Silverpoint, a drawing medium used by the Old Masters, is enjoying a revival by artists today. A holder containing a pointed sterling silver jewelry wire is drawn over a specially prepared paper resulting in delicate, pale gray lines which tarnish over time to golden browns. Drawings have an ephemeral glow due to thin layers of silver reflecting light.

An exhibition of Kathie Miranda's silverpoint artwork will be on view at the Cheshire Library from December 2 - 28, so tonight's program will begin with an artist gallery talk. Kathie will present a brief history of silverpoint drawings through the ages as well as the many ways silverpoint is being used today. Highlighting examples in the exhibition, learn how simple silverpoint materials - supports (paper, panels) and grounds (white paint, gesso) - work in combination to produce a variety of different effects.

Kathie will then demonstrate how to prepare paper to receive silverpoint strokes. A slightly abrasive surface is required in order for the silver to leave marks on the paper. Learn how to draw with silverpoint in traditional and non-traditional ways as well as options to enhance the design with additions of color.