“Making Connections” Collage/Quilt Workshop
On Saturday, August 24, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm drop by the Field Library in downtown Peekskill to help create Peekskill’s Multicultural Community Collage/ Quilts and celebrate the rich diversity of our city. There is no sewing involved, but cutting, pasting and letting color, fabric patterns and images tell your story. People of all skill levels and every age from seniors to school age children (with adult supervision) are welcome and encouraged to participate. All materials will be provided and are free.
In total, there are four workshops led by a teaching artist. The first two sessions already occurred. The third session will occur this Saturday, August 24, 2024 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the Field Library. The last workshop will occur on Friday, August 30th, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm in the Community Room at the Lofts on Main using the entrance at 921 Diven Street. Together, the people of Peekskill will help stitch the community together. Two enlarged vinyl exterior banners created from the workshops will be displayed in the Library Plaza. Two other locations are yet to be determined.
The goal of “Making Connections“, part of Peekskill’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) is to focus on community engagement, to strengthen partnerships with other community organizations and key stakeholders; to bring diverse elements of the Peekskill community together to promote awareness about our different cultural and ethnic heritages, to learn and to value each other and to reinforce Peekskill’s identity as an arts hub.
“Making Connections”, is sponsored by the Peekskill Arts Alliance and funded through the DRI Grant, ArtsWestchester and WinWaste. For more information contact [email protected]
Alison Begany’s hand crocheted display
Before heading to the “Making Connections” Collage/Quilt Workshop, take a gander and check out the display case when first entering the Neighborhood Center. Inside the display cases are uniquely handcrafted crocheted pieces made by Alison Begany.
Alison started crocheting at the very young age of eight years old. “I just loved the mesmerizing effect of pulling loops of yarn through loops of yarn and having a nifty creation to show for it when the pattern was complete.“
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Recently, if you watched the Olympics, you may have caught five time medalist and 2024 Silver medalist, Tom Daley from Great Britain, knitting and crocheting away when not competing. The craft of crocheting “with its repetitive, rhythmic, almost meditative motions, is a reliever of stress. Like meditation, it can lower one’s blood pressure and heart rate and may even slow cognitive decline associated with aging,” says Begany.
Knitting and crochet is not only a hobby, but it also has health benefits. Working with yarn has relaxing sensations, it can help reduce anxiety by providing a sense of control that reduces feelings of uncertainty and ruminations thereby releasing serotonin. It can lower cortisol levels and boost confidence and help reduce the risk of memory loss. If one finds a group of crocheters, it can help by giving one a community to belong to thereby reducing depression and loneliness, and having a sense of belonging. Finally, crocheting and knitting can help with the joy of giving back as you make items and give them away feeling a sense of joy and pride.
Make sure to check out Alison’s beautiful crochet display in the Neighborhood Center before it leaves on Labor Day weekend.
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