Storytelling Through Textile (A Common Threads Collective Workshop)

The Common Threads Collective is excited to offer their second workshop series in their Land(ing) project, supported through the Public Energy artist in residence program and the Ontario Arts Council.

Workshop Description:

This two-part workshop is a unique opportunity for combining elements of your own story with cloth-based creativity.

What to Expect:

In a casual and intimate setting, theatre artist Peyton Le Barr will lead the group in storytelling activities allowing participants to hear and share moments of transformation from within our own lives. In the following portion, textile artist Leslie Menagh will lead an exercise in fabric-manipulation that incorporates your own voice into craft and art-making processes.

Take this opportunity to get inspired and enjoy a sense of community after a long year of isolation and lockdowns.

Requirements:

• An Internet connection and a device such as a computer, laptop, iPad etc. for Zoom meetings.
• No experience in either storytelling or art-making/crafting (sewing, making, etc.) is required.
• This workshop is free and open to all members ages 16 and up.

Registration is Required

Commitment to both sessions in this workshop is required for registration. Space is limited to 6 people. To register, and for more information, please contact Javier Bravo: javier@nccpeterborough.ca.

Location is TBD. If COVID-19 restrictions prohibit in-person gatherings the workshop will continue to take place over Zoom.

Delivered by: Peyton Le Barr and Leslie Menagh

Peyton Le Barr is a Peterborough-based theatre performer, producer, and creator. She co-runs Grassboots Theatre, an artist-run company dedicated to sharing socially relevant stories that celebrate the human spirit. Peyton is a champion for community arts programming and has been a facilitator for several years. She specializes in trauma-informed storytelling and movement. Peyton holds a BFA in Acting from the University of Windsor and an MFA in Acting with Merit from East 15 Acting School in the UK.

 Leslie Menagh is an interdisciplinary artist, craftsperson, community organizer, and curator with a BFA from NSCAD University. After more than 15 years working in the arts and cultural sector, she opened Madderhouse Textile Studios where she produces and teaches screen printing, hosts a variety of textile arts workshops, and supports other artists in the art practices. Community arts have increasingly become her passion as she seeks out ethical and inclusive ways to build community.

About the Common Threads Collective and LAND(ing)

Common Threads Collective is a diverse group of newcomer and non-newcomer artists, Shahed Khaito, Mithila Ballal, Kate Story, Leslie Menagh, Brad Brackenridge, and Peyton Le Bar, with support from staff at the New Canadians Centre.  The final public site-specific immersive experience is planned to take place in a courtyard in downtown Peterborough, reimagined as a traditional Syrian courtyard house. Land(ing) – slated for early autumn 2021 as part of the in[SITES] series – will use textile arts, film, puppetry, text, theatre, dance, and community-engaged storytelling, animating the creative basis for the project.

Common Threads Collective is working in partnership with the New Canadians Centre.  LAND(ING) is also supported by the Public Energy Performing Arts artist in residence program and an independently earned grant from the Ontario Arts Council.