We‘re very excited to announce an exciting and restorative line-up for the Black Mary’s Pleasure Garden event on 28th June 1-9pm at Calthorpe Community Gardens.
By the Black Mary Project team and Studio Gaylene Gould
Beginning with the unveiling of Marcia Bennett-Male’s powerful new public artwork Mary Woolaston and the Healing Wells, the afternoon will continue with performances, rituals, workshops, gardening, children’s activities, food and dancing for all the family. Here’s a snapshot:
Rituals:
Three Rituals for Mary will connect the day. Led by Valerie Ebuwa, Seyi Adelekun and Gaylene Gould, these water rituals will explore how well keepers might replenish their own wells while The Triplets of Calthorpe Gardens will journey us from the healing wells of the past through to today’s Calthorpe.
Performances:
Multidisciplinary LatinX female collective Las Witchas’ performances will guide us through the day. Aerialists Nina Robinson and Puisy Luong will perform throughout the afternoon, and award-winning musician, sound artist and composer Auclair will explore rhythm and voice.
Workshops:
Calthorpe will be turned into a restorative play garden with activities occupying all nooks and crannies. Play with the sounds of the elements at Gary Stewart’s Plant, Water, Earth Sonic Lab then explore the Mechanics of Care in Martha Armitage’s Clay Talisman workshop. Contemporary artist Leo Robinson’s quest game Stone Portals invites you to find your way home using Jungian, Tarot, Afrofuturist and pop-cultural references. Meanwhile you can co-create Black Mary’s Big Zine with Zoe Thompson. David Kam’s Playing with Attention movement workshop will bring us together in playful ways and Ray Ansah will kick off Calthorpe’s legendary Walking Football session.
Installation:
Gaylene Gould’s Mary Woolaston Dreams textile-based installation will offer a place to rest and reflect throughout the day.
For Children:
Calthorpe Community play group will be running throughout the afternoon and Ella Phillips will offer an activity workshop from her children’s book My Grandma’s Magic Recipe.
You can also:
- Find out more about the history surrounding Mary Woolaston and the healing wells with Emanuela Aru
- Take part in some gardening and help create the Black Mary Pleasure Garden with Charlie Matthews.
- Forage for seasonal plants and herbs with Ketchurah Rivenden
There’ll be a free tea room throughout the day with a special Black Mary’s tea blend, vegan food on sale, and DJ HybridJ will be playing us in and out with a dancing party.
Over 20 artists, facilitators, gardeners and playworkers are coming together to bring you a midsummer feast for the senses. The hope is that this 21st Century healing well will bring us together in new ways.
See the full line up and get your FREE tickets here.
Plus… In preparation for the day, The Black Mary team will be running two Healing symbol workshops at Calthorpe Community Gardens. Come down, stitch with us and create a symbol to heal the world.
Healing Symbol Workshops
19th June: 1-3pm
20th June: 2:30-4pm (part of Refugee Day Festival)
Calthorpe Community Gardens, 258-274 Grays Inn Rd, London WC1X 8LH
