STUDIO NEWS
Mask Making Intensive Workshops
Jeff Semmerling of Semmerling & Schaefer Mask Studios, offers workshops to get you started making Professional Masks at the Inside Out Art Studio.
- SHAPING LEATHER MASKS
June 29 and 30 ~ 1:00PM to 4:30 PM
Learn the Semmerling and Schaefer methods for shaping leather masks.
For twenty years Jeff and Sonja have perfected the craft. You will
make and finish two to three leather masks and leave with a list of
sources for materials and tools.
Tuition is $200 all materials included.
- ADVANCED LEATHER MASK MAKING
June 8 and 9 ~ 1:00 to 4:30 PM
Return to the studio and learn what’s next after the
“Shaping Leather “ workshop. Sculpting, Scything and
New Sizing Methods will be taught. Feel free to bring
projects you are working on.
Tuition is $200, all materials included.
Reserve your space now by calling Jeff at (773) 697-5012 or writing to Jeff@maskartists.com
Chicago Actor Ben Muller took our weekend intensive in 'Shaping Leather Masks.' Then he wrote this great article for Jerome Ludwig's, "Culture Vultures" in the Chicago Reader.
Learning the Art of Mask Making at Inside Out Art Studio
Center Square Journal, by Jason Kreke
Presents our philosophies in this enthusiastic article about Inside Out Art Studio and Semmerling and Schaefer Mask Studios.
Semmerling Smile on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."
Here is a glimpse of Jeff's renown "Smile Mask" worn brilliantly by Jane the Phoole at a Ren. Fair.
"You and Me in the Morning."
Mask Artists, Inside Out Art Studio featured on WICU's, Aly Bockler in Lincoln Square segment, May 3, 2012.
A Gallery Showing of the Masks of Jeff Semmerling.
Opening reception features Filament Theatre Ensemble.
Opening Reception October 14th 2011 from 6-8 pm show runs through November 13.
YouTube video on Inside Out Art Studios and Semmerling and Schafer Masks Artists featured on Chicago Revealed. Jeff Semmerling explains the philosophy of masks and his mask making.
Fall Fashion includes masks. So says Today's Chicago Magazine. Check out our masks in their photo spread http://www.tcwmag.com/style/fashion/2010-10
Semmerling & Schaefer Mask Artists Studio on Outside the Loop Radio hosted by Mike Stephen
Youtube video
"Jeff Semmerling on the WGNtv Midaday Fix"
On October 22nd 2009 Jeff took some masks to our local "Super Station"
and did a nationally broadcast interview with Allison Payne of WGN's "Midday News." Here is a link to where it is posted on their site. Midday Fix: Mask Making
"What does a mask maker do after Halloween? A visit to Semmerling and Schaefer Mask Studios"
An article by Bonnie Jean Adams of Chicago Culture & Events Examiner.
Article link
Jeff Semmerling's "Inside Out Art Studio" -- Masks in Chicago
This Youtube video by Maren Kasselik is a great Slide Show/Article done 2009 in the Chicago Studio. Great images of our gallery and a lot of information packed in. They really capture our cultural mission. Check it out."
See their Youtube video. Most of the noses on these wonderful Bolaroja clowns in the video are made by Jeff Semmerling of our studio in Chicago.
Jeff Semmerling's residency at McKenzie Elementary School in Wilmette Illinois
Jeff Semmerling did a two week residency at McKenzie Elementary School in Wilmette Illinois this Spring. The article McKenzie students learn the art of mask-making in the Chicago Tribune's Voice of the Town describes his delightful visit with photos. Why not get him to come to your school for customized, projects and residencies with the "Artist in the Classroom?
Interview with Hosea Sanders ABC 7 Chicago News at 11:00
Watch Jeff Semmerling's interview with Hosea Sanders about Mardi Gras, Theater and Semmerling and Schaefer Masks at http://abclocal.go.com/wls/video?id=6675922
"Made in Chicago: Inside Out Art Studio"
http://www.wbbm780.com/topic/play_window.php?audioType=Episode&audioId=3021020
The above link takes you to an interview by News Radio 780 WBBM's Steve Miller which features Semmerling and Shaefer Mask Artists Studio and Inside Out Art Studio.
"The Magic of Masks"
http://theartofthemask.blogspot.com/
The above link takes you to a website and video montage of Jeff Semmerling’s 2008 project funded by the Oppenheimer Family Foundation: Jeff created a 50 minute performance about the captivating power of masks and how they function in cultures the world over. You can book this show in conjunction with workshops in making masks or performing in masks. After the show your audience can do a performance, exhibition or have a parade of their own. Contact us to get things started.
"Mask-maker lives for double takes"
Mar. 31, 2008, Chi Town Daily News article by Jack Newell
Featuring Jeff Semmerling and Semmerling & Schaefer Mask Studio
Chi Town Daily News Article Link
"Masks For the Inside Out" by Kaiti Nicastri
An article about our Inside Out Studio and mask making in the Northwestern University Independent. Link to article
The Ash Girl The Vittum Theater’s The Ash Girl Learning Guide for Educators features Jeff Semmerling of Semmerling & Schaefer Mask Studios. "Spotlight On Jeff Semmerling Mask Maker". The Interview of Jeff Semmerling and editing is by Lisa Barker; transcription by Jana Liles.
Vittum Theater’s production of The Ash Girl, http://www.vittumtheater.org . We were proud to be involved with this project which features many masks designed and created by Jeff Semmerling for the show. We are also proud of the Vittum Theater:
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“Originally conceived as a magnet for community involvement in the arts, the Vittum Theater was opened in 1998 to aid in community building and to foster the personal growth of members of the Northwestern University Settlement House. Since that time, the theater has developed into a regionally recognized resource for quality arts programming for youth. Its annual Season for Young Audiences currently accommodates 13,000 school age children from over 120 schools in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.”
Mask Maker
Mask Maker
Make Me a Mask,
an article by Paul Segedin, appears in the summer 2004, Chicago Learning Guide. See the PDF of the article.
The article showcases Jeff Semmerling*, Semmerling Schaefer Mask Studio, and Inside Out Studio. It focuses on Jeff's mask making classes.
"As one of the few instructors anywhere in the world currently teaching mask making, Semmerling attracts students from all over the country to his workshops. He also visits theaters, schools and park districts as a resident artist 'to promote masks as tools for teaching empathy and awareness.' "
*Jeff Semmerling, master mask maker, twenty years of professional
experience, earned a B. S. in Theatre at Northwestern University in 1981. He has done graduate studies in anthropology and post graduate training in art, art history and art theory. In 2000, he traveled to Russia with the clowns of Patch Adams M.D. In 2001, he traveled to Macedonia and Italy to teach mask making and performance. With art teacher, Donna Lurie Semmerling, he has founded the Inside Out Art Studio in Chicago's Lincoln Square neighborhood, where they teach art as serious fun for artists of all ages.