The Spirit of Sustainability - Works by Andrea Fernandez
Back in October of 2024, Fern & Fossil partnered with local Newark-based artist Andrea Fernandez to help create programming for the annual Newark Arts Festival. Focusing on the theme of Radical Reimagining, the exhibit “The Spirit of Sustainability” explores the environmentalist approach to Andrea’s work and how artist practices can influence the world around them both ecologically and spiritually. Her mixed media work beautifully utilizes biodegradable and ethically sourced organic materials to teach us the value in knowing we are not outside of nature but rather an extension of it. Andrea is deeply tied to her ancestral and spiritual practices, allowing it to flow seamlessly into her art. Her pieces challenge the viewer, other artists, and herself to explore new methods of sustainability and envision a more healing reality for us as a collective. To celebrate the opening, we hosted engaging open discussions with patrons about what it means to be sustainable and prepared workshops to help patrons connect with nature through fun, creative activities such as succulent terrarium building and manifestation wand crafting.
If you had to miss out on our opening reception and are feeling a bit of FOMO, you’re in good luck! We’re going to be hosting another night packed with fun, eco-friendly activities to mark the closing reception for The Spirit of Sustainability on Friday, February 7th from 6 - 9 PM! We’ll be kicking things off with a Manifestation Wand Workshop guided by Andrea at 6 PM. Learn how to craft your very own personalized spiritual tools through the use of entirely biodegradable and recycled materials while practicing a mindful and communal activity. This workshop provides insight behind the methodology of Andrea’s unique art pieces and helps one build a deeper connection to the self and nature.
Following up at 7:30 PM, it’s time to get your hands dirty because Fern & Fossil will be running a Plant & Sip Workshop! A perfect activity for plant beginners and experts alike, our workshop will show you step by step how to build your own 5” Hanging Glass Succulent Terrarium. Each terrarium is complete with 1 succulent plant of your choice, coco coir, real colorful moss, wood chips, a crystal ornament, and of course the glassware. New to plants? Don’t worry, we’ll explain exactly what needs your plant has and how to care for your new plant baby. Worried you’ll forget the tips? Just head over to our Plant of the Month series on our blog to find more details (and some fun facts) about your particular succulent.
Finally, to close out the event there will be an artist and curatorial Q&A about the inspiration behind The Spirit of Sustainability at 8:30. Artist Andrea Fernandez and curator Ina Rusin will be answering questions about what does it truly mean to be sustainable in a world suffering from climate change. Change is most possible when communities rally behind important causes. We hope to engage our local community to identify solutions that individuals can implement in their daily lives to make a difference. Admission to view the closing reception is free and tickets for both activities are available on our site and Eventbrite. If you’d like to get a glimpse at the show before the closing or make an art purchase, please visit our Newark location at 145 Court St on either Monday or Friday between 12 - 5 PM. For other viewing hours, please contact us at ina@fernandfossil.com to arrange an appointment.