From the 1st to 8th March York International Women’s Week is hosting a week of exhibitions, films, talks, workshops, dancing, tea & chats – and much more. There are over 60 events, most in step-free venues, many free, some fundraising, a few online.
On Saturday 7th March, York Steiner School is hosting a day of workshops and an exhibition. The day, entitled 'Women and Waldorf - a day of craft, community and connection', is led by women within our school community, and includes crafting and art workshops, an all day exhibition and a singing circle. Details of the event and booking links are below.
Crafting, arts and singing are all activities that nurture emotional well-being, foster community, and support physical and cognitive development. As activities, they form part of the everyday experience of the children learning in our school. Many in our wider community thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to work in these ways together, as volunteers, in our Parent and Child groups or just as friends.[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="10" gal_title="YIWW 7th March"]We asked the women who are helping to shape this event what they think about the activities they are leading and why they’re keen to share the day with women across the city.
Craft and Connect: 10.00-12.00 pre booking essential: https://bit.ly/3MZVSBv (limited places).
This workshop is being led by Angela, a long standing member of the York Steiner School community and Parent & Child leader. Crafting with parents whilst their young children enjoy free play is a much enjoyed feature of our Parent and Child groups. Angela said:
“Crafting, making and creating with our hands, has long been known for its wellbeing benefits. When we come together to craft in Parent and Child groups, it gives the adults time and space for making connections and exploring shared interests. We find that many in our groups build friendships and this fosters support for one another and combats isolation. We find these connections last way beyond the life of the group, and some go on to develop other shared craft projects.”
This workshop will give women attending the chance to connect whilst enjoying simple crafts, tea and cake and a guided relaxation.
Time to Draw: 12.30-14.00: pre booking essential: https://bit.ly/4spUzvG (limited places)
This workshop is led by Fiona, a teacher at York Steiner School and former winner of the Pearson teaching awards, Teacher of the Year. Fiona has led the development of a new art studio in school, giving the older children in particular an opportunity to develop larger art projects and experience the feel of working in a studio style space. Fiona said:
“A regular drawing practice offers women significant mental, emotional and cognitive benefits and is an easy and accessible way to reduce stress and develop mindfulness. Drawing provides a unique opportunity for self-expression and can act as an emotional outlet.During this short workshop, we will explore some simple activities, which women may easily be able to continue with at home, concentrating on relaxation and the building of a supportive community!”
Bookings for these workshops are live until all places are taken or the evening of Friday 6th March, whichever is soonest.
Exhibition ‘Weaving Women’s Stories’-10.00-15.00, open to all, no booking required
This exhibition is being led by Vikki, a parent in school who also volunteers for the School allotment group. The exhibition will showcase art, crafts, words and vegetables! Vikki said:
"I really enjoy being part of the school’s allotment group. Our work on the school allotment allows us to nurture a space for the children to work and learn in a natural environment. We model caring for the Earth and growing produce to share with our community.The children very much enjoy the hard work of keeping an allotment, a lot of digging! And they learn all about where food comes from and gain so much satisfaction from eating and sharing food that they have had a hand in growing themselves. For me, and the other women I volunteer with, working on the allotment fulfills a deep-rooted need to work the earth and be among nature.”
The exhibition is open all day and Vikki and other women from the community will be around to chat too.
Song circle: 14.00-15.00 no booking required
The song circle is led by Rachel, a parent and volunteer at school who leads many choirs, including our school choir. The song circle will be opened with a performance by one of Rachel’s adult choirs, followed by an opportunity to join in. Rachel said:
“Singing can lift your well-being, and singing in a group can inspire feelings of connection and bonding, even when you don’t know each other. If you’ve not done it before, it can be nerve wracking to join in, but we’re really hoping that you will!”
All of the events are FREE but donations welcomed for our chosen women’s charities, KYRA www.kyra.org.uk and Freedom4girls www.freedom4girls.co.uk