Croydon marks International Womens Day this March with diverse workshops and events supporting female artists.
Holly Searle’s “The Wendy Project” will show. It runs March 10-29 at Riesco Gallery. This gallery is in the Croydon Museum. The work uses vintage tea towels. Women from Croydon added messages. One hundred women participated in workshops.
Searle wondered about “Wendy Houses.” Peter Pan tells how they got their name. The Lost Boys built Wendy a safe house. She was hurt, and they helped her heal. Searle echoes this idea in her art. Women created the piece’s materials. The final piece will be a safe space.
It’s a space made using women’s own words. After the show, it’s going to the museum.
Carolina Rieckhof will lead craft workshops. It will concern the Pollera skirt on March 15. This skirt is traditional to the Andes. Rieckhof will share its symbols significance. People can make paper Polleras. They will combine symbols and personal touches.
Kinsi Abdulleh teaches about African textiles. These workshops take place March 22. Participants learn natural dyeing methods. They will explore indigo and cola nut. People will create their textile art. It will incorporate resist dyeing. Iftar is a light meal for those observing Ramadan. The Muslim Association provides the food.
Aziza Kadryi will host workshops on March 29. She explores the Tumar from Central Asia. It is an ancient, lucky charm. People embroider it into textiles. Kadryi shows how to create a Tumar. This can combine tradition with personal heritage.
Croydon supports creativity and diversity. It happens in this celebration for Women’s Day. The Deputy Mayor is Lynne Hale. She looks forward to seeing “The Wendy Project.” It will be in the Riesco Gallery.