Program

Other workshops available: Candle Making, Hands-On Clay Projects, Painting on Textiles (cotton and silk), Paper Quilling (greeting cards and jewelry), Pottery Demonstrations and Skin Care

Gariné’s Background
BA with a major in Commercial Art from Anna Maria College
Artist and potter running a pottery studio, Kulina Folk Art (www.KulinaFolkArt.com), with partner Rick Hamelin of Pied Potter Hamelin (www.PiedPotterHamelin.com) Warren, Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Cultural Council Keepers of Tradition Award -  The keepers of tradition are artists recognized as outstanding practitioners of craft, music, dance, and sacred arts.
Developed and instituted curriculum at:
Worcester Art Museum - Youth Instructor
Fitchburg Art Museum, Fitchburg, MA - Youth Instructor
Worcester Center for Crafts, Worcester, MA - Youth Instructor
Worcester Art Museum, Worcester, MA - Assistant Supervisor
Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester, MA - Graphic Design Instructor
Summer’s World Center for the Arts, Worcester, MA - Arts Coordinator/Instructor/Arts in the Parks

Reviews: “Many thanks for sharing your soap-making skills with us in Ashburnham! I know that the young people enjoyed the creative process and that they learned more about how soap is being made, along the way. And I was lucky enough to gain a rubber duck sample, too. Thanks again, and best wishes on your future endeavors.” Corinne Smith, Library Assistant, Programs - Stevens Memorial Library, Ashburnham, MA

"Kulina Folk Art’s soap making workshop we held at the Oxford Free Public Library was fantastic! Gariné explains everything clearly during the program and made it so much fun for the attendees. She was wonderful to work with and made it easy setting up a time to hold the program. All of the patrons that attended told me how much they loved the workshop and told me they had a blast making the soaps. We will definitely have Gariné back at OXPL!" Brittany McDougal, Director at Oxford Free Public Library

“We hosted Soap Making for Teens and Soap Making for Kids at our Library. Both programs were fantastic and VERY popular. Gariné did a great job -  patrons are still talking about it days afterward! We're excited to have her back for future programs.” Sam Hoffman, Youth Library Assistant at Hubbard Memorial Library

“The Sunderland Public Library was pleased to host Garine Arakelian of Kulina Folk Art for her “Build a Better Soap” workshop in January 2018. Garine was a pleasure to work with throughout the whole process. Planning the program was easy and Garine clearly explained what the program entails and what her requirements are. She was able to tailor the program to suit the unique needs of my patrons and my library. The program was popular and had a long waiting list. Garine was punctual and completed all of the program set up herself. During the program she was warm and professional, and was able to engage patrons of all ages. All of the participants loved the program! At the end of the program everyone was happy, and I have received several requests to bring her back, which I hope to do!” Katherine Hand, Library Director at Sunderland Public Library