Family First: Imprint Your Family Story

In this Family First workshop, participants will explore the significance of African symbols, such as Adinkra and Kente patterns, and create personalized symbols that reflect their values and family stories. The session will begin with a brief presentation on the history of these symbols, followed by a hands-on activity where families will design and describe their own symbols. Participants can then choose to either paint or carve their symbols onto prepped canvases using acrylic paint or linocut techniques. The workshop will conclude with a collaborative art piece, symbolizing community and shared connection. This creative experience is inclusive of all ages and celebrates cultural expression and family heritage.

Parents and guardians please note: you must purchase a ticket if you plan to attend the workshop with your child.

Family First is presented by Novant Health

ORI JAI a.k.a THE SYRINGA FAIRY is an interdisciplinary artist, writer, film-maker and published model from the legendary P.G County, Maryland. She earned her Bachelors of Arts degree in visual art and design from Clark Atlanta University. During this time and post-graduation, she weaved her love for Black storytelling into traditionally taught methods and found her own personal artistic style where she utilizes a dualistic approach to showcase the vastness of the Black experience without forced choice (this and that vs. this or that) and all it encompasses. ORI JAI specializes in mixed media collage, analogue photography, film, traditional fine art though she will try any art medium she can get into her hands. Her synesthesia guides her as she finds inspiration in any and everything, but especially nature, her West African roots, religious stories, history and the conscious and subconscious psyche of all beings.