Nov 22 | Drawing with Scissors Workshop: Storytelling and Symmetry in Papercutting with Hannah Kohl

Late in life, Henri Matisse famously switched mediums, calling his paper cut-outs "drawing with scissors." In this workshop, you'll discover how two everyday household items - paper and scissors - can become powerful tools for artistic storytelling.   

Join internationally recognized papercutting artist Hannah Kohl for a 4-hour hands-on introduction to the traditional art of Scherenschnitte. Using Hannah's favorite tools—the tiny fold-out scissors and blade of a Victorinox Classic SD Swiss Army Knife—you'll learn how to transform a simple sheet of paper into an intricate, narrative work of art.   

Beginning with guided exercises to build confidence with the tools and essential techniques, we will move into creating an illustrative papercut that blends traditional folk art with contemporary themes. Participants may use provided templates (at the skill level of their choice) or create their own original designs. Hannah will demonstrate techniques, offer individualized guidance, and share insights from her work as a professional papercutting artist.  

Class registration fees include admission to the Whatcom Museum, supplies to create practice papercuts and one final illustrative piece, and a Victorinox Swiss Army Knife to continue creating at home. Participants are welcome to bring their favorite scissors or X-Acto blades to the class.  

About the Artist  

Born in Bellingham, WA, Hannah Kohl is an internationally recognized papercutting artist and musical theatre writer. She has been profiled in The New Yorker, featured in The New York Times, and was a speaker at TEDx Broadway. Her work was recently included in the “Cut It Out” exhibit at the Racine Art Museum and will be at Childhood’s End Gallery during Olympia, WA’s 2027 Gallery Walk. Kohl is often commissioned to create bespoke pieces for Broadway opening nights and Hollywood wraps and her work hangs in the private collections of some of our most beloved writers, artists, and performers. Her original musical, Die Weihnachtsbäckerei is entering its 8th hit season in Germany and she is currently at work writing a book illustrated with her own papercuts. www.hannahkohl.com 

Workshop registrations are final and non-refundable. If you’re unable to attend, you’re welcome to transfer your spot to someone else as long as you notify us 24 hours in advance. Please plan to arrive within 15 minutes of the start time. Late arrivals will not be admitted or refunded.