2012 Henna Gathering Schedule of Workshops & More:
Friday
Possible afternoon group activities for early arrivers:
-Lunch @ Kebab and Curry (or elsewhere?)
-Guided tour of the Rhode Island School of Design's museum with RISD Art History Professor Peter Nulton
-Shopping/sightseeing on College Hill (Brown, RISD, Thayer St)
Friday night:
Casual meet, greet, and henna in the 2nd floor conference rooms (Rooms 2 & 3)
6pm until the last person leaves
Saturday
Time
Room 1
Room 2
Room 3
9-10am
Rangavali
Shanthi Muthu
Free Henna Time
&
Chatting
10-11am
Basic Indian Shapes
Neeta Sharma
Beginning Henna Design
Jamilah Zebarth
11am-12pm
Tattoo Fusion
Kim Brennan
Henna Mixology
Colleen Finnerty
12-1pm
The Early History of Henna
Noam Sienna
Indian Eyebrow Threading
Eakta Gandhi
1-2pm
LUNCH
2-3pm
Indian Dancercise
Shanthi Muthu
Bollywood Dance
Akanksha and Holly
Free Henna Time
&
Chatting
3-4pm
Resist Techniques
Liz Ging
Etched Ukranian Easter Eggs
Olena Wilshanetsky
4-5pm
Natural Hair Care
Khandija Dawn Caryl
Two Toning Techniques - 1
Robin Jaeckel
5-6pm
Botanical Henna Designs
Genevieve Levin
Intro to Bellydancing
Holly Ferreira
6-7pm
Intro to Moroccan Henna
Deborah Brommer
Core Design Principles
Bridget Punsalang
7pm SHARP
Group Photo in Room 1
Be there!
7:15-8:30
DINNER
8:45-11pm
Bollywood Dance Party
with DJ Atterlothe
and DJ Rehteah
included with conference registration; $10 for the public
After Hours Jam Sessions
After Hours Jam Sesssions
Sunday
Time
Room 1
Room 2
Room 3
10-11am
Tropical Henna
Deborah Brommer
Elegant Additions
Kim Brennan
Free Henna Time
&
Chatting
11am-12pm
Advanced Moroccan Henna
Nic Tharpa Cartier
Two Toning Techniques - 2
Robin Jaeckel
12-1pm
Indian Bridal Henna
Neeta Sharma
Elegant Additions
Kim Brennan
1-2:30pm
LUNCH
2:30-3:30pm
Quick & Dirty Mauritanian Henna
Nic Tharpa Cartier
Belly Dancing - Balance
Holly Ferreira
Free Henna Time
&
Chatting
3:30-4:30
Financial Literacy for Henna Artists
Jen Turner
4:30-5
Byebyes and hugs
Workshop Descriptions:
Two-Toning Techniques -
Robin Jaeckel
Learn the techniques for two toned henna application. In this workshop we will work with applying henna in multiple stages to create designs with depth and different hues. We will design, block out and execute a design from start to finish in this 2 part class.
The (Early) History of Henna -
Noam Sienna
In this session we will try to find an answer to that frequently-asked question, "So, where does henna come from?". This session aims to present a clear understanding of the earliest beginnings of henna traditions, from its oldest verifiable traces up until the Islamic period. We will examine the textual, artistic, and archaeological evidence for henna use in a variety of ancient civilizations, and attempt to understand the possible significance of each piece of henna's history in its original context.
Botanical Henna Design -
Geneviebe (Nev) Levin
In this class you will learn techniques to help you bring your henna
designs to life. Topics covered include speed, using your cone as a
brush, lighting, composition, varying size, shading and where to find
inspiration.
Ekta Gandhi - Indian Eyebrow Threading
Eyebrow threading is a hair removal technique, that started in India and it is practiced all over the world, the technique of threading can also be used all over the face. Also known as khite or fatlah, threading consists of twisting a double stranded thread to pick up and remove hair very precisely, with a clean finish. Threading is better than chemical containing hair removal techniques, because it is all natural and not costly. It is preferred because it is quick, efficient, and easy way to shape the brows. It does not harm the skin like wax and is quicker and cleaner than tweezing or plucking. If done right the skin should not be red for longer than a few minutes. It is important to find someone who knows what they are doing so that your brows look good and no harm is done to your skin. In this class we will learn how to hold the thread, shape eyebrows and how to do it right.
Tropical Henna - Deborah Brommer
In this class you'll learn to get inspiration from real plants and flowers for your henna designs. This will give you a chance to expand your repertoire beyond what you "always" do, will help you get beyond the "corn nut flowers", and will help you stretch your henna muscles. In this class we will also look at how to begin a design, the always difficult "where do I start" when you face a new design.
Intro to Moroccan - Deborah Brommer
In this class you'll get the basics of the linear, geometric Moroccan style. You'll learn the building blocks needed and the do's and the don't's so you can become proficient at the unique style.
Henna and Ayurvedic Natural Hair Care -
Khadija Dawn Carryl
We will discuss the origins of henna, and herbal plants. We will talk about current emerging recipes, benefits and trends of natural ayurvedic herbs on hair.
Safety Issues: We will review the dangers of using chemicals on your hair, especially for pregnant women, and those with allergies.
Natural herbs : We will look at all of the natural herbs that can be used on hair. We will see how each herb is beneficial and how it can be used effectively. Powdered herbs that will be viewed and demonstrated are henna, indigo, cassia obovata, and amla powders.
Recipes and Mixing: A live demonstration of how to mix henna and ayurvedic herbs showing the mixology techniques, and dye release of each herb as applicable. We'll go over recommended recipes, and make personal recommendations for your own hair, and natural hair regimen.
Henna Application: We'll show you exactly what you'll need to apply these henna and ayurvedic herbal hair treatments.
Beyond skin: Using your skills to create wearable works of art on fabric -
Desi Conrad
As lovely as our henna designs are, they just don't last. On paper
they're nice, but you can't wear them and show them off. That's where
this class comes in. You'll learn how to use other mediums on fabric to
create wearable art in a very similar way you create body art.
If you plan on participating, you need to bring a shirt, bag, or other
piece of fabric that can be ironed/withstand heat. Ideally the item will
be solid in color (so that your design can shine and not be hidden in the
depths of the original pattern), but you can also highlight and enhance
something with an existing pattern/design. A piece of cardboard
or cardboard t-shirt form is recommended but not required. You can find a
t-shirt form for fairly inexpensive at most craft stores.
All other supplies will be provided.
Basic Indian Shapes - Neeta Sharma
This class will focus on the basic shapes in Indian Henna design and also
some basic fillers.
Indian Bridal Henna - Neeta Sharma
This class will be geared towards some of the common Indian Bridal motifs,
their meanings explained and learning to create Indian bridal designs.
Tattoo Fusion Class -
Kim Brennan
Taking modern tattoo styles and 'what's hip' like Steampunk, Goth (never really out, just kinda 'mutates' a bit...) and Sugar skulls and mixing them with traditional henna styles...or not! Fae folk, keys and gears, grinning skulls, and the ever popular 'tat roses' that love to be paired up with everything from spider webs and skulls to paisly and tribal tweeks! This class is run by YOU the attendee by request. Roses step by step will be covered, skull building and then be prepared to request what YOU want to see done and learn!
Elegant Additions - Kim Brennan
Ensuring the glitz and glamour you give your bride remains elegant and stylish for her big day! Also covering bridal consultations, the 'upsell' to have your bride beg you for bling and bridal Q & A.
Pysanky III - Etched Ukranian Easter Eggs - Olena Wilshanetsky
The art of batik and dyeing eggshells, or making pysanky, can be complicated and time consuming, but there is a different method that provides for faster, easier work, that looks much like two toned henna - etching! We will start with brown chicken eggs, and etch away the shell in two steps to show the creamy middle and then the white base of the shell, creating rich earth-toned patterns with no muss, and a minimum of fuss! This approach is far closer to the idea of henna, working in a monochrome environment with design rather than color being the major impact.
Resist Techniques - Liz Ging
This workshop will explore the use of resists with henna through demonstration and participation. A lecture section will cover the use of resist techniques in different regions, including tape resist and bread dough resist. The hands-on part of the workshop will go through the steps of each process.
Beginning Henna Design - Jamilah Zebarth
In this class you will learn how to draw the basic motifs to build your own henna designs. This will be a hands on class where everyone dives right in and experiments with different techniques. We will learn how to draw a basic flower, leaf, vine and paisley. We will then move into shading and putting it all together to create an original design.
Henna Mixology - Coleen Finnerty
This workshop will explore the different options for mixing henna such as acidity of mixing liquid, monoterpene alcohols (a.k.a. "terps" or essential oils), and additives such as sugar. The effect of different "recipes" on texture, dye release, drying time, and stain will be discussed as well as demonstrated. Bring your standard recipe to share, and come learn about all the chemistry based voodoo that goes into creating the perfect henna mix!
Intro to Belly Dancing - Holly Ferreira
Basic movements and concepts. You'll be shimmying and moving to the beat with grace and confidence, and you'll have fun doing it! Take a break from all the sitting down and focusing visually on things.... get up and MOVE for a bit!
Taking Belly Dancing to the Next Level - Holly Ferreira
Adding dramatic effects! Balancing a sword and a tray.
Bridget - Core Design Principles for Henna Artists
How to make traditional designs that are cohesive and flowing. Simple tips to maintain balance and visual appeal through the use of negative space, fills, and combinations of elements will be discussed. Easily correctable common mistakes will be discussed and demonstrated.
Financial Literacy for Henna Artists-
Jen Turner
If you're making over $600 per year doing henna, or if you hope to soon, it will help you immensely to start treating your henna income as a serious business. We'll discuss bookkeeping strategies and working and filing your taxes as an independent contractor. We'll also spend a considerable amount of time on the fun end of book keeping - determining which business expenses are deductible from your taxes. Mileage to and from gigs, the costs of running your home office, even the registration for this very conference are all deductible and thus tax-free when you fully utilize your new-found accounting knowledge!
Advanced Techniques in Moroccan Henna - Nic Tharpa Cartier
This course will build upon
your existing knowledge of Moroccan design, with a focus on technique.
We'll cover a lot of topics including working with speed and
precision, how to build effortless design vocabulary, Moroccan designs
on-the-fly, and tips and tricks for making even simple designs look
intricate and impressive. This class will rely heavily on
demonstrations and will be taught in a conversational format, so that
together we can get right to the points that you're most interested in
learning about. Though this is an advanced level course, artists of
all levels are very welcome, and there will be something useful here
for all.
Quick and Dirty Mauritanian Henna - Nic Tharpa Cartier
Mauritanian and Sahraoui henna
designs are starting to become popular among Western artists, and are
known for their knockout geometry and precision. This course will
include a quick overview of traditional techniques like tape resist,
but we'll concentrate on reproducing these amazing designs with the
tools we're all comfortable with. We'll take a close look at how the
designs are constructed and broken down, with a focus on incorporating
them into your own design vocabulary. Course attendees will receive a
sample of Nic's yet unpublished Mauritanian and Sahraoui pattern book.
Rangavalli, the floor designs of South India - Shanthi Muthu
During this demonstration of floor designs using rice flour, participant will learn to hold the rice floor between fingers and allow it to drop to form straight lines and patterns. Drawing these beautiful geometric designs enhances focus, creativity and fine motor skills. Enjoy learning this artful Indian custom of feeding ants and small critters each morning.
Indian Dancercise - Shanthi Muthu
We will learn a choreographed dance piece based on classical Indian Bharata-naatyam dance, with instrumental music describing the beauty of the nature. The dance is fun, and a great workout involving body stretches and leg-hand-eye coordination.
Bollywood Dance
- Akanksha and Holly
Bollywood dance originated in India, but has now spread all over the world. It is an energetic dance form filled with hip movements, hand and facial gestures, and a fast, catchy rhythm! Bollywood dance is extremely fun and easy enough for anyone to do. It is also a great form of exercise to get in shape and maintain your physique. Akanksha Singh and Holly Robillard have been dancing together for four years, and they absolutely love performing, and teaching, Bollywood dance. They will show you a short demonstration of a typical Bollywood dance and then help everyone learn the moves. Come join the latest, hottest dance craze to have tons of fun and get a great workout!
6th Annual Henna Gathering Committee
Co-Organizers: Heather Caunt-Nulton and Jamilah Zebarth Sponsor: Artistic Adornment
Local Affairs Chair : Donna Lyons Registration Chairs: Connie and Dave Caunt (aka Mom and Dad) Enforcer (of time limits and whatnot): Peter Nulton Grand Pubah of Other Things: Colleen Finnerty
Location:
All activities will be at Hotel Providence
in the heart of the Downcity Arts District
139 Mathewson Street, Providence, RI
Group rate for rooms for the night: $129 per night at Hotel Providence
Reserve your room by March 10th (by phone at 401-861-8000) and mention
the Henna Gathering group name to receive this discount.
The only cheaper hotel in the city of Providence itself that is safe and decently nice, in our opinion, is the Wyndham Hotel on India Point, but note that you will not be within reasonable walking distance of downtown and the conference, and there is literally nothing else at all in the immediate area (just a parking lot and India Point Park). Rates were $116/night when we last checked. It is so worth it to pay the extra $13/night ($6.50 per person if splitting a room) for the nice hotel where everyone will be, in our opinion!
If you are on a tight budget and willing to sacrifice time at the conference spent driving back and forth, you may want to look at motels/hotels in Attleboro, East Providence, or Cranston.
Travel: The closest and most convenient airport is TF Green Providence (PVD).
There is a shuttle that goes from TF Green airport to Hotel Providence (and back) every hour. It is only $11 and is highly recommended as your ground transportation. Due to the availability of this cheap, direct shuttle that gets you to the one and only place you need to be for the conference all weekend, we're recommending flying into TF Green Providence Airport.
You may want to look into pricing for flights into Boston Logan airport and see if potential flight savings might make it worthwhile for you to fly in there instead - it's only a 45 minute drive from Boston to Providence when there is no traffic (but 1.5-2 hours at rush hour)...and public transportation via the Commuter Rail (mbta.com) and RI buses (ripta.com) will be able to get you between the airport and the hotel.
But flying into Providence will be MUCH less stressful, and is recommended if possible for you. The airport shuttle proved to be really reliable and excellent the past few years, so we now recommend them :)
We wouldn't recommend renting a car, as everything will be on site at Hotel Providence, and the shuttle from TF Green will drop you off right at the front door.
