We shared an afternoon of Poetry, Printmaking, and Tea at the Hill Street Garden, featuring Palestinian Poetry, and printmaking workshop led by artist Mona Chehadi.
This event was connected with our Odes to Common Thing project inspired by Chilean Poet Pablo Neruda. Though time has passed since Neruda won the Nobel Prize and died, his voice and his poetry of resistance are still alive. He spoke out against despotism, war, and social injustice everywhere. We hope in this moment of confusion, anguish, and tragedy for many, we can create a safe space for the community to come together and share a moment to connect our common humanity.
Photos @ Yuyi Mao
About Mona Chehadi:
Visual artist and educator known for her vibrant mixed-media creations and innovative teaching methods. With a background in graphic design and education, Mona blends her passion for creativity with her commitment to empowering others through art. She inspires students of all ages to explore their artistic potential and embrace self-expression. Mona’s work often explores themes of identity, nature, and social justice, inviting viewers to engage in meaningful dialogue and reflection. As an advocate for arts education, she believes in the transformative power of creativity to foster empathy, critical thinking, and positive change in society.
About Makerspace NYC:
Makerspace NYC is a non-profit organization dedicated to building economic growth and supporting innovation in our community. Our education programs open new doors to learning, creative problem solving, and invention through the sciences, new technology, and vocational skills for all ages. Our goal is to promote creativity and collaboration across disciplines and to make technology accessible to anyone who desires to make or invent something, regardless of skills or experience. We have two locations in Staten Island and Sunset Park, Brooklyn.
This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
Designed by Dana Murtada