The witching season has arrived and I am feeling the power! Are you? I am gearing up to do my best impression of a bear and hibernate. I want candles, blankets, hot chocolate, apple cider donuts, flannel everything, and lots of stitching. Do you feel me?
If you will indulge me I would like to start this month’s newsletter with a bit of a life update/ask and then we will dive into the upcoming October fun.
As you know, I’m currently back in the area where I grew up. I haven’t lived here since I left at 18. It’s hella weird to be back here as an adult with so much life experience. In some ways it’s like a weird time machine. In others, it’s oddly comforting to know how to navigate this space and not have to google where the grocery store is. Life on the road made all of my daily activities so much more challenging.
I decided since I was going to be here for a bit that I would see how the city has evolved for queer folks. While it still feels pretty hostile, I did connect with the Weymouth Pride group. They have only been around for a year. (That should tell you something about the vibe here.) That said, they have done AMAZING work in a year.
They have literally distributed 1,000 pride flags to residents and businesses that wanted to fly them. They got a Pride Month city proclamation passed. They work quite a bit with the high school and managed to get a rainbow crosswalk put in. They represent at nearly every city event and have been holding their own events. Most importantly to me, they have established a scholarship fund for LGBTQ+ youth and have awarded three $500 scholarships to amazing young people. Wow! Right?
So I have teamed up with them. I am wrapping up building them their first official website and will be hosting a Queer Craft Night on November 3rd (and my mom was the first to register). I am really excited to do some community work here. Weymouth, MA wasn’t a super welcoming space for me as a young queer person. I want that to be different.
Which leads me to my ask. If you have a spare few dollars might you donate them to the queer youth scholarship fund? Weymouth Pride is a small 501c3 - tax deduction y’all. They were able to fund one scholarship the first year, two scholarships this year, and I would LOVE to be able to ensure they can fund three for next year… a total of $1500. If you are down, you can currently Venmo them directly at @WeymouthPride
Nothing would make me happier. I’ll be sure to post their fancy new website in the next newsletter so you can marvel at my web skills and I’ll keep you posted on what I learn. If you are in the area, PLEASE, let’s hang out!
ACTION ALERT
I have been so overwhelmed with admiration and respect for the bravery of the women protestors and all of the resisters of Iran. Risking their safety and lives, they cut their hair and burn hijabs on the streets. A fight for freedom, safety, autonomy, and the right to choose how they move through this world.
I think we should all be standing in deep gratitude for what they are sacrificing in service to all women and marginalized people not just in Iran but everywhere. May we draw strength and bravery from them and do what we can and must to abolish patriarchy and policing.
I believe in the power of Iranians to liberate themselves and take back their country.
We can show our support this Saturday. Freedom rallies will be held in cities across the US (and around the world). I found a list of some of the ones in US.
If you can show up…show up. Let them know that the world is watching and we care.
Can’t be there? You can amplify by dedicating your weekend social media to the Iranian Revolution and the Freedom Rallies.
EXHIBIT + WORKSHOP WEEKEND IN MAINE
Imagine a weekend away in Maine during peak leaf peeping season that also includes a delightful art exhibit and a workshop with ME! Am I selling it?
I am so pleased to be heading to Belfast, Maine to Waterfall Arts with a whole bunch of art and enthusiasm. October 8th - 23rd you can see the Radical Acts exhibit. This exhibit will feature over 170 artists from around the world who have contributed to Badass Herstory. Additionally, Rita’s Quilt will be on display. Plus, a collection of my antique embroidery pieces. Eeeeeeee! One stop and you get to see art made by over 300 artists!!!
The weekend of October 21, 22, + 23, I will be on-site and ready to play. I’ll give an artist talk Friday night and then lead a bunch of workshops Saturday and Sunday.
You can learn all about it and reserve your spot in the workshop here.
Tell your friends!
WORKSHOPS + TRAININGS
THIS SUNDAY, October 3rd
How to Support Survivors of Abuse - a How to be a Good Human training
Learn trauma-informed strategies to support a friend, family member, neighbor, co-worker or other acquaintance dealing w/ an abusive person.
Zoom. Pay-what-you-can.
All proceeds go to Freefrom, an organization led by and for survivors to increase awareness about financial abuse and protect survivors' access to finances through mutual aid and policy changes at the local, state and federal levels.
Sunday, October 16th
Intro to Craftivism
In-person: Lincoln, Massachusetts
Friday, Saturday, Sunday - October 21, 22, 23
In-person: Belfast, Maine
Artist Talk (Friday 5-7pm)
Embroidery 101 (Saturday 9:30am - 11am)
Intermediate Embroidery (Saturday 1:30 - 3pm)
Badass Herstory (Sunday 1-4pm)
Saturday, October 29th
Intro to Embroidery
Zoom. Pay-what-you-can.
My next newsletter will include the application for the 2023 Craftivism Grant, and the launch of a super rad year-long fundraiser for Abortion Access Front!
Don’t miss it.
I am proud of you for hanging in during this totally bonkers time in history. You are amazing.
xo
Shannon