Make maracas, Matryoshkas, mosaics, and more! Meet London women from around the world as they teach you how to make traditional crafts from China, Colombia, Cree First Nations, India, Russia, and Syria. We'll also be offering 10-minute "pop tours" of our exhibitions at 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, and 3:30 pm. Join us for an afternoon of art fun for the entire family.
There will be 6 stations in the Community Gallery:
China - Betty Tong
Betty teaches at the London Chinese Cultural Centre and will be making cards to celebrate Chinese New Year (February 16). Betty has been a member of the Chinese Canadian National Council and manager of the Chinese Caligraphy and Painting Association for over 25 years. She volunteers her time by teaching Tai Chi and instructing cooking classes.
Colombia – Beatriz Gomez & Ana Herrera
Beatriz and Ana will be leading a workshop on making maracas, a Latin percussion instrument.
Cree First Nations – Holly Pichette
Holly Pichette is representing the Maškēkowak (Swampy-Cree) from Fort Albany First Nation and will be making beaded medallions. She has previously worked with local organizations N’Amerind Friendship Centre and Atlohsa Native Family Healing Services.
India – Sharmistha Kar
Sharmistha is a MFA candidate at Western University. She will be using wool to make Rakhi bracelets, which celebrate friendship.
Russia – Jacqueline Demendeev
Jacqueline is an artist and arts educator. She will be making cut and paste Matryoshka dolls and talking about Russian folk painting techniques. Matryoshkas are a set of wooden nesting dolls that comes from the folk crafting traditions of Russia.
Syria - Ani Sarian
Ani teaches art classes at the London Public Library and will be making paper mosaics.