Join us at The Foundry in East Cambridge from Saturday, February 15 to Saturday, February 22 for our third annual Foundry Festival! Immerse yourself in a week of free public programming and create connections with diverse communities.

All ages and skill levels are welcome to participate in as many activities as you are excited about. This is a great chance to engage the family over the February school break!

This year's festival theme is Resilience. Resilience to us is celebrating how our stories, cultures, and communities continue to thrive. It is not just the act of survival, but creating strong communities that take care of each other. Many of our communities have been consistently forced to practice resilience due to systemic oppression. This year we want to take the time to uplift the ways in which we band together to not only survive but to create moments together where we can truly live. We invite you to our weeklong festival that celebrates who we are, who we want to be, and a vision for a future where resiliency can be a word that is not only a response to hardship but the way we interact with the world around us. This year we welcome you to cook with us, create with us, dance with us, and continue to grow together.

Schedule of Events:

Saturday, February 15, 2025

10:00 am - 12:00 pm: The Compass of Belonging: A Somatic Mapping Experience - Belong Center

Shop 6 - Red Multi - Suggested for ages 13+

This workshop invites you on a journey to rediscover resilience and alignment through the wisdom of your body. Anchored in the four directions of the Compass of Belonging: North (Spirit), South (Earth), East (Service), and West (Lineage). This workshop explores how these elements shape your sense of identity, purpose, and connection.

10:00 am - 11:00 am: Circus Of Frustration: Building Self-Esteem With Silly Failure - Amara Shorts and Haus of Cirque Facilitators

STEAM Set - Performance Space - Suggested for ages 6+

Come get silly with us in an all-ages circus workshop! Ringmaster Amara Shorts (and her circus facilitator friends) will teach the basics of how to juggle and balance, and we promise that the initial frustration is all a part of the plan. We will explore physical comedy with props and improv and loosen up with creative movement exercises, but mostly we will learn that it's still valuable to fail at a new skill on the first try.

11:00 am - 1:00 pm: Wits and Giggles - Platforms Theatre Company

Shop 11 - Dance Studio - Suggested for ages 13+

Join Miles Wilder and Laura Charles for a very special Live Music Yoga Flow at the Foundry Festival! Laura guides you through a creative, slow flow practice accompanied by Miles' live improvised music. This is an all-levels class that will be focused on restorative body grounding and connection. Laura's teaching style is suitable for all levels of yoga experience, as she offers cues to follow your body's natural rhythms, strengths, and boundaries. We will move through a slow flow, and then complete our practice with gentle postures and stillness. Miles' music is live-composed using their unique multi-instrumental analog looping rig to create ambient soundscapes that support the important work happening in the room. Together Miles and Laura create an immersive experience that engages your outward senses while fostering a deep self-connection through guided movement and breath. This class usually happens monthly on the fourth Tuesday at the Substation in Roslindale. Miles and Laura are very excited to be able to present it here at The Foundry!

12:00 pm - 2:00 pm: How to Make the Perfect Empanada - Valientes Bakery

Shop 6 - Red Multi - Suggested for ages 13+

Join Valientes Bakery co-founders, Nahuel, and Adrienne Palomeque to learn the art of making and closing empanadas. Each participant will prepare a vegan empanada dough, select one of three vegetarian fillings, and then we'll practice closing the empanadas. We'll bake the empanadas and then get to taste them together! We'll also have mini beef empanada samples available for participants and other drop-in guests and a survey to select the crowd's favorite vegetarian filling to add to our menu.

12:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Practical Clothing Repairs 101 - Panethnic Pourovers (Wren and Marziel)

Shop 8 - Fiber Arts Workshop - Suggested for ages 13-34

Take mending into your own hands! Learn practical hand-sewing skills to repair clothing and other fabric items, and leave with your own fabric repair kit. Participants should bring clothing or other fabric items in need of mending, as exact content will be tailored to specific mending needs.

12:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Foundry Vendor Market - Foundry Consortium - Drop-in program

STEAM Set - Performance Space and Community Hall

Join us for the first day of our 2025 Festival and our newest Foundry-led vendor fair. Experience live art and purchase items from local artists, makers, and our very own art studio and maker space members. No cover charge to attend! Other free programs will be happening at this time. Scroll through our agenda to find out more.

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm: Build a Vending Machine - Amy Chiu

Shop 6 - Red Multi - Suggested for ages 6-12

Sounds simple, right? What if we could station vending machines in the well-loved nooks and crannies of Cambridge? But, there's a catch - these machines accept anything BUT cash! What would you trade? What's one simple way we can better our city today? Whether you're intrigued by the design mechanics, the potential economic impact on our city, or the possibilities of all the interesting storylines that could take place - join us in building a new kind of vending machine using cardboard and recycled materials. Hosted by a Harvard Ed school x UC Berkeley alum and creative workshop facilitator. Ages 6-12. Zero prep or experience needed. Just show up!

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Crafting Resilience: Exploring Art as a Path to Inner Strength - Richi Childhood Cancer Foundation

Shop 6 - Red Multi - Suggested for ages 13-17

Discover the power of creativity in building resilience in this engaging and hands-on arts and crafts workshop. Designed to inspire self-expression and emotional growth, participants will explore a variety of crafting techniques, including collage-making, painting, and upcycling, while reflecting on personal challenges and triumphs.

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Kathak Dance Demo and Workshop - Anjali Nath - Drop-in program

Shop 11 - Dance Studio - Suggested for ages 6+

Get ready to move and be moved from your eyebrows to your toes! Come experience for yourself the vibrant, fun, and mathematically intricate rhythms and music, the powerful and graceful movements, and subtle to dramatic expression that all leaves together to tell stories through dance.  Come, stomp, count, clap, and vibe with us!  Kathak is an ancient Dance form from northern India that is an amazing vehicle for self-awareness, holistic health, and service to society.  Come experience it for yourself! All ages and abilities are welcome!

3:30 pm - 5:30 pm: CARE NOT COERCION: Anti-Carceral Mental Health Crisis Response - S, Cambridge HEART Responder

When we recognize that someone is experiencing mental distress, we are taught to rely on carceral responses - calling 911 for a wellness check, forcing them into a hospital, or coercing them to do things that they don't want to do. Although these responses are often second-nature, some alternatives do not rely on carceral systems or coercion. In this workshop, we'll explore what these alternatives can look like, and how we can better show up for ourselves and those we are in community with.

5:30 pm - 6:30 pm: Yoga for Inner Strength - All levels - Kat Anderson - Drop-in program

Take stock of your emotional and physical body during this all-levels flow. We will start with a brief warm-up with some intentional breathwork, moving through the flow to cultivate inner fire through longer holds and meditation. Sometimes, you may find that the biggest resistance you face is held within the mind. Other times, you may notice physical resistance leading you to a different posture. In this flow, you are encouraged to let go of the ideas that hold you hostage and simply be present within your mind and body. Modifications will be offered throughout the practice so that everyone can participate safely. Participants should bring their own yoga mat and blocks and dress in comfortable clothing for movement.

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm: Striking the Spring Ox! - Wn Yu, Tao Zheang, and Ava

Shop 6 - Red Multi - Suggested for ages 6+

Celebrate the arrival of spring with Lichun: Exploring the 24 Solar Terms, a hands-on cultural experience that brings ancient wisdom to life! Discover the scientific insights, seasonal customs, and historical tales behind the 24 Solar Terms, one of Chinese civilization's most remarkable inventions. Immerse yourself in the spirit of renewal and creativity with a fun, interactive activity inspired by the 3,000-year-old tradition of "Da Chun Niu" (Striking the Spring Ox)-no real oxen involved! Participants will craft their playful spring ox from yarn, creating a tappable toy to cherish while learning about this timeless cultural treasure.

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm: The Ride Ahead Screening - Boston Center for Independent Living

STEAM Set - Performance Space- Suggested for ages 6+

Come join us for a screening of the film "The Ride Ahead"! Sam Habib, a 20-year-old disabled college student, documents his transition into adulthood while asking important questions to figures such as Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren, and important disability advocates like Judith Heumann. There are two versions of the movie, PG and R-rated (rated R for discussions of sex), so come join the one that you're most comfortable with! There will be time after for independent living vision boarding -- all ages are welcome to create their own vision boards/road maps for their futures! Staff from BCIL will be there to help and answer any questions about Boston Center for Independent Living.

7:30 pm - 8:30 pm: Poetry Games: Creation Through Community Collaboration - Christopher Ryerson

Community Hall - Suggested for ages 6-54

Poetry comes from many places and can serve many uses. But for many simply starting a poem is daunting to the point of feeling impossible. Join the Fabville writing team to play a generative game that will utilize community collaboration to break through the hesitation. We create connections with each other's words and react to these creations to create poetry snippets. You may walk out with the perfect start to your next poem, or simply with a mind well practiced in the art of finding poetry in the world around us! We will run one set of this workshop at the start, and then if everyone feels like they have a handle on the flow, we will make breakout groups who can play as many times as time allows. The resulting words, connections, and responses will be collected into a document for all participants to have after the workshop.

Sunday, February 16, 2025

10:00 am - 11:00 am: Circus Of Frustration: Building Self-Esteem With Silly Failure - Amara Shorts and Haus of Cirque Facilitators

Come get silly with us in an all-ages circus workshop! Ringmaster Amara Shorts (and her circus facilitator friends) will teach the basics of how to juggle and balance, and we promise that the initial frustration is all a part of the plan. We will explore physical comedy with props and improv and loosen up with creative movement exercises, but mostly we will learn that it's still valuable to fail at a new skill on the first try.

10:00 am - 11:00 am: Classical Music Concert for Babies and Parents - Artyh Labs Inc.

Come get silly with us in an all-ages circus workshop! Ringmaster Amara Shorts (and her circus facilitator friends) will teach the basics of how to juggle and balance, and we promise that the initial frustration is all a part of the plan. We will explore physical comedy with props and improv and loosen up with creative movement exercises, but mostly we will learn that it's still valuable to fail at a new skill on the first try.

11:00 am - 12:00 pm: Classical Music Concert for Babies and Parents - Artyh Labs Inc.

Artysh Lab's interactive classical music baby concerts are uniquely designed experiences that combine live music with guided interaction. Led by a dedicated facilitator, these concerts create a welcoming space where babies and their caregivers can explore the joy of music together. Rooted in research on how babies perceive and respond to sound, the program introduces classical music in a way that captivates little ones and nurtures their early cognitive and emotional development.

12:00 pm - 1:30 pm: The History of the Invention of Trinidad and Tobago Steel Pan- An Interactive Workshop - Ulric Johnson - Drop-in program

The steel pan, invented in Trinidad and Tobago, is the only acoustic instrument of the 20th century. During steel pan band performances, participants will be allowed to use different steel pans and instruments.

12:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Resilient Creations - From Scrap to Splendor - Jesse Cannon

Join us for a hands-on workshop where you'll learn how to transform reclaimed and scrap materials into practical, beautiful household items like coasters, cutting boards, and more! In this session, you'll discover how to evaluate the quality of reclaimed materials and how to brainstorm how to make the most from what you have gathered. You will also leave with a unique, custom-made item to take home! This session is for both new and seasoned makers.

12:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Fidget Toys and The Art of Sensation - March Penn - Drop-in program

Create fidget toys using recycled and creative materials and explore sensory experiences! This session emphasizes feeling the nuances and intricacies of self-guided touch. Express the journey of your sensations through visual art and/or poetry, using prompts like, “How would you narrate your day using only sensations?” or “What does feeling your own touch look like?”

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm: Zumba with Shavonne B - Shavonne B - Drop-in program

Join us for a fun-filled 45-minute Zumba class. Shavonne will lead you through an upbeat and soulful class incorporating aerobic exercise and afro-beat and Caribbean-style dance steps that will make you feel empowered and
energized.

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Movement for Bisexual Resilience - Kylie Terra Burnham - Drop-in program

In this session, we'll build community through moving together. We'll start with a brief discussion about resilience, community, and belonging. Afterward, we'll have a guided exploration of elements of movement, based in Viewpoints, an ensemble-building practice used in dance and theatre. No prior dance experience is needed, and, as an improvised practice, movement can easily be adapted based on ability. Wear clothes that you can comfortably move in! Viewpoints work can be cathartic, connecting us to our embodied experience, as well as creating group energy and connection. By building community through movement, I hope to generate a space of togetherness and belonging. A key factor for building resilience for people with marginalized sexualities and genders is having affinity spaces where we feel belonging. In these spaces, we can complete identity development processes for these innate parts of ourselves. Bi, ace, and trans people often do not get this in broader queer spaces, which tend to center on cis gay and lesbian experiences. This workshop centers people under the bi+ umbrella (e.g. all people who experience sexual or romantic attraction regardless of gender, or to both similar and different genders), and is open to anyone who wants to be in community with bi+ people.

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Laughing Through the Pain (Comedy Workshop) - Emily Goldstein - Drop-in program

Are you interested in comedy writing, and/or have you been told that you're funny? Have you wanted to find a way to talk about the heavy stuff that's either happened in your life, or what's going on around the world? Join this standup “traumedy” writing workshop to learn more and walk away with one joke that you feel good about! When it comes to 'traumedy' that covers anything from little 't' to big 'T' “traumedy” across a variety of subjects like health, religion, politics, relationships, etc. No experience is required to attend.

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Speaking of Resilience - TC Squared Theatre Company - Drop-in program

TCSquared Theatre Company's talented playwrights and actors perform selected play excerpts focused on the powerful theme of "Resilience" in our lives. Join us as we spark hope, honor the spirit of perseverance, and strengthen the greater Cambridge community through our words and artistic expression.

3:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Stitching Stories - Create a Community Quilt- Gray Winburne - Drop-in program

Join us in making a community memory quilt! Inspired by renowned artist Faith Ringgold, this workshop will help you make quilt squares that tell a story. Talk about your life and how you've been resilient through the power of fiber arts! In the end, everyone's individual squares will be stitched together to create a comfort for the community. No sewing experience is required, materials will be provided.

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Cumulus, an embodied investigation - Jassi Murad - Urbano Project - Drop-in program

A cumulus is a cloud formation; a collection of water vapor unfolding into and onto itself. In this sensory-based workshop on creative embodiment, guided language, metaphor, and nature speak will invite you and your body to respond and unfold into its ‘path of least resistance' - what you want to become. The search is for space, elevation, and possibility; the workshop is composed of discussion, solitary practices, and group exercises. Come with an open heart and curious mind.

Monday, February 17, 2025

9:00 am - 2:30 pm: STEAM in the Kitchen and Beyond! - Cambridge Camping Association

Join Cambridge Camping's in-person, STEAM-focused cooking program for campers ages 10-14 during February vacation week. Dive into the science, technology, engineering, art, and math of cooking-all ingredients and supplies provided!Participants will experiment with the properties of baking ingredients to figure out how cookies are made, scientifically produce the perfect soft-boiled egg, and use natural fermentation to make bread and churn butter.  These are just some of the experiences middle schoolers will enjoy in this fun filled (and tasty) week. Breakfast and lunch are provided.

11:00 am - 12:00 pm: Inventing Samanta (Our Ray of Hope) - Central Square Theater's Youth Underground - Drop-in program

Central Square Theater is excited to present a performance of "Inventing Samanta (Our Ray of Hope)". In partnership with Lemelson-MIT, playwright Betsy Bard and our resident youth performance ensemble Youth Underground created the original play, "Inventing Samanta (Our Ray of Hope)". The play follows a group of very different high school students coming together to learn about the process and creativity of becoming an inventor and why - despite age, identity, or background - anyone can be an inventor.

12:00 pm - 2:00 pm: The Resilient Power of the Sun and Wind - Climable/Maisy and Jess - Drop-in program

The sun and wind are all around us. What if we could use them to make our communities stronger and healthier? Children and parents are invited to join Climable to learn how the sun's light and the wind's movement are used to create electricity, and how this electricity helps our neighborhoods and cities. Participants ages 6+ can join us to make clean energy models and learn about the electricity that powers our world. Other games will be available as well!

12:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Creative Community Care Jam Session Allegra Fletcher - Drop-in program

Join facilitator Allegra Fletcher for a time of creative community care. We will spend time as a group crafting a community refrain. Following this, attendees are invited to create a response to a prompt in whatever way feels best: voice, movement, visual, etc. Everyone will be invited to share their work in between returns to the community refrain. As time allows, we will end in a free jam session. Feel free to bring a favorite creative outlet to join in the jam, or choose from items provided!

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm: A Ritual to Honor Ambiguous Grief - Miles Wilder and Mandy Hackman - Drop-in program

Ambiguous Loss is a term coined by Dr. Pauline Boss in the 1970's to describe the complicated feelings around loss without closure. Initially meant to refer to the loss of a loved one, we believe that ambiguous loss/ambiguous grief is a concept well suited to tackle other types of loss. Loss of habitat, wildlife, and ecosystems due to climate catastrophe, loss of a version of oneself due to a sudden shift in life path, the tiny "what if's" that gather around us year after year... We believe that building community practices honoring this type of grief, however it is showing up for us, is a key piece to building resiliency for the future laid before us in this time. This workshop will function as a collaborative non-denominational ritual practice which includes elements of live music, movement, spoken word, light writing/journaling, and other interactive practices. Our goal is to provide a space in which we can safely explore this kind of grief in a group setting.Participants are encouraged to bring pillows/blankets/other items which will make sitting on the floor more comfortable. We will not allow anyone in after the first 20 minutes and there will be herbal tea and refreshments at the end of our time together. Your facilitators for this workshop, Mandy and Miles are both longtime artists and grief work practitioners.

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Peace and Punk Patches - Flynn Anderson - Drop-in program

Come prepared to receive free Punk/Peace patches, learn about screen printing patches, and how to support communities and resist oppression with your clothing.

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Supreme Ultimate Fist (Tai Chi Chuan) Open House - Classical Yang Tai Chi Chuan Club of New England - Drop-in program

Drop in to observe or sample a Tai Chi Chuan class. Translated as Supreme Ultimate Fist, Tai Chi Chuan is a martial arts system that results in numerous health benefits like increased core strength, balance, and over body resilience. The Classical Yang Tai Chi Chuan Club of NE is dedicated to preserving the traditional, classical method of teaching the art, which has survived several familial generations and through rebellions and government upheavals. The classical method uniquely focuses on the martial aspects first and foremost, with the wellness benefits resulting from that focus as opposed to being the primary focus. Class is taught in a group setting, but instruction is provided 1-on-1, enabling a drop-in-drop-out class format.

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Creating a Stigma-Free Zone - Caroline Whiddon, Eileen Yarrison, and members of the Me2 Flute Choir

Join the dynamic Me2 Flute Choir for great music and a discussion about creating a Stigma-Free Zone in your life. Do you know how to support the people in your life who have mental health issues? Are you creating a space that helps them to feel empowered and celebrated? Listen to some great music while considering these questions and more. We anticipate a lively QandA session!

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

11:00 am - 12:00 pm: Inventing Samanta (Our Ray of Hope)  - Central Square Theater's Youth Underground - Drop-in program

Central Square Theater is excited to present a performance of "Inventing Samanta (Our Ray of Hope)". In partnership with Lemelson-MIT, playwright Betsy Bard and our resident youth performance ensemble Youth Underground created the original play, "Inventing Samanta (Our Ray of Hope)". The play follows a group of very different high school students coming together to learn about the process and creativity of becoming an inventor and why - despite age, identity, or background - anyone can be an inventor.

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Japanese Origami Table - The Japan Society of Boston - Drop-in program

Learn how to make two fun origami designs with the Japan Society of Boston to celebrate our theme of resilience. We will be folding lotus flowers, which are known to bloom beautifully from dark and murky waters, a popular Eastern representation of strength, resilience, and overcoming adversity. Our second design is daruma - Japanese Buddhist dolls that are symbols of perseverance and good fortune in our goals.

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Savoring the Tea in Quiet - karen Krolak

Have you ever noticed the silence hiding in resilience? Drawing from Monkeyhouse's Geochoreography practice, Six people are invited to join karen Krolak for a quiet tea party at Twilight. There will be art supplies and reading materials for parallel play as we silently savor tea in a handmade kulhad. Please register in advance so that we can learn about any allergies or access accommodations that participants have. Guests are free to come and go as needed during the workshop.

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Threads of RESILIENCE - HELP by AMG

The "Threads of Resilience" workshop series is a hands-on program designed to inspire creativity, promote sustainability, and strengthen community connections through the art of clothing repurposing. This program empowers participants to transform pre-loved garments into unique and functional creations, blending practical skill-building with artistic expression. Participants will learn basic and advanced sewing techniques, garment mending, and upcycling methods, with access to sewing machines, sergers, and embroidery equipment. The workshop emphasizes the importance of sustainability by encouraging the reduction of textile waste and fostering an appreciation for resourcefulness. Through guided activities, participants can personalize their creations with fabric paints, stencils, embroidery, and decorative notions, culminating in a showcase where they share the stories and inspirations behind their designs. By connecting personal creativity with shared experiences, the program highlights resilience as an essential quality for individuals and communities alike. Hosted by HELP by AMG, a nonprofit committed to empowering communities through inclusive and sustainable initiatives, this workshop aligns with its mission to help everyone live prosperously.

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Line Dancing Through Time: LGBTQ+ Resilience - 617 Country

When uncertainty feels overwhelming, many of us turn to one thing that unites us across it all: dance. Country dancing and cowboy culture hold a rich and vibrant history within the queer community, a connection that's seen a beautiful resurgence in recent years. From line dancing to partner dancing, these traditions bring people together in an increasingly unique way. Join us for this workshop hosted by 617 Country, where we'll dive into the heart of queer country dance culture with three engaging lessons: a partner dance and two line dances. Together, we'll explore choreography that has withstood the test of time, honoring the roots of traditional country western dancing, as well as newer variations that highlight the style's evolution. These dances are designed to be inclusive of various ages and mobility levels. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a first-timer, all bodies and identities are welcome here! This is more than a dance workshop-it's a celebration of resilience, joy, and self-expression. Step onto the floor, feel the music, and let's honor the past while dancing toward the future-together.

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm: Build with the Power of Plants - Project Leafcare LLC

We will explore a variety of topics on plant design, greenhouses, and the human and plant connection. Take home a plant of your own and learn how you can spread the power of plants!

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

10:00 am - 11:30 am: Live Music Yoga Flow - Laura Charles and Miles Wilder - Drop-in program

Join Miles Wilder and Laura Charles for a very special Live Music Yoga Flow at the Foundry Festival! Laura guides you through a creative, slow flow practice accompanied by Miles' live improvised music. This is an all-levels class that will be focused on restorative body grounding and connection. Laura's teaching style is suitable for all levels of yoga experience, as she offers cues to follow your body's natural rhythms, strengths, and boundaries. We will move through a slow flow, and then complete our practice with gentle postures and stillness. Miles' music is live-composed using their unique multi-instrumental analog looping rig to create ambient soundscapes that support the important work happening in the room. Together Miles and Laura create an immersive experience that engages your outward senses while fostering a deep self-connection through guided movement and breath. This class usually happens monthly on the fourth Tuesday at the Substation in Roslindale. Miles and Laura are very excited to be able to present it here at The Foundry!

10:00 am - 12:00 pm: Smarter Together: On Tech, Community and Connection - Joint Family

Are you curious, creative, or simply looking to connect? Join us for a hands-on gathering where we'll explore how emerging technologies, like Artificial Intelligence, are shaping our daily lives- regardless of whether we use it or not. We'll share practical tips on how you can protect yourself from risks such as online scams, voice cloning, and AI-enabled fraud while working together to spot fake content. Through real-world examples, we'll learn about how this technology can impact all of us and why YOU need to be a part of the conversation. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or simply curious, this is your chance to share your concerns, gain insights, and connect with others in your community. All ages and levels of familiarity are welcome!

11:00 am - 2:00 pm: Collaging LGBTQ+ Protest, Love, and Joy - Kimm Topping - Drop-in program

Join us for a creative, hands-on workshop where we'll explore the power of art as protest and celebration. In this drop-in session, we'll use historic LGBTQ+ protest imagery as a foundation for creating our own collages. Through the lens of resistance, we'll focus on the themes of love and joy as essential forms of protest-because our joy and love are radical acts in a world that often demands we fight for them.

12:00 pm - 2:00 pm: The Heroes We Need Now: Design Your Monument! - Nicole Stone - Drop-in program

Have you ever wanted to make art that spreads joy in a big way? Do you want to lift up your voice to celebrate kindness, diversity, or doing good? In this kids and teens workshop, you'll design a monument celebrating your local heroes! This could be someone you know well or someone you admire in your community. Explore a variety of art materials and develop design strategies to bring your ideas to life. We'll provide art supplies like stencils, drawing tools, stamps, and colorful collage materials. Plus, you'll get to meet the artist and teacher behind the “Monument Project” prints, which were on display at the O'Neill Library in January. This opportunity is for the beginner through mature art makers. Submit your design to contribute to the effort to uplift Cambridge!

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Sing and Connect! Playful Vocal Improv - Lynn Rosenbaum - Drop-in program

Sing and connect with others through playful improvisation! Through creative and fun games, we will build a circle of song. By playing with melodies, harmonies, and rhythms and actively listening to one another, we will create amazing, original music. Our voices and our bodies are the only instruments! Appropriate for all levels of musical experience - including none at all. Lynn Rosenbaum is a facilitator with CircleSinging Boston and has studied and performed music, improvisation, and dance for over 30 years. She has been a frequent soloist with the Mystic Chorale, sang with the Boston Pops Gospel Choir, and played with the School of Honk. She has a Masters degree in Education and has taught children and adults of all ages, building community through music-making and play.

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm: The Value of Repair: A Visible Mending Workshop - Maggie Ruth Haaland

In this two-hour workshop, we will learn the basics of visible clothing repair and practice slowing down in a gentle and fun container. As we seek to build a more sustainable world, taking care of our ripped and torn clothing can be an important and empowering step in shifting our relationship to what we already have. Visible mending is the process of not only fixing the hole but weaving beautiful colors and patterns into the repair. Together, we will learn and practice from the very beginning- from threading the needle to learning a few basic stitches and then will put it all together in a practice mend. Participants are invited to bring an item in need of repair, and we will spend the second half of class putting what we learned to good use.

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Redesigning Cambridge: For Kids, By Kids (and Maybe Some Adults) - Amy Chiu

What would happen if a BUNCH of us (currently strangers, soon-to-be-very-good-friends) put our heads together to reimagine Cambridge? From tiny moments to the entire neighborhood - consider the course of your day as you spend it through the city. How can we make it just a little greener, inclusive...fun? For yourself? For others? Whether it's a popup reading spot, mobile library bus, community kitchen, city mascot (aside from the Cantabridgian turkey), or deeper, systemic change - let's brainstorm how we can build better in the place we call home, using cardboard and recycled materials! Hosted by a Harvard Ed school x UC Berkeley alum and creative workshop facilitator. Zero prep or experience is needed- just show up!

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Make Natural Clay Paint from Scratch - Biolithic Builds

"Regular" paint is liquid plastic mixed with VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). Did you know you can make paint from natural, sustainable, local materials? At this workshop, you'll learn to turn Boston clay, sand, pigments and natural binders into a safe, zero-VOC paint suitable for walls and art. Participants will take home new knowledge and experience, as well as a small sample of their own homemade paint.

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Yoga as an Act of Resilience: Ancient Practices for Modern Times - Margaux Bertola

Join Margaux-certified holistic nurse, yoga teacher and reiki practitioner for an hour of utilizing Yoga and Yogic philosophy to support your selfhood. For the first few minutes, participants will be asked to formulate an intention for their practice. Afterwards, Margaux will guide participants in a 45 minute Gentle Yoga flow by candle light that will cultivate a balanced nervous system. Each participant will walk away with a template on how to start a personal yoga practice at home that supports not only their physical well being, but allows them to maintain and foster resilience off their mats. Open to all levels and bodies, comfortable clothing encouraged, yoga mats provided.

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm: Compost Chemistry: Turn Science Into Art! - Saskia VannJames - Drop-in program

Get ready to mix science with art in this fun, hands-on workshop! You'll learn how to compost by adding colorful pieces to a big mural that shows the perfect mix of "browns" (things like dried leaves) and "greens" (like food scraps). Together, we'll make a giant, eye-catching display that shows the right balance for great compost. Best of all, the mural will be part of Saturday's showcase for everyone to see. Come join us and turn learning about composting into an exciting art project!

Thursday, February 20, 2025

10:00 am - 12:00 pm: Improv Adventures for Families! - The Nova Comedy Collective - Drop-in program

Bring the whole family along as we dive into the imaginative world of improvisational theater! In this workshop, we'll explore all the ways improv allows our ideas to come to life. We'll be playing whimsical theatre games, meeting wacky characters, and acting out scenes - all without a script. In this Improv Adventures workshop, playing pretend is for all ages! This program will include a break halfway through, and is structured with accessibility in mind.

11:00 am - 12:30 pm: Cook with 5 Ingredients or Less (5I) - Session 1

Learn to cook delicious and fun dishes with simple and accessible 5 ingredients or less. This workshop will focus on seasonal foods. No prior cooking skills required~ just a willingness to have fun with food and others.

12:30 pm - 2:00 pm: Cook with 5 Ingredients or Less (5I) - Session 2

Learn to cook delicious and fun dishes with simple and accessible 5 ingredients or less. This workshop will focus on seasonal foods. No prior cooking skills required~ just a willingness to have fun with food and others.

11:00 am - 2:00 pm: If at first you don't succeed- you learn a lot - JOYweavers - Drop-in program

Come explore different STEAM challenges- some easy, some harder-all meant for participants to have fun and to problem solve.

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm: “Bead Therapy” - Expressive Arts Workshop - ZMakesBeads L.L.C.

Bead Therapy is an expressive arts workshop that teaches participants the basics of beaded jewelry making and the difference between semi-precious stones and precious stones. Over the years, bead therapy workshops have been a constant source of tranquility, creative expression, and exploration in a society that encourages the opposite. Many of the people who come to these workshops have and continue to rerun and have enjoyed it as a constant and third space to simply be present. Being present in one's creative expression is an act of resilience!

2:00 am - 4:00 pm: Going on a Snail Walk - Kate Estrop - Drop-in program

Did you know there are tiny wonders and creatures waiting for you to notice them right in your own neighborhood, even in the winter? The secret to noticing them is to slow down. In “Going on A Snail Walk,” I'll show you what I've seen from my own neighborhood and give you some tips on how to spot your own wonders. Then, weather permitting, we'll take a short walk to see what we can spot and come back together in the classroom to discuss and share.

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Unleash Your Inner Chess Champion - ChessMathLab - Drop-in program

Join ChessMathLab's free, fun-filled chess teaching event at the culture festival! Led by a chess National Master and top high school players, this two-hour interactive session is perfect for young beginners eager to explore the exciting world of chess. Adults are welcome to join the fun too! Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned player, stop by for some casual chess play and a great time. All chess sets will be provided, so just bring your enthusiasm!

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Design for Community: Building Resilient Experiences - Ciaran Crawley and Steph Orme

In this workshop you will be equipped to tackle problems in the community with empathy, and use design thinking to build resilient solutions. The workshop will open with a brief introduction to the concept of "resiliency," followed by break-out groups for an activity and discussion focused on how to utilize the principles such as empathy, inclusivity, and community ownership in design and research to empower the communities we build for. All materials will be provided.

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Name Your Street: Neighborhood Acrostic Poems - Heather Nelson - Drop-in program

The streets we live on have a name, but not the name we, its inhabitants give it! Using the names of the streets we live on as scaffolding, we will write acrostic poems that describe and enliven our street names with our own experiences and history there. Long-term residents of a neighborhood may write two street name poems to reflect their neighborhood's changes over time. Newer residents may pair their current street name with a street they used to live on to highlight continuity and difference in neighborhoods and experiences.

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Welcome Blanket Craft Along - karen Krolak

Do you think that the world could use a little more warmth and comfort these days? Are you a crafter who would like to improvise with us as we collaborate on some Welcome Blankets? Whether you like to knit, crochet, embroider, sew, upcycle, etc, we will have supplies and space to start joining forces on Welcome Blankets to give to newcomers to our country. In this two-hour session, we may not create a whole blanket but karen Krolak will take all the sections home or to other Make Alongs to finish. Feel free to bring in something that you have started or any fun supplies you would like to add to the mix. Welcome Blanket is a platform for engagement that transforms the abstract concept of immigration into a tangible crowd-sourced artistic action. We ask you to use your head, heart, hands, and histories to craft the country we wish to see. Handcraft makers are invited to make Welcome Blankets. They include notecards with stories important to their families about immigration/migration/relocation to create symbolic and practical gifts of welcome for new refugees coming to the United States. These gifts are collected, cataloged, and displayed at art institutions and exhibitions. During these exhibits, we create spaces to amplify the message of welcome by hosting craft circles, performances, discussions, forums, and legal assistance for immigrants.

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm: Contemporary Explorations - Jennifer Kuhnberg

Do you love contemporary dance and introspective movement that lights up your creativity? Come learn soulful and expansive choreography set to "Every Age" by Jacob Banks that explores the Foundry Festival theme of resilience. This class is for adults and will be taught at an intermediate level, but dancers of all experience levels are invited to join!

Friday, February 21, 2025

10:00 am - 11:00 am: Unmasking Resilience- How We Survive Turbulent Times - Trinette McDowell

This workshop discusses the many facets of resilience and how it manifests in the personal, daily lives of the members of society. The participants will be making a mask or self-portrait with upcycled and recycled materials.

10:00 am - 12:00 pm: Comfort Cups Cooking Demonstration - STEP Nation Inc.

Join us for a cooking demonstration of "Comfort Cups" - sweet potato cornbread muffins inspired by African American history. Learn to bake these versatile treats that showcase resourcefulness and creativity.

10:00 am - 12:00 pm: Threads Of LEGACY - STEP Nation Inc.

Threads of Legacy is a vibrant sewing community that brings people together to create meaningful events supporting STEP Nation Inc. Through workshops like Patches of Pain and Christmas On The Block, participants upcycle and revamp used items, offering a creative escape and social therapy. This program fosters community engagement, cultural stimulation, and healing through crafting. We will be making aprons and pillows.

11:00 am - 11:30 am: Story Time with Cambridge Public Library - Cambridge Public Library

Join us for 30 minutes of stories and songs. Recommended for youth ages five and younger and their caregivers.

11:00 am - 12:00 pm: Mindfulness in Movements - Art of Mindfulness Foundation - Drop-in program

Take a moment to slow down, pause, and relax in mindfulness practices. Connect with yourself and others in a mindful way, a deep and authentic way. This is a space of no mistakes, non-judgment, and radical acceptance.  We are here to connect with you through laughter, movements, and improvisation.

11:00 am - 1:00 pm: Design Your Own Upcycled Earrings/Accessory! - Emily Seaman - Drop-in program

In this workshop, you'll learn how to use recycled, reclaimed and thrifted materials to design your own eco-friendly earrings. (If you don't have your ears pierced, you're welcome to come design clip-on earrings or another type of accessory!) By upcycling materials collected from our communities, we can keep plastic out of landfills and create accessories that are more ethically and sustainably made, when compared to most mass-produced fashion items. Join us to try your hand at jewelry design, play with how you express yourself, and leave with an accessory that helps showcase your own unique interests and style

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm: Your Authentic Movement/Dance - Ynav Avlis

A guided movement/dance workshop to connect to your true body movements. Embody your playful and childlike self. Learn the art of authenticity with self and others through movement/dance. No previous dance experience is required - just a curious heart and body.

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Rise and Bloom: A Seed Bomb Workshop - Rooting For You - Drop-in program

Celebrate resilience by crafting your own seed bombs-tiny bundles of soil, clay, and seeds that, like us, are designed to rise and bloom even in the toughest conditions. Using cookie cutters, lollipop sticks, and more, participants of all ages can create and decorate seed bombs to grow wildflowers that support pollinators like bees and butterflies. This hands-on activity is the perfect way to connect with nature, embrace growth, and celebrate the power to rise and thrive.

3:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Dancing History Through Poetry - Alexandria Nunweiler - Drop-in program

Utilizing the little-known Henry Longfellow's poem "The Skeleton in Armor" as a guide, this workshop peels apart art and history through dance, providing a space to experience a creative practice first-hand. Together we will ponder how art preserves history, create new movement phrases inspired by poetry, and ultimately uncover who and what is being left out.

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Threads of RESILIENCE - HELP by AMG

The "Threads of Resilience" workshop series is a hands-on program designed to inspire creativity, promote sustainability, and strengthen community connections through the art of clothing repurposing. This program empowers participants to transform pre-loved garments into unique and functional creations, blending practical skill-building with artistic expression. Participants will learn basic and advanced sewing techniques, garment mending, and upcycling methods, with access to sewing machines, sergers, and embroidery equipment. The workshop emphasizes the importance of sustainability by encouraging the reduction of textile waste and fostering an appreciation for resourcefulness. Through guided activities, participants can personalize their creations with fabric paints, stencils, embroidery, and decorative notions, culminating in a showcase where they share the stories and inspirations behind their designs. By connecting personal creativity with shared experiences, the program highlights resilience as an essential quality for individuals and communities alike. Hosted by HELP by AMG, a nonprofit committed to empowering communities through inclusive and sustainable initiatives, this workshop aligns with its mission to help everyone live prosperously.

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm: Cuban Style Dancing - Boston Rueda - Drop-in program

Welcome to Boston Rueda and come join our community! We dance Rueda de Casino (a form of Cuban Salsa) in Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, and beyond. Rueda is a group dance involving the changing of partners while dancing to Cuban and other salsa music. We have created and grown a diverse and inclusive community that aims to welcome everyone to join us in dance.

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm: The Friendship Affair: A Mixer and Market - Sustainable Swaps - Drop-in program

Join us for "The Friendship Affair" a vibrant networking event designed to celebrate the resilience of friendships and help you form new, meaningful connections. Whether you're a creative, a maker, or someone looking to meet like-minded individuals, this event is the perfect opportunity to connect in a fun and engaging atmosphere. Explore our mixer and market, where local vendors will inspire collaboration through interactive activities like community art projects, a Polaroid photo station, caricature drawings, and sustainable arts and clothing. Break the ice with mini-games designed to spark conversations and new friendships, all while enjoying the backdrop of a live DJ set to keep the energy high. Come ready to connect, create, and build lasting relationships in a space where community thrives.

Saturday, February 22, 2025

-Session 1
9:00 am - 9:30 am: Intro to Eco-Friendly Sewing: Reusable Wipes - Elodie

-‍Session 2
9:30 am - 10:00 am: Intro to Eco-Friendly Sewing: Reusable Wipes - Elodie

-Session 3
10:00 am - 10:30 am: Intro to Eco-Friendly Sewing: Reusable Wipes - Elodie

-Session 4
10:30 am - 11:00 am: Intro to Eco-Friendly Sewing: Reusable Wipes - Elodie

Discover in a 30-minute workshop how sewing everyday accessories can have an impact on reducing our waste. Each participant will be able to sew their own reusable wipes (up to three). Accepting a future in which environmental issues will be a real challenge is also a form of resilience. We'll be using second-hand fabric!

10:00 am - 11:00 am: Yoga for Resilience: How to Bend, Not Break - Rae Estapa

More to Love Yoga is a one-of-a-kind movement experience. This session is a restorative yet empowering yoga class designed to release stress in body and mind. With a focus on building resilience, we'll practice gentle stretches and mindful breath work to help you develop the flexibility to adapt to life's challenges. Whether you're looking to recover from stress or simply recharge, this session provides a supportive environment for self-care. All bodies and experiences are welcome. Join us for a rejuvenating practice that encourages resilience, balance, and a deeper connection to yourself.

12:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Showcasing Resilience: Our 2025 Foundry Festival Celebration - The Foundry Consortium

Join us in our performance space to learn from Foundry partners about the programs they ran during our Festival, what resilience means to them, and how their larger work centers resilience. There will be time after to connect with each other and help us celebrate the last day of this big week!

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Unmasking Resilience- How We Survive Turbulent Times - Trinette McDowell

This workshop discusses the many facets of resilience and how it manifests in the personal, daily lives of the members of society. The participants will be making a mask or self-portrait with upcycled and recycled materials.

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Climate Storytelling - Our Climate - Drop-in program

We aim to use our narratives to effectively communicate the complexities of climate change in ways that resonate both emotionally and intellectually. This approach will also create a welcoming space for others to join the conversation, share their personal experiences, and express their thoughts on climate change.

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Weave with Us! - Sarah Wharton and Jesse Chang - Drop-in program

Calling all crafters! Join us to experience weaving on a variety of looms. Participants will also receive a mini loom to play with and take home. Great for absolute beginners and fiber fiends. Kids and adults are all welcome!

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Movement, Rhythm and Voice - Sophie and Matt

Come as you are, and let the rhythm move you! With live drumming, we'll tap into the healing energy of rhythm and allow our bodies and voices to flow freely, releasing tension and building resilience. This workshop is a space for you to connect with yourself and others in a supportive, creative environment. Everyone is welcome. Let's build resilience together, one beat at a time.

Date: February 15 - 22, 2025

Location: The Foundry, 101 Rogers St, Cambridge, MA 02142

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