure to provide a phone number. 

About Becky Grismer

Becky Grismer (b. 1978 Aberdeen, S.D. USA) was born and raised in eastern South Dakota. She received her B.A. in Fine Art from Northern State University, Aberdeen, SD, in 2002. She lived and worked in St. Paul, MN for several years before returning to South Dakota. Becky has exhibited her work in both solo and group shows. Her work has been included in public collections and can be found in private collections throughout the world. She currently resides in Spearfish, SD, working as a sculptor.

Visit Becky’s Website