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Join the Mana Contemporary Chicago community for a day of socially-distanced public programs. Throughout the day, visitors will experience different expressions from notable artists, activists, and organizations focusing on the theme of resource use and reuse. Enjoy and experience a wide range of free programs including interactive workshops, activities, and art installations.

Following Chicago’s reopening guidelines, capacity will be limited to 50 guests at a given time. Most activations will take place in open air spaces with socially-distanced capacity at each station, with few indoor projects limited to five guests at a time. All visitors are required to check-in upon arrival, wear masks, and observe social distancing at all times when on Mana Contemporary’s property and in the building.

12–1PM
PAPERMAKING DEMONSTRATION WITH DEEP TIME CHICAGO AND TAMARA BECERRA VALDEZ

Using collected and recycled paper waste, seeds, and plant matter, join artist Tamara Becerra Valdez with Deep Time Chicago for a papermaking demonstration. Participants will produce paper sheets and forms from paper trash material and cotton supply.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own work gloves, notebook, and wear comfortable clothing and waterproof shoes for this activity.

12–2:30PM
INDIGO TRANSPLANTING WORKSHOP WITH CATHY HSIAO

Artist Cathy Hsiao will demonstrate a short planting session of indigo from seed and explore the life cycle, chemistry, and history of indigo blue. Participants will learn plant and growing tips, and be able to safely pick up free seedlings to take for replanting in their own garden beginning at 12pm. The planting session will take place 2–2:30pm.

Participation is limited to 15 people for this activity.

12–4PM
DIY CREATIVE REUSE DEMONSTRATIONS WITH CREATIVE CHICAGO REUSE EXCHANGE

Creative Chicago Reuse Exchange (CCRx) aims to educate and empower the public to reduce waste, rethink surplus, and share. CCRx volunteers have designed and assembled several different kits for individual DIY activities. The kits appeal to a range of ages and interests, using materials donated to their warehouse and encouraging the use of found materials too.

Limited seating is available for this activity.

12–4PM
STEM-AND-REPEAT INSTALLATION PRESENTED BY FULL SPECTRUM FEATURES

In the spirit of material reuse, film producer Grace Hahn (Princess Cyd, Once Upon a River) presents an interactive and compostable floral installation based on a red carpet classic: the step-and-repeat. Guests will be invited to take photos with the installation and participate in an open dialogue about sustainability in the film industry.

Full Spectrum Features is a non-profit organization committed to driving equity in the independent film industry by producing, exhibiting, and supporting the work of women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ filmmakers. They aim to educate the public about important social and cultural issues, utilizing the power of cinema to foster understanding in our communities.

12–4PM
BETTER OR EQUAL USE DEMONSTRATION WITH JONAS BECKER

Jonas Becker will be presenting works from his current series Better or Equal Use, a series of photographs that use coal dust to depict redevelopment projects—including prisons, strip malls, and golf courses—on former mining sites in Appalachia. Rendered using coal drawn from each site, the images highlight cycles of extraction, from mining to incarceration and consumerism.

Becker will have work from the series on view, as well as work prints, coal and other material he uses to make these prints. Live streaming on an adjacent monitor, Becker will be producing new prints live from his darkroom at Mana Contemporary.

Five guests will be permitted to view this activity at one time.

12–4PM
PERRO CALL TO ACTION

PERRO stands for Pilsen Environmental Rights and Reform Organization, a grassroots community group of Pilsen residents that formed in 2004 to fight the disproportionate amount of pollution in the Pilsen neighborhood. PERRO will share information on the city of Chicago’s new initiatives for dealing with lead contamination from the city’s lead water service lines. Guests will learn health and development risks posed by lead and the city’s lead water pipes, as well as the city-assisted options for lead service line replacement.

Five guests will be permitted to enter at one time.

3–4PM
MUSICAL PERFORMANCE BY BROTHER EL

Lional ‘Brother El’ Freeman is a composer, multidisciplinary creative, and educator. He constantly pushes boundaries. Raised in the hip hop aesthetic and DIY movement, his creative practice is a convergence of arts, education and wellness.

Official Website

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Tags: beate geissler, Brother El, Cathy Hsiao, Chicago, DEEP TIME Chicago, Grace Hahn, Jonas Becker, Lower West Side, Mana Contemporary, Material Reuse Community Event, Stella Brown, Tamara Becerra Valdez