A journey back to 300 B.C. at the Johnson Museum

In a vibrant display of historical immersion, Newfield Public Library recently hosted a workshop in collaboration with the Johnson Museum of Art. On Jan. 10, participants were transported back in time to 300 B.C.

The Johnson Museum is renowned for its extensive collection, particularly its Asian galleries and rotating exhibitions. It is a hub of educational and cultural activities, regularly welcoming young students from local elementary and pre-K schools for an immersive art experience.

Carol Hockett, Hintsa Family Manager of School and Family Programs, said that the Johnson Museum has maintained a longstanding relationship with the Tompkins County Public Library, offering a range of programs for adults and families. 

According to Hockett, approximately two years ago, the museum initiated an expansion into rural libraries, with Newfield being the first to collaborate in this new venture. Since then, the museum has extended its reach to include additional rural libraries in the region.

The art workshop was led by Wendy Kenigsberg, an educational assistant at the museum. The session was designed to engage not only the library’s after-school participants but also the wider community. Free of charge, it offered activities suitable for a range of age groups, each tailored to different skill levels. Kenigsberg developed the lesson around an artwork presently on display at the museum.

Kenigsberg said that the session was inspired by the “Snarling Feline Breastplate,” a striking piece from the museum’s collection, dating from between 300 B.C. and 500 A.D. Crafted from a gold-copper alloy known as tumbaga, it is a testament to the skill of the ancient La Tolita goldsmiths from Ecuador’s northern coastal region.

The workshop began with Kenigsberg showing photographs of the “Snarling Feline Breastplate” that resides at the museum and delving into the cultural and historical background of the artifact. She explained how the La Tolita people developed their gold-copper alloy and their intricate repoussé process to create their stunning works.

According to Kenigsberg, goldsmiths mastered techniques for manipulating gold-copper alloys during this time. They applied oxalic acid to remove copper from the surface, leaving behind a shimmering finish to enhance the metal’s natural luster and achieve a more radiant golden appearance. Additionally, these artisans skillfully hammered the pieces from the rear, creating varying depths and recesses in the design.

“It is kind of amazing to think that people that lived so long ago were making these fine crafts,” Kenigsberg said.

Participants were provided with small squares of 40-gauge copper sheet metal or the bases of baking tins, accompanied by pointed wooden dowels and assorted clay tools. A selection of various animal graphics that fit with the theme of the original artwork was made available for inspiration. 

Participants began by tracing their chosen figure, followed by detailed work on both the front and back of their creation to enhance specific features. The hands-on experience provided a tangible connection to the past as attendees crafted their own interpretations of the ancient art.

The workshop was well attended, with participants of all ages engaging deeply in the creative process. It was not just an art workshop but a journey through time, connecting the present day with the ancient goldsmiths of Ecuador and their timeless creations.

The Johnson Museum of Art is open daily, with free admission to the public. It is located on the Cornell University campus. 

In brief:

What’s happening at the library

Movie Night takes place at Newfield Public Library on Friday, Jan. 19 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Join for a free screening of “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.”

Join Phyllis KuanYin Chi every Saturday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. for Yoga for Beginners. This class is ideal for beginners and individuals with mobility issues, with optional advanced poses for experienced participants. Please bring a mat or blanket. Suggested donation is $10.

Newfield Public Library offers Family Storytime every Tuesday morning. Aimed at children aged 0-5 years, this event offers a mix of stories, songs, and more. Each week brings a new theme to explore. The next session is on Tuesday, Jan. 23, from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Everyone is welcome.

Winter Wonderland at North Spencer Christian Academy

Experience a Winter Wonderland at North Spencer Christian Academy, located at 720 Ithaca Rd. in Spencer. Come Saturday, Jan. 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for a day filled with winter fun, including games, a bounce house, breakfast, an auction and sleigh rides.