Paper Cutting Silhouettes with Beatrice

Paper Cutting Silhouettes in Manhattan, New York, United States with Beatrice

Starting at $1350/person for 6 hours over 1 day

Learn to tell stories with blade and paper, by cutting away the parts that don’t belong. Explore the language of silhouette and the fascinating tension it creates between the simple and complex with master artist Beatrice in her Manhattan studio.

Meet the Artist

Visual artist and illustrator Beatrice has been collecting and telling stories for the past thirty years. Her signature silhouette designs are displayed at major art institutions including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Walker Art Center, and her public art has transformed subways, schools, and airports. Her work embodies her way of life – imaginative, fluid, and unconventional. She left her native France early on to pursue a series of odd jobs all over the world, from Egypt and Mexico to China and the United States. She has called Manhattan home since 1985, when she reinvented herself as an artist after having been, among other things, a shepherdess, truck driver, factory worker, and tour guide.

Beatrice’s life has been one of transformation – a series of curious adventures and experiences that have fueled and informed her approach to her art. She speaks many languages but is most captivated by the language of silhouette and “getting to the essential of things.” She loves to experiment with creating empty and full shapes that cast shadows, moving between two- and three-dimensional space to create immersive worlds. In addition to paper and Tyvek, she also creates works in stone, metal, rubber, stained glass, and digital media. A prolific artist, Beatrice is in constant pursuit of her creative instincts: “If you have an idea, don’t think twice – just do it.” Her fearlessness is her charm; it’s infectious.

Your VAWAA experience

  • Brainstorming concepts for your own original story.
  • Sketching and preparing the essential visual parts of your story.
  • Learning the fundamentals of paper-cutting.
  • Beginning the process of cutting out the composition to create an artist book, wearable, or papercut hanging.
  • Packing your papercut creation safely for transportation home.
  • Walk for inspiration in Central Park

What's Included

  • Your VAWAA experience.
  • Materials and tools.
  • Your own handcrafted work to take home.
  • Snacks, Coffee, & Tea

You'll be in Manhattan, New York

New York City needs no introduction. There are endless museums and galleries to explore in the cultural capital of the world. The creative and curious are drawn to the city for its unique energy, resilience, and unparalleled diversity. And with Beatrice’s studio just steps away from Central Park, you can go for a wander and let nature’s colors, forms, and patterns plant new ideas in your head.

Additional Details

Beatrice speaks French, Spanish and some Mandarin. Her studio is wheelchair accessible, but is not suitable for young children.

Things you might be wondering

What is the skill-level required?

Each VAWAA is tailored to your skill level. There is no required experience level, only a willingness to learn. Wonderful for beginners, incredible for experts. You’ll go through the entire process of an art form at your own pace, have exclusive access to the artist and their studio, and connect meaningfully.

Will I be solo or in a group?

Each VAWAA is private and designed for you and your friends. No strangers. Why? Because it allows for a deeper and more meaningful connection with the master artist while maximizing your learning that’s tailored to you. Most VAWAAs allow up to 4 guests for each studio session so as to respect the master’s space and preserve the intimate nature of the learning experience. We do organize intimate group retreats from time to time.

What does the price include?

VAWAAs are priced fairly to support professional artists and makers while providing access to high quality and personalized creative experiences to everyone. Artists decide their own fees for hosting, teaching, materials, tools and studio access. And we support them by managing all their bookings and providing every guest a personal VAWAA experience coordinator to help with planning.

What if I need to cancel?

For a full refund, cancel within 7 days of purchase. To receive a 50% refund or 75% credit towards a future VAWAA, cancel at least 30 days before the start of your VAWAA. You can reschedule at least 30 days before the start of your VAWAA for a $100 rescheduling fee. More on COVID-19 related cancellation policy here.

I'm ready. What should I expect?

Select available dates listed on the artist’s calendar page and start reservation. You won’t be charged yet and have the option to reserve dates with a $300 deposit per guest. If you don’t see the dates you’re looking for, email us or let us know via contact form and we’ll see what’s possible. If you're not ready to book quite yet, you can “save” the VAWAA artist to receive periodic updates. Once you book, you get a direct line to us for everything you need help with. We assist with travel planning, accommodation, possible project ideas, and even local things to do in your off-time.

Message Us
Request to book
Learn from the best, just you and your guests. For other dates, contact us via email or contact form and we’ll see what’s possible.
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