ArtsXchange embraces Refugee Women's Network on recent visit

A group from the Refugee Women's Network toured ArtsXchange June 28.

By Faheem Jivani | ArtsXchange

In keeping with part of our vision to brings cultures together through art and celebrate global communities, ArtsXchange was happy to welcome the Refugee Women's Network for a visit on Saturday June 28.

The visitors consisted of refugees from Sudan and their mentors. During their day at ArtsXchange, the group had the opportunity to engage their creative curiosities through participation in a variety of activities including a drum circle, visiting the various studio artists, and a beaded jewelry making activity.

The visit started with the group touring the current Jack Sinclair Gallery exhibit, Journey of the Spirit, which features the work of multidimensional artists Sean Haynes. They explored the gallery, looking at the different pieces and discussing them with one another. The group then learned and participated in a drum circle activity with Wise Mingo, creative director of I Am Arts, which has two studios at ArtsXchange. The group was able to learn how to play and jam out with Djembe drums (a hand instrument); Dununba (the "Mother" drum, using sticks), Sangban (the "Father" drum, using sticks), Kinkene (the "Baby" drum, using sticks), Cow Bell, and Maraca. After this activity, the group went on to tour the other studios present at the ArtsXChange, including viewing the works of Kenneth Zakee, Tafawa Hicks, Myriam Dondzina, Lisa Tuttle, Jim Alexander, and the Champion Youth Entrepreneurs For Agriculture. The group also made beaded bracelets with Sister Shaman, creating their own unique art pieces to take home, and concluded with some time to look around the Fresh Oasis Community Garden to try some of the fruits that were being grown.