Willow Glen Resident
Community
Photograph by Vicki Thompson
Capturing Life: Diane Solomon is having a journal-writing workshop at A Work of Heart Paper Arts Studio on Willow Street. The proceeds will benefit the Low-Income Self-Help Center on the outskirts of Willow Glen.
Solomon's journaling class will benefit self-help center
By Alicia Upano
One of Willow Glen resident Diane Solomon's favorite hobbies is creating journals. It's more than keeping a diary and not like crafting a scrapbook. It's a creative free-for-all between two covers.
After 15 years of filling books, Solomon will teach a class at A Work of Heart Paper Arts Studio on Willow Street on Aug. 30. The $15-per-person fee will benefit the Low-Income Self-Help Center on the outskirts of Willow Glen.
Solomon is a KKUP programmer, accountant and freelance journalist. Her journals are a record of her life over time. In the stack of journals in her Willow Glen home, she pastes everyday objects such as a BART ticket or a found sticker into the pages. She details events, such as a list of things to do after the New Year, or a recent visit to the ZeroOne San Jose festival. In between, Solomon fills the pages with colorful drawings--people's shoes at meetings, drums in Africa, a salt shaker in a restaurant.
"There's such a pleasure in finding a quiet place and writing," Solomon said. "It's a conversation with yourself."
Solomon had long wanted to hold a workshop on journal creation and got the opportunity after meeting A Work of Heart owner Andrea Chebeleu.
She met Chebeleu after remodeling her home. When the work was completed, Solomon gave away art supplies to Willow Glen High School and posted items on Freecycle.org. Through the site, Solomon gave her paper supplies to Chebeleu. She mentioned her workshop idea to Chebeleu, who welcomed it.
Chebeleu also dabbles in the hobby. She sees it as a way for adults to make time for themselves. For teens, it's self-expression.
Chebeleu was willing to pay Solomon for her time, but Solomon had another idea.
"There's a lot of abundance in my life, so maybe I can use this to bring people together," Solomon says.
The Low-Income Self-Help Center volunteer co-coordinator Peggy Elwell said Solomon has long been a strong supporter of the grassroots organization. The nonprofit, located at 525 W. Alma Ave., serves nearly 1,000 people a year with only one employee and a handful of volunteers.
The center is open five days a week for low-income individuals to drop in and use computers, faxes and phone for job and housing searches. The organization has a monthly Community for Change dinner to bring people together as well as educate clients about ballot issues, such as housing and health care.
Solomon's workshop proceeds will serve as a financial and "moral boost."
Workshop students are invited to bring a blank book, preferably spiral-bound, and their favorite pens and drawing toys. The studio will also provide books upon request.
"They can expect to have a good time," Solomon says. "It's a way to enjoy yourself; it's a way to enjoy your life."
The workshop takes place Aug. 30 from 7-9 p.m., at A Work of Heart, 1060 Willow St., Suite 7. To register, call 408.460.5635 or visit www.aworkofheart.com. The studio also has various craft workshops.
