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Mapping Our Stories: Mixed-media Workshop with Julie Klear Essakalli
Multimedia workshop inspired by the work of Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson
Artist Inspiration
Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson was a multidisciplinary artist whose work explored memory, family,
community, place, and personal history. She transformed everyday materials—including fabric,
paper, found objects, and natural materials—into richly layered visual narratives. Her work invites
us to consider how the places we inhabit become part of who we are.
Workshop Description
What places have shaped your story?
In this mixed-media workshop, we will create a personal map of memory and belonging inspired
by Robinson’s approach to storytelling through place and material. Rather than creating a literal
geographic map, we will explore the people, places, journeys, objects, and memories that have
helped shape their lives.
Beginning with a simple map-like structure, we will layer drawing, collage, handwritten words,
fabric, thread, and found materials to create a visual landscape of our own experiences.
The finished artwork becomes part map, part memory, and part personal archive.
Registration pricing below. The Patron Ticket best honors artist and her time instructing; also offering — in shorter supply — Equity Tickets for more accessible registration options.
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Patron Ticket: $15
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Equity Ticket: $7.50
Julie Klear Essakalli is a passionate advocate for children, specializing in early childhood arts education, entrepreneurship, and children’s book writing and illustration. She is the co-founder of Zid Zid, a play-based enrichment platform active in U.S. preschools, and formerly led the acclaimed children’s brand Zid Zid Kids. An award-winning illustrator and author, her titles include The Butter Man, The Animal Spring, and Mindful Poetry Moments. Julie’s vibrant mixed-media collage work is represented by the literary agency Painted Words. Fluent in Arabic and French, she spent 15 years in Morocco and now lives in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood with her family. She loves connecting with early childhood educators, poets and illustrators, and can be found on Instagram at @julieklear.
Image of First Families in 1940, Poindexter Village, 1983 by Aminah Robinson
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