SUNY Fredonia will present a special workshop series called Faces of Peace that 鈥渂rings together peace-making with mask-making鈥 on Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1 in rooms 320 and 321 of the Rockefeller Arts Center.
Faces of Peace will consist of four interactive workshops presented by local artist and activist Valerie Walawender, who is noted for her nationally recognized diversity and peace-making program.
Co-organized by SUNY Fredonia Psychology Professor Bruce Klonsky, the workshops are the final event in the 2010-11 Convocation Series, Faces and Phases of Creativity, as well as a continuation of the campus鈥 Healing Arts programs.
Faces of Peace will explore using and making masks as a means of reaching positive, constructive goals such as self discovery and personal growth. The masks are used to spark creativity, humor, safe expression of feelings and increased understanding which will result in inner and societal peace.
The April 30 workshops will begin with a role-play and discussion program, 鈥淓xploring Faces of Peace,鈥 from 9 a.m. to noon. A second program, 鈥淒imensions of Identity,鈥 will follow from 1 to 4 p.m., during which participants will create their masks. On May 1 the workshops begin with 鈥淭ransformational Masks鈥 from 9 a.m. to noon and 鈥淐reating Self鈥 from 1 to 4 p.m., which both consist of mask making.
The events are free and open to the public. The workshop sizes are limited, so those interested must pre-register by calling 716-673-3129 or e-mailing Sharon Markham.
鈥淢asks are such a great way for an individual to discover aspects of one鈥檚 self,鈥 says Walawender. 鈥淲e are always wearing masks in our various roles and relationships with others. It鈥檚 very freeing to make and wear masks that go outside our everyday identity. You can really expand your personal boundaries in ways you鈥檇 never expect. This series will be fun and an opportunity for people to look at themselves and their own place in personal and social peace-making.鈥
For more information, contact Dr. Klonsky.
