The Spirit of Sustainability
Featuring Art by Andrea Fernandez
Curated by Ina Rusin

In a world where change is often contingent upon profits, climate change has become a disastrous byproduct of greed, consumption, and waste. In response, some artists have begun to reflect upon their own art practices and connection to the Earth in order to adapt a more mindful approach to their creations. This exhibition seeks to reimagine the marketplace as environmentally conscious and centered around the needs of the earth, the voice of the artist, and their communities.

Andrea Fernandez is an artist and environmentalist that examines the interconnections of life through the relationship between artist and sustainability. 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.

Opening Reception
Friday, October 11th
6 – 9 PM
Fern & Fossil Cafe

The opening reception for The Spirit of Sustainability will feature art by Andrea Fernandez, earth-friendly activities*, light refreshments and an artist & curatorial talk on mindfulness and sustainability.

To kick off the reception, Fern & Fossil will be hosting a mini Plant & Sip workshop at 6:00 PM. Learn all you need to know to build and care for your own succulent terrarium! This workshop is perfect for fans of indoor gardening and beginner friendly thanks to hands on, step-by-step instructions. Each 4” bubble terrarium includes 1 succulent plant, a crystal ornament, and colorful moss to decorate with. Plant care is a wonderful meditative exercise that helps one reconnect with the natural world. Bring back a little greenery to experience the benefits of nature in the comforts of your own home.

Afterwards, the featuring artist will host a Manifestation Wand Workshop at 7:30 PM. Follow along with Andrea Fernandez as she guides you through harnessing your own powerful energy and crafting a personalized tool for manifestation. Tap into your inner child in an inviting, safe space and get creative! Learn more about the different spiritual properties of minerals and how to tap into their natural energies. This workshop offers a glimpse into the artistic and spiritual practices of Andrea Fernandez, and emmerses participants deeper within the exhibit as one becomes more interconnected with the art.

To close out the night, there will be an artist & curatorial talk with Andrea Fernandez and Ina Rusin to open up discussions on the role of mindfulness and sustainability within the arts world and beyond. Be part of the discussion on how artists can introduce more sustainable practices to their work and influence others to act more mindfully in a world consumed by excessive waste.

*Tickets for activities are sold separately, please read descriptions carefully and check if you are selecting the correct options when purchasing*

Purchase tickets HERE.

Intro to bundle dyeing with plant matter. Using everyday items, we will learn how to dye and print on fabric. We will be exploring the various techniques used in natural dyeing so you can have a better understanding on how to reuse food scraps and other items.

Create your own beautiful silk scarf!

Lead by Nelise Charles Bey, as she teaches you a unique way to yield color from common natural ingredients- from demo to completing your very own silk masterpiece. Students will also learn how to properly prep their silk so the color lasts.

COST: $115 (includes supplies & materials)

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

ARTIST BIO

Nelise Charles Bey is a textile designer and artist living and creating in Newark, NJ. Born in Saint George’s, Grenada, raised in Brooklyn, New York her aesthetic is colorful and pattern-filled, a play on her Caribbean roots. Working primarily with silk and natural fabric, which she dyes and silkscreens. She has been a work exchange member and has taught many printmaking classes at the Newark Print Shop.

Instagram: @NeliseNasheida

Join Im So Yoga Newark and Fern & Fossil for a special terrarium event! Enjoy light refreshments in a relaxed environment, while we create macramé holders for our potted plants. Come “DIY WITH OUR VIBE”!

PURCHASE TICKETS BY CLICKING HERE

All supplies are included. Participants will leave with a completed project.

Join IM SO YOGA and Fern & Fossil for a special end-of-Spring event!

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

We start with a PLANT & SIP.
Unleash your creativity! Build a terrarium using succulents and unique ornaments.  

Enjoy a beautiful spread of vegan offerings. Tea and wine will be served.

Followed by ZUMBA FITNESS!
DANCE, DANCE, DANCE! Celebrate the upcoming Summer season with a Zumba party! 

Follow fun hip-hop and latin inspired choreography, led by Zumba instructor Maria. 

Looking to do a little something different for Mother's Day this year?

Join Fern & Fossil for a special Mother's Day Plant & Sip! We'll supply all of the materials for a unique and personalized terrarium.

RSVP IS REQUIRED.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

• Choose from a wide variety of succulents (desert plants).
• Decorate with ornaments, rocks, and moss.
• Every participant will receive a beautiful hand-blown glass hanging container.

Enjoy a fun and relaxing activity with a special Mom in your life!

***Refreshments provided.***

Relax and unwind with MEDITATE, PLANT & SIP.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Join Im So Yoga and Fern & Fossil to create a beautiful miniature Zen garden terrarium. We will provide a selection of glass containers, succulents, ornaments and everything you need to make a tiny garden.

We'll start with a guided meditation, followed by refreshments and terrarium building.

Tea and wine will be served as you relax and build your garden. Enjoy a selection of fresh vegan offerings.

Mycelium is a fungus that can be combined with a substrate like straw or hemp to create a unique biodegradable design or building material.

Learn about how to source, form, and grow this innovative material in this 2 hour workshop. Partcipants may bring their own molds, otherwise pre-made molds will be provided.

All participants will leave with their own mycelium planter.

Cost: $25

Advanced sIgn up is required.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mycelium-forming-workshop-w-fern-fossil-tickets-37816214315

Read our past post on Mycelium here: http://fernandfossil.com/blog/2016/9/27/mycelium-planters