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Event
Lost and Found: Messengers from the Edge
The Symposium opens on Friday evening, May 17th at 6pm, with the reading of Robin Wall Kimmerers An Allegiance to Gratitude spoken by poet Paula Estey. This is a prayer of gratitude, the words that come before all else as Kimmerer says in her book Braiding Sweetgrass. We will then watch a video of Ms. Kimmerer, giving a 25-minute talk entitled Mapping a New Geography of Hope, followed by discussion.
On Saturday, May 18th, the day begins at 10am with Wool Warrior Margaret Russell leading her workshop LIVING LEGENDS This is a history lesson, a poetic celebration, an art exhibit and a hands-on ceremony.
Part 1 of Weaving Legends invites you to learn why a handweaver is helping to conserve threatened sheep breeds being raised by British, Irish, and American farmers and flock keepers.
In Part 2 of Weaving Legends, the how of this wool warriors engagement in conservation will summon the senses and stir the heart. A selection of Margarets woven pieces, known as Preservation Wraps, will be on exhibit. Each piece in this private collection represents a vulnerable, watch-listed British breed. All are woven to look and feel as if they were lifted right from the sheep themselves. This life project, when complete, will have over 70 pieces in the collection. The extraordinary stories of several of these breeds will be told. Some are sad accounts of tragedy, unfairness, and loss, while others are celebrations of triumph, goodness, and survival. Textiles are known to call out to be touched, the fibers and their interlacement need to be felt. They are a life form, with history, full of legend and lore, able to teach lessons that must be learned. With this awareness, there will be a voluntary opportunity for a few new wool warriors to approach art and activism in a very different and tactile way, and then share their experiences with the group. We will close with a short reading to honor all creatures.
From 12:30-1:30 pm we break for a plant-based lunch together, provided by Mandarava, a vegan restaurant here in Newburyport.
From 1:30-3:30pm, Hemp Evangelist Melissa Hankens offers her workshop HEMP: THE QUIET REVOLUTION. In the words of the artist: Cannabis sativa. One of the oldest cultivated crops on planet earth, revered for its innumerable uses over time. Yet the early 20th century ushered in its downfall here in America thanks to aggressive campaigning from opposing interests and the resulting Marihuana Tax Act of 1937. Overnight, the plant that rigged the U.S.S. Constitution and gave us the first pair of Levis, was stricken from our fields and our way of life. At this point of crisis, hemp may be the environmental savior we need.
In HEMP: THE QUIET REVOLUTION Workshop, we will discuss the history of hemp, how its cultivation can benefit our planet, and how modern processing methods make hemp fabric indistinguishable from linen. Everyone will receive the gift of a handwoven hemp utility cloth, a beautiful and functional piece with myriad uses around the house.
There will be gifts for all participants from the workshop, as well as your own copy of Allegiance to Gratitude. From 3:30-4pm we will gather in circle to de-brief, affirm and close the Circle of Reverence.
Tickets for the two day event are $100 and includes Friday Evening event, two workshops on Saturday and lunch, as well as two take-home gifts. Tickets are available through Brown Paper Tickets at:
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LocationPaula Estey Gallery (View)
3 Harris Street
Newburyport, MA 01950
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Dog Friendly: Yes! |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: No |
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