Phyllis Jarvinen of Sylva will demonstrate and teach a mini-workshop on book arts and book binding at the Art League of the Smokies meeting at 6:15 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 6, in the lobby of Swain County Center for the Arts in Bryson City.

Participants will follow the step-by-step process to make a slim hardbound book during this free program. Participants can bring old maps, pretty papers or photos to use for endsheets or covers if desired.

Jarvinen’s artistic focus is two-dimensional work and includes book arts, pinhole photographs, drawing, painting, printmaking and mixed media. She is inspired by landscape and natural, organic forms and enjoys working from the figure. She also finds inspiration by experimenting with process and materials. To view artwork by Jarvinen, go to her website at www.phyllisjarvinen.com.

Jarvinen has lived in Western North Carolina since 1978. After studying psychology at Western Carolina University, she stayed in the area. She worked at NOC for 10 years in many capacities, including whitewater raft guide and canoeing instructor. With a master’s degree in clinical psychology, she practiced as a child psychologist in her “day job” for over 15 years.  

Since deciding at age 49 to pursue her dream of becoming an artist, she earned her master of fine arts degree from WCU while continuing to work part-time as a therapist. Jarvinen has won recognition for her water studies and has exhibited throughout WNC including WCU and Swain County Center for the Arts.  She now works as an adjunct professor of art, art history and psychology at WCU and Southwestern Community College.

Call 828.488-7843 for information.