The Gallery:
Paper Arts
UNTITLED, Ada Sapir
A note from the artist: This piece I made after October 7th. After seeing the strength of our people in Israel.
About the artist: Ada Sapir lived in Israel for many years, grew up in a kibbutz, served in the IDF. Since 20 years ago, she has made Quilling, which is the art of manipulate strips of paper to create a 3D picture.
THE FOX AND AKIVA, Ann Diament Koffsky
A note from the artist: The Fox and Akiva artworks are inspired by the Talmudic parable of Rabbi Akiva and the Fox.
When the temple was besieged, Rabbi Akiva saw a fox run through the wreckage and remembered the prophecy that the temple would be destroyed and overrun by foxes, but also that it would be rebuilt. In these two works, I’ve reimagined the relationship of Rabbi Akiva and the fox as one of a friendship. The images visually suggest that, rather than an omen of destruction, the fox is a friend, and is there to comfort Rabbi Akiva.
I created these pieces of comfort and solace in response to both a personal loss, and the communal loss that our community is facing with the rise of antisemitism. It is meant to be aspirational. To celebrate the ability to be able to rise above destruction and find solace and hope through community and friendship.
About the artist: Ann Diament Koffsky is the award willing author of more than fifty books for kids including PING PONG SHABBAT (Little Bee Books) and the KAYLA AND KUGEL series. (Apples and Honey Press.) Her book, DIFFERENT KINDS OF MINDS (Philomel) was in collaboration with Temple Grandin. Several of her books have been PJ library selections, and her book Noah’s Swimathon received a Sydney Taylor notable designation from the Association of Jewish Libraries. Ann also creates free Jewish coloring pages for families and educators via her Substack, Coloring Jewish.
She lives on Long Island, NY with her family.
RENEWAL OF SPIRIT, Evelyn Goldman
A note from the artist: The night sky becomes fluid — breath rising and falling, coiling and releasing. Stars of David drift like buoys across the currents, steady against the tide. In the quiet, renewal. (Papercutting on 176gsm cardstock)
About the artist: Evelyn Goldman (she/her) is the artist and founder of Romance and Mishegoss (http://romanceandmishegoss.com), a studio specializing in Jewish papercuttings that celebrate joy, tradition, and storytelling. Drawing on her cultural heritage and background as a writer, Evelyn creates pieces that blend modern design with timeless narratives. Committed to quality and sustainability, she uses eco-friendly materials to craft lasting, meaningful art. Based in North Carolina, Evelyn lives with her husband, three daughters, and two energetic Doodles of Mayhem™.
GREETING CARDS, Amy Muscoplat
A note from the artist: I make handmade greeting cards. These are mixed media handmade greeting cards that reflect a different theme or idea that seemed prescient to me for each of the 18 months since the war began on October 7th, 2023. There's a sentence underneath each of the cards with its message...which were more like messages to myself. This is just a sampling of the collection. You can download and view a full PDF here.
About the artist: Amy Muscoplat works to create materials that help people raise their joy quotient via wellness programming, crafting programming, DIY gatherings and celebrations. This includes creating kits, tutorials, and consulting with individuals and groups seeking interactive programming and events involving narrative journaling, crafting, creative writing, and/or connecting and creating with others. Amy's background is as a workshop presenter, crafter, children’s librarian, storyteller, informal educator, as well as a public services librarian and “writing for wellness” instructor. Additionally, Ms. Muscoplat holds an MFA in Creative Writing and an MLIS (Master of Library and Information Science) and a professional certification in the Science of Happiness at Work. Ms. Muscoplat can be found journaling, handmade cardmaking and creating wherever she is. She recently completed writing a book entitled, Choosing Joy When It’s Not Your Default, in addition to making valiant attempts to try and improve her bridge game. Her website: https://joyfestivalindustries.com
