Photography is inherently well-suited to the art of collage. As a paper-based media, photographs lend themselves to be being cut and combined with other components. And in this digital age, it can be refreshing to get your hands into the process, connecting pieces together to form a new whole.

The Monday evening session is an introduction to the course, including a slide lecture offering numerous examples of photo collage from Victorian albums to Surrealist montages to contemporary art and more. We will also discuss supplies and photographic output, and how to create meaning using symbolic language.

The all-day Saturday session is a hands-on workshop with demonstrations and plenty of time to make art using a wide range of materials, most of which will be provided by the instructor. Participants will get practical advice about substrates and adhesives, how to work with photographic transparencies, and tips for framing collages. Creative exercises and prompts will be used to enhance the sense of playful exploration.

This collage workshop is ideal for anyone who wishes to use photo collage as a tool for self-expression. Beginners and experienced artists alike are welcome. You don’t need to be a photographer—you can use found photography and some photographic imagery will be provided. The only requirement is a willingness to play and explore.

Mary Daniel Hobson is a mixed media photographer who has been exploring photo collage for over 20 years. Trained as an art historian, she was inspired by her graduate studies of surrealism to combine photography with other media.