05/17/2026
Arts Gowanus is thrilled to once again participate in Community Day at !This year, we’re featuring workshops and demos by .a.v.io.l.a , , , and !
Faviola Lopez-Romani will set up a drop in Maiz Morado (Purple Corn) watercoloring activities where the public can discover a range of color potential housed in tiny pH-sensitive corn kernels. Maiz Morado is the principal ingredient in the pre-columbian Andean, celebratory beverage Chicha Morada.
Elizabeth Meggs will make block prints! The advent of printing changed life as we know it on planet Earth. Come learn about, discover, and explore early printing techniques using block printing, humankind’s earliest printing technology that was developed in China over a thousand years ago. Participants can make their own fine art prints using water-soluble ink on paper, with printing blocks pre-carved by hand by Elizabeth Meggs. Guests will enjoy printing fun family-friendly images such as bodega cats, spring flowers, and more!
Karyn Lao explores the pompom as an object that represents community— many parts connected by a common thread. She sculpts pompoms into functional statement pieces. Visitors will be invited to create pompoms under Karyn’s guidance.
Nelise Bey will introduce visitors to Shibori, a traditional Japanese resist-dyeing technique used to create patterned textiles through folding, binding, and compressing fabric before dyeing. During this Community Day activation, participants will learn the basics of Shibori by creating their own naturally dyed bandana using simple folding and binding techniques. The experience encourages curiosity, experimentation, and hands-on engagement while offering visitors a tangible introduction to textile traditions and natural dye practices
