COVID-19 update for QSDS 2020

COVID - 19 Update: As we get closer to gathering for the next QSDS, I know that many of you are wondering how the ever-evolving Covid-19 situation will affect our upcoming 31st annual Quilt & Surface Design Symposium.

We have a wonderful two weeks planned! The teachers are excited and ready to share their knowledge.

A few facts about our venue:
QSDS takes place on the campus of CCAD, the Columbus College of Art & Design.

-There are no regular summer classes in session. So, except for a skeleton staff in places like the bookstore, the dining hall and of course the campus security team, we have the campus pretty much to ourselves.

-The CCAD campus includes a health clinic. QSDS students who have needed to use this clinic in the past because of an injury or illness can report that they were treated quickly and in an efficient and caring manner.

-Each student has his or her own table (two in Independent Study), so we already have been practicing “social distancing” in the classrooms.

-The dorm rooms are set up so that each resident has a separate bedroom and a shared bathroom. There are also hotel accommodations within walking distance.

-The dining hall is very large and just like everyone else these days, the staff will continue to be very careful about cleaning and disinfecting everything. There are also other options for eating meals nearby, as well as our usual set-up with a shared fridge/freezer and microwaves on each floor of the dorm.

-Our largest gatherings are usually in the campus auditorium. That auditorium is so large that we can all very easily sit with two seats between each person and still comfortably see and hear presentations.

QSDS 2020 is seventy-two days away. We will continue to keep up with all the latest changes and news. But be assured that everyone will work together to make sure that we all have a safe, happy and enriching experience. We gather (carefully, and with washed hands and plenty of Purell!) to learn, create and share the joy that comes from art!

Teacher Spotlight: Kevin Womack

Everyone loves surface design but creating with dyes and paints at home can be challenging. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have time to focus on the messy stuff, perhaps try some new techniques and create a whole new body of work? Kevin Womack is here to help you do just that.

He will lead a dyeing & Surface Design Independent Study during the second week of QSDS. With the luxury of seven days and his expert guidance, you can explore whatever is on your bucket list: shibori, printing with thickened dyes, discharging, deconstructed screen printing, soy wax batik and more.

Kevin has mastered them all. Each day will begin with a short demo and discussion. There will be plenty of one-on-one time and individual critiques or problem solving sessions.

You will learn a lot about color theory and design as you build your knowledge, your skills and your fabric stash.

So come work in a supportive atmosphere, at a college set up for surface design, and see where you can go.  You will be ready to start on a whole new series of artworks with your fabrics.

Only have five days available? You don’t have to sign up for the whole seven days. Or if you want MORE experience and guidance from Kevin, you can also sign up for his two-day Printing Possibilities class in Session 2 and have nine days to create!!

Read more about Kevin and his classes here: http://www.qsds.com/teachers2020.html