Theo Cokkinos – Thursdays, October 6-27, 7:00 – 8:30pm

Who is this class for? 

This class is for anyone wanting a mode of expression. No previous experience is required. The ideal student is someone who is curious about their ability to learn and create with little more than their hands and a piece of paper.  

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What will students learn, and how will they learn it?

Students will be inspired and empowered to explore the possibilities of a single piece of paper. Theo will be their coach, sharing what he has learned and encouraging independent study.  

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Projects that will be undertaken in the course:

A variety of gift objects. Japanese washi paper will be made available for students to transform paper models into gifts for family and friends. And yes, every gift requires the appropriate box, which we will also be learning how to make.  

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Materials/equipment that will be used:  

• Scrap paper 
• Kami paper 
• Japanese washi paper 
• Heavyweight brown wrapping paper 

• Paper cutter 
• Scissors 
• Glue sticks 
• Rulers 
• Paper clips 

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What will students be required to bring to class?: 

• Students will be required to bring $20 to the first class session, which will cover the cost of an origami book and class materials provided by the instructor.  

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Instructor bio:

Theo Cokkinos grew up in Queens, NY of Cypriot and Greek American parents. His interest in origami appeared in the mid 90s while he worked as a groundskeeper in Malibu, CA. It was during this time, living a simple life with no TV, radio, or internet, that he began to wonder – What can I make with my hands with what is readily available? Scrap paper and origami books from the local library were easy to find.  There at his table, he sat day after day reading the diagrams as he folded and then folded again until he got it right . . . and then, a finished product. Yes . . . a feeling of satisfaction. Now on the the next. And so it was. There is a wonderful feeling of accomplishment when you can take a simple piece of paper that has been tossed into the bin and reconfigure it into a keepsake. In 2002, he made a crane for his sister. Having a creative mind, she asked if he could work small scale to make her a pair of crane earrings. In completing this project, he learned to combine paper with metal. This led to the construction of several hanging mobils. After moving to North Carolina he went on to sell origami jewelry at Spiral Jewelry (Hillsborough), Firefly (Carrboro), and NC Craft Gallery (Carrboro). He has taught for the Carrboro Parks & Recreation Department and at the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill, and is delighted to now offer a class at The ArtsCenter.