Introduction to Making Memory /Junk Journals with Artist-in-Residence,
Valarie Poitier
Thursday, May 8 – 6:30-7:30 pm in Edwards Hall
Come join us for a brief demonstration of techniques that will be taught in our weekly class. During this introductory session, you will be able to make and take a small journal. We will be using all recycled materials.
Please bring along any of the following supplies if you have them: music sheets, scrap book paper, old books in any condition or language, coloring books, magazines, card stock, recycled envelopes, and gently used stationary or copy paper. No experience required!
This introductory class is complimentary. Donations to support Open Spirit are always welcomed.
Registration is required so that we can plan for space and materials. Please click below to save your space. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf7CCxE6_2rKNlhtpaK6FV1BeK067s0ob63K6uvPXXXCBxQiw/viewform?usp=pp_url
Recycle, Reuse, & Remake: Making Memory /Junk Journals with Artist-in-Residence, Valarie Poitier
Thursday, May 15, 22, 29 – 6:30 pm in Edwards Hall
Join us in creating journals, precious or fun booklets, to use or gift. We will make them from recycled cardboard, envelopes, old jewelry, buttons, ribbons and lace, photos on paper and more. Our goal is to make something beautiful with zero waste and walk away with special items to use or gift to others. Each workshop will focus on a different technique. No experience required! Just join us for the community and fun.
Bring your own materials or use what we have on hand. Materials include photocopies of photos, precious notes, letters, recipes or recipe cards, old books (even torn pages) in any language, holiday or thank you cards, new junk mail or used envelopes, nearly worn-out playing cards, and tea or coffee or lace stained papers or fabrics. We will also make things to go into the journals like side pockets, belly bands, tags, and decorated paper clips. We will gather the leftover bits and pieces near the end of each session and make up kits for gifts or to make another for ourselves.
We will have tools on hand, or bring your favorites like scrapbook making tools, scissors for paper cutting, glue, buttons, a plastic grocery bag, flowers pressed, dried, plastic or fabric. Needle and thread if you bring fabric bits. Hole punches 1” or larger, stamps and distressed or archival inks, and a glue gun.
Cost: $30 per class. Registration is required so that we can plan for space and supplies. You are welcome to attend single sessions or all of them.
To register, please click here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf2hyxmT9TqpC-vqOsCubSTderwPvz0CsOncaWQdU9_kWA5Hg/viewform?usp=pp_url
Monthly Poetry Workshop led by Lisa Breger – May 19
Monday, May 19 – 2-3:30 pm in Edwards Hall
What stirs in us when we reach for a poem, whether sitting down to write or read the work of a favorite poet? Why do poems stay with us and continue to inform our lives?
In this workshop, we’ll approach poetry as a vehicle for living more fully in the present and deepening our humanity. Each month we’ll focus on a craft in the context of a particular theme to generate new work.
This class is for anyone interested in poetry as a spiritual practice and no previous writing experience is required to enjoy the pleasures of creative expression. Come join us and be inspired!
Suggested donation of $20. More if you can, less if you can’t.
RSVPs are appreciated so that we can plan for space and supplies. To RSVP, please click here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdByB6bg_yjaE-gQiWu9FeAEUjGFv4qJleOM1iH106E83kGyg/viewform?usp=pp_url
Email info@openspiritcenter.org with any questions.
Gentle Yoga – Embodying Soul Qualities for These Times
Tuesdays at 10 am in Edwards Hall and online
Beginning in May, our Gentle Yoga class will center on the ancient Jewish spiritual discipline called “Mussar.” Rabbi Elya Lopian defines Mussar as “Making the heart feel what the intellect understands.” Author Alan Morinias adds, “Mussar’s teachings and practices help us work a radical inner transformation by showing us how to close the gap between the high ideals we hold in mind and the living truth of how we act in the world.”
Mussar philosophy identifies thirteen Middot ha’nefesh, traits of the soul: gratitude, trust, lovingkindness, simplicity, non-judgment, silence, generosity, zeal, order, humility, courage and equanimity.
Each week, we will center on one of the thirteen traits, reflecting on their beauty and challenge, hearing a related poem, embodying them in our practice.
Gentle Yoga is for all ages and levels of experience. You can practice on the mat, in a chair, or a little bit of both. You can join in person or online! You can make a donation as you are able.
Mark Your Calendar: In Celebration of Pride Month Book Signing Party
Saturday, June 7 – 4 pm in Edwards Hall
Poets James Crews and Brad Peacock will join us as part of their cross-country book signing tour, offering a reading from their new anthology, Love is For All of Us: Poems of Tenderness and Belonging. Watch for more details!
Save the Date: Makers (And Wanna Be Makers) Gathering led by Artist-in-Residence, Valarie Poitier
Wednesdays, June 11, 18, 25 – 1:30-3 pm in Edwards Hall
Come together with other folks who love to create. Valarie will lead a lesson of the day for each gathering that can be adapted to meet student interests. Students are encouraged to bring their own projects, start a new project or sit and make together. Open to all, all projects welcome. Valarie will provide guidance, advice and support if needed on your project. Let us know if you have tools or supplies you need to borrow to help complete your project and we may be able to provide them.
Register now by clicking this link: