We explore ways of relaxing and drawing through playful and healing activities including blind contour, crumple paper, folded paper and culminating in a letter of release. In this workshop we approach art making from different starting points by attempting to let go of fixed ideas and enter into a process of being in the moment and visualizing what arises for you.

Materials:  4-5 pieces of paper and pencils or pens and whatever other materials you have available. Possibilities include, but are not limited to, color pencils, watercolor, collage material, scissors, glue stick, crayons or markers.

Alexandra Blum received her BFA from Cornell University in Painting and her MFA in Printmaking from Washington University in St Louis. She has had residencies at Curtiduria Print shop in Oaxaca, Mexico and the De Young Museum in San Francisco. Blum actively exhibits group and solo shows at de Young Museum, Cornell University Hartell Gallery, San Francisco Public Library, Museo de la Filatelia de Oaxaca, Ligne Roset, Front Gallery, Somarts, Paxton Gate Curiosities for Kids, The Mission Cultural Center and The San Francisco Jewish Library.

She teaches at Drew School and the students serve as a constant source of energy and inspiration. She has conducted workshops and live art demonstrations at the SFMOMA, de Young Friday Night Events, The Academy of Sciences, Asian Art Museum intern program and The Jewish Museum. She is a member of the California Printmaking Society. Connect with Ali Blum - Website | Instagram

Know Your Name is a series of events created in connection to SFPL's 16th One City One Book, Chanel Miller and her book Know My Name. Every Monday evening in March and April will explore a broad range of topics, from sexual assault, survivor resources, gender and system oppression, healing through art, feminism, activism and more.