The often unaddressed burden of emotional labour weighs heavy on Black workers in predominantly white workplaces, and can leave many feeling alienated and isolated. Creative expression in a group setting at any level can be very healing and restorative for those feeling overextended or burned out. Join visual alchemist Stylo Starr for a collage making circle which through the simple act of sharing provides the potential for participants to be liberated from persistent societal pressures and other stressors.

The workshop will begin with grounding through breathing exercises and gentle seated stretching, followed by a sharing circle where open discussions unpacking the experience of working in predominantly white workplaces will be gently encouraged. This is a space to speak and be heard. Due to the sensitive nature of the topic, participation will be on a voluntary basis only. Next, we will dive in to the collage making and go over tools, tips and tricks. Participants are encouraged to create collaged environments or spaces where they can feel joy and feel liberated. We will close the circle with more mindful breathing and words of gratitude and/or affirmation.

Workshop Details 

DATE: Thursday, 10th March 2022
TIME: 6.00pm- 8.00pm
FEE: Free admission
VENUE: Virtual via Zoom, link sent upon registration 
MATERIALS: Journal/ notepad/ card stock, old newspapers/ magazines/ pictures, glue/tape

This workshop is specifically for Black community members ages 18-65+

Other workshop conditions

RESTRICTIONS, ACCOMMODATIONS OR CONCERNS: Please include in the registration any necessary information our staff should know to enhance your experience in our workshop. If you would like accommodations for any barriers to accessing this workshop, please let us know and we will do our best to provide them. We can provide printed materials, large font sizes, closed captioning, flexible camera-on policy, co-registration of a support person, and free participation. All information shared will be kept private and confidential.

MEDIA CONSENT: This program is documented in form of photographs, videos or testimonials to be used as marketing/promotional materials on Lakeshore Arts website, social media pages and channels as well as third party media providers such as community newspapers, local/national newspapers and television channels. Please indicate whether you agree to this, or if you prefer not to.

ANTI-OPPRESSIVE SPACE: By registering for this workshop you are agreeing to participate in a harassment-free, safe, affirming space. Homophobia, transphobia, sexism, ableism, classism, racism, audism, or body shaming will not be tolerated in our spaces, online or in-person. If any participant is found to be behaving in ways that are considered to be oppressive and harmful, a range of steps may be taken, including educational discussions and up to ejection from the workshop.

If you have further questions please contact our Operations Manager at operations@lakeshorearts.ca

About the Facilitator, Stylo Starr

Stylo Starr [she/her] is a visual alchemist, creative movement facilitator and curator based in Hamilton, Ontario. Stylo’s work centres Black people, fantasy and notions of the Afro-future while also exploring cut and paste as a grounding and healing creative modality. She demonstrates this through facilitating creative mindfulness workshops open to a variety of age groups and experiences. Stylo is for art that reflects beauty and power, and she believes prominent and positive representation of Black people in fine art is critical and necessary. She is also for art that unites and restores, and believes that cut and paste - whether hobby or fine art - has the power to do precisely that.