Artist Gym

Story House Ithaca and OJI:SDA’ Sustainable Indigenous Futures are pleased to present Artist Gym, an innovative workshop that uses arts-based exercises to inspire creative connection. Led by theater artist Sarah Plotkin and photographer Tahila Mintz, we’ll move, create visual art, improvise, and write in a fun, supportive environment. Everyone is welcome!

Tahila is an Indigenous Yaqui and Jewish woman and founder and executive director of OJI:SDA’ Sustainable Indigenous Futures. She works across multiple platforms and organizations to amplify the voices of Indigenous people and the natural world. Sarah founded Artist Gym and has run dozens of sessions in New York and Boston. Last November, she facilitated the first-ever Artist Gym in Ithaca.

This session explores reflection and connection. How do we clear the mind and center ourselves as we move through transitions? What is the role of light, water, and other elements in our experience of self-reflection and community connection? 

You don't need to have participated in the first session to take part in this one. Enrollment is limited, so please register as soon as possible to let us know you plan to come. There's no fee, but donations will be welcome.

Artist Gym is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants program from the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the office of the Governor and NYS Legislature, and from Tompkins County, administered by the Community Arts Partnership of Tompkins County.

FAQ

Who is this workshop for?

Anyone who is interested in creative exploration and collaboration! We welcome folks with or without artistic training. You just need to be ready to play and explore!

What will we do during the workshop? What should I expect?

Tahila and Sarah will lead the group through a series of arts-based exercises that allow us to investigate the theme of reflection. There will be introductions, a warm-up activity, guided discussions, and hands-on exercises rooted in visual art-making, movement, writing, and more.

Who are the facilitators?

Sarah Plotkin is a theater maker, educator, and cultural worker. She collaborates with community artists and professional artists of all ages to create and celebrate connection across divides. In her hometown of Ithaca, she has directed and taught with the Kitchen Theatre Company,  The Cherry Arts, the Hangar Theatre, Civic Ensemble, CSMA, Lehman Alternative Community School, and others. More at http://www.sarahplotkin.com/

Tahila Mintz is a photographer and founder and executive director of OJI:SDA’ Sustainable Indigenous Futures. She works across multiple platforms and organizations to amplify the voices of Indigenous people and the natural world. She has been photographing for more than 20 years around the world and has lived and worked throughout the Americas, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.