Around 15 attendees were treated to a brief introduction to the history of zines and their role in activism and advocacy at the March 24 Connect & Create workshop hosted at the Lehigh University Art Galleries Lower Gallery in Lehigh University’s Zoellner Arts Center, 420 E. Packer Ave., Bethlehem.

While guest artist Emma Ryan was unable to attend due to illness, LUAG Coordinator of Museum Experience & Accessibility Elise Schaffer stepped up to mentor the event. The zine artist and enthusiast led the hands-on zine-making workshop while explaining how these DIY booklets have been used to share stories, spread ideas, and build community.

She demonstrated how an 8.5 inch by 11 inch sheet of paper can be folded multiple times and cut with scissors to create an 8-page mini magazine.

This program was offered in partnership with Lehigh Valley Zine Exchange (LVZE).

This event is one of Connect & Create free workshops that offer a brief exploration and creative conversation around a work of art from the LUAG collection, followed by a hands-on activity and/or creative response led by a local teaching artist or student educator.

Schaffer assured participants that Ryan, the artist behind “LUAG’s Little Zine Libraries” installed throughout the campus galleries, will lead a future zine event at the university.

In the meantime, the next Connect & Create: “Meditative Stitching” workshop, led by Lehigh University Art Galleries teaching artist Rebecca Kelly is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. May 7. Registration required.

Information: 610-758-3615, luag.lehigh.edu