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“One Million Stars” Kick-Off Event

January 18, 2016 @ 8:00 am - 10:00 am EST

Free
8-pointed stars with ribbon and scissors

Kick-Off Workshop
One Million Stars to End Violence: Lotus International Star-Weaving Project

Free and Open to the Public – NOTE: Parking is FREE all day in the City of Bloomington
Mathers Museum of World Cultures
416 N. Indiana Ave.
1:00 – 3:00pm (drop in, no registration required)

Learn to weave an 8-pointed star and join a worldwide movement!  Lotus officially launches its 2016 visual-arts initiative, “One Million Stars to End Violence: Lotus International Star-Weaving Project” on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2016.  (Note:  Free parking all day in City metered spaces/lots – enjoy!)

Instructors will teach the Samoan star-weaving technique and share this Australian-led initiative inspired by a quote by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” Lotus is one of only two US partners with the Australia-based initiative “One Million Stars to End Violence” and has committed to weaving and contributing at least 10,000 stars over the next year. Stars will be featured in an installation at the 23rd Lotus World Music & Arts Festival, at an exhibit in City Hall in December, and then as part of a worldwide installation of 1,000,000 stars in 2018. Recommended for ages 8 and up, including families and groups.

Registration not required. However, if you are planning to bring a large group, please let us know. Light refreshments are provided. Contact: Loraine Martin, Outreach Director at Loraine@lotusfest.org or (812) 336-6599.

More About One Million Stars:

The “One Million Stars” project originated as a response to a violent act at a female artist’s studio in Brunswick, Melbourne, Australia.  Project founder Maryann Talia Pau found resonance between Dr. Martin Luther’s King, Jr.’s statement and the importance of stars and weaving in her Pacific Island heritage. Weaving traditions are strong throughout South Pacific culture, especially with the indigenous peoples of the Torres Strait and Samoa. Additionally, symbolism stems from “Matariki”, a Maori word referring to the Pleiades star cluster. Like many South Pacific islanders, the Maori relied on stars to navigate across the sea between interconnected islands. This navigation can reference our own human journey, spanning cultures around the world, exercising our “strength to love” over violence. Says Pau, “Every woven star reminds us that we have to MAKE peace and safe spaces and that it doesn’t just happen. Every star is a commitment to resist violence and revenge, to believe in forgiveness and healing.”

Details

Date:
January 18, 2016
Time:
8:00 am - 10:00 am EST
Cost:
Free

Venue

Mathers Museum of World Cultures
416 N. Indiana Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47408 United States
+ Google Map
Phone
812-336-6599

Organizer

Lotus Education & Arts Foundation
Phone
812-336-6599
View Organizer Website