Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, with lockdowns and restrictions on gatherings, the Women’s Centre has offered virtual crafting get-togethers via Zoom, and two summer 2020 craftivism blogs:
Now that we are getting back to normal-ish, and we’re beginning to feel the warmth of the sun once again, we want to move back to more on-site sessions.
When I checked in with our craftivism group and members who expressed an interest in Craftivism, the results showed that people want both in-person and virtual options, with the social aspect balancing out against convenience and/or health concerns. Comments included:
“have really been missing the craftivism”
“I enjoy how welcoming everyone is… I enjoy the conversations that connect the dots between crafting and activism”
And more informal conversations highlighted that people want more facilitated sessions – we want to learn new skills and techniques.
On May 11, in partnership with Mindful Makers Collective, we presented a hybrid Mixed Media Collage workshop facilitated by Natalie Hotson. Natalie used a Zoom presentation to lead the workshop, Tamara Rose provided on-site support and tons of supplies, and a small group participated both on-site and virtually.
Each participant created a small postcard-sized piece with a message to election candidates about what’s important to them, and a larger mixed media piece. I also provided a resource list with information about how to contact the candidates and how to find information about issues.
In June, I’m planning a rainbow-themed stitch & talk session to celebrate and decorate for Pride Month. Depending on the weather, this will be held outdoors in our parking lot, utilizing tailgates & lawn-chairs in addition to a table/baskets for supplies. Crochet, knitting, felting, sewing, collage, painting, sidewalk chalk all welcome. Watch for more details over the next couple of weeks!
-lg
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