Join artist Melika Abikenari for an immersive needle felting workshop inspired by the I Stood My Ground exhibit. Participants will use felt—the same material showcased in the artist's work —to explore memory, labor, and healing through the metaphor of a continuous thread, meaning that stories and experiences are weaved endlessly.

Under Abikenari's guidance, attendees will engage in needle felting and sculpting wool fibers with barbed needles, delving into a tactile and meditative process. Through various prompts, they will craft tangible creations while embarking on a journey of self-reflection and personal storytelling. Participants are strongly encouraged to bring a physical copy of a family photograph, loved one, or one they've taken highlighting a particular moment in their lives. During the workshop, participants will strengthen their memory drawing skills. Starting with a guided meditation, they'll spend 2-3 minutes reflecting on the photograph and sketching what they can from memory. They'll then begin their felting tapestry piece inspired by the photograph in class, with the opportunity to expand and finish at home.

This hands-on experience challenges traditional art-making boundaries, empowering participants to delve deeper into their creations using ordinary materials, unlike ways they used it before. Before the workshop, curator Natalie De Jesus will lead a tour of the exhibit, followed by a Q&A, setting intentions for the class.

Materials for the workshop are provided by the Longwood Art Gallery @ Hostos / Bronx Council on the Arts.

Workshop Schedule:

6:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Exhibition tour, led by curator Natalie De Jesus

6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Needle Felting workshop led by exhibition artist Melika Abikenari