Workshops
A Library of Trees, A Landscape of Words: Co-Create the Visual World of Otherland
Join Benny Ferdman and Ava Berkson to co-create the visual art elements of the Otherland Project: a journey of art and performance, surprise and wonder in the wild places of Klezkanada. In this 4 session workshop, we will create art that explores our multiple identities and connection to the natural world. Inspired by Yiddish poetry and text, as well as our personal stories, we will use both traditional art materials, and experimental and found objects to create collaborative works of art culminating in site-specific, interactive installations along the trails of Klezkanada. (See detailed description about Otherland) No art experience necessary, just a love of making stuff!
Benny Ferdman will lead an AM2 workshop. Ava Berkson will be holding the art space open for creation during other periods of the day.
A Gants Fayn Mazltov: An Introduction to the Art of Badkhones
Join Michael Alpert for an introduction to the art of badkhones: the traditional, formulaic Yiddish melodic and textual freestyling for ritual and community occasions. We'll learn a classic example from the 1930s Soviet Union and create our own for this year's OTHERLAND project. Some knowledge of Yiddish is helpful but not essential.
Noah's Floating Shtetl: An Arts Workshop
How can we reshape the story of Noah’s Ark for our present era? How can we use art to envision a more livable future? Together, we will borrow artistic techniques from Surrealist art and Magical Realist literature to tap into Jewish mythology, ritual, and architecture as the basis for participatory storytelling and political critique. We will concoct new stories and depict them as a Judeo-futurist sculpture upon a floating shtetl in the lake. This class is open to everyone, with or without experience making art. We will use readily available (cardboard) and recycled materials (more cardboard) to make 3D artworks. So if you like dreaming, drawing, cutting, gluing, or hanging out at the lake, come join us! This workshop with Daniel Toretsky will build on a the Otherland theme of "An Ocean of Rooftops."
Camp VildeKraft
Welcome to Camp Vildekraft, an interdisciplinary, intergenerational program run by the folks from Camp Wildcraft Art and Nature Camp. Artist/educators Benny Ferdman and Shari Davis will adapt their beloved, Los Angeles-based summer day camp into an exuberant, Yiddish-infused art and nature VildeKraft. Morning AM session will begin with an opening camp circle and lead into art-making, nature hikes on the 
trails around the camp. During AM2 kids immerse themselves in mixed-media art making, (designed for different ages), and participate in the creation of Otherland: a collaborative series of installations that will arise in the wild places–along the shore, on the trails and under the trees. In the afternoon, kids choose from an array of activities, sing, dance and hear stories from our amazing faculty, and cap the day with swimming and playing by the lake. Camp Vildekraft artwork by Benny Ferdman.
Older Campers and Teens: There are many paths for older kids and teens to be part of the Camp Vildkraft experience.
Come join the visual and musical world of Otherland – Campers and teens age 10 and up can choose, during AM2, to join visual artist Benny Ferdman and singer/musician/composer Michael Alpert and help create the imaginative world of Otherland. Using traditional art materials, found objects and stuff from nature, we will create art installations inspired by Yiddish sources and our connection to the natural world. Bring your instruments and voices and let’s collaborate!
Camp Vildkraft Guides: Middle School and High School kids are invited to join this teen leadership program to help guide our younger Videkraft Campers. We’ll identify your unique skills and interests and give you opportunities to design and lead camp activities in the arts, nature exploration, music, games and more!
More Otherland workshops will be added as the project evolves.