Join exhibiting artist Alex Dolores Salerno for Energy Build, an experiment in self-care as collective care and a workshop that stems from their neurodivergent and chronically ill experience, central themes of interdependence in their practice, as well as their ongoing work with coffee, which is demonstrated by their artwork in the final iteration of the exhibition There’s no me without you (November 4–December 20).

Borrowing from the concept of an “art build,” a community gathering where people create art together for a shared goal such as posters or banners in advance of a protest, an Energy Build similarly aims to collectively build and share energy and is political in nature. Here we can replenish ourselves for the work required to create liberatory modes of living across the many roles in our lives as artists, organizers, activists and advocates, space makers, educators, friends, lovers, and beyond. This space asks: From where or what are we gathering our energy? Can self-care done collectively amplify our energy? What if spoonies* came together to share energy amongst each other?

Centering the experience of chronic fatigue, this workshop considers energy limitations and energy sources as the creative medium for self-care, while offering a gentle space for others to care for themselves in community. Together, we will tend to our bodies through massage, stretching and movement, without the pressure to engage in any particular way. A more detailed workshop structure is available in the know-before-you-go guide below.

*A spoonie is a person who lives with a chronic illness, chronic pain, a mental health condition, or a disability that limits their daily energy.

Participant level: This workshop is open to all ages. No experience necessary.

How to prepare: There is no need to prepare in advance or bring anything with you. You can bring tools that support your self-care. This could include lotions, balms, massage oils (fragrance-free), clothing you enjoy moving in, a mat to lay on, a blanket, a hairbrush if desired for post-head massage, stim toys/tools, and/or supportive trinkets.

Know-before-you-go Guide: This document provides a detailed description on the concepts, structure, and flow of the event. You can access it here.

Access: ASL interpretation and masks will be provided, as well as an access worker available to support access needs as they arise. Alex will be describing all of their movements as both a prompt for the group, and as a visual description.

There will also be air purifiers in the indoor spaces. Masking is encouraged in solidarity with the artists in the exhibition There’s no me without you.

Workshop cost: Free to attend with an option to donate. Sliding scale starting at $0.

This class is part of Continuing Education, our adult education program that provides an opportunity for participants to learn from artist in our community, and current and alumni Artists-in-Residence and intimately engage with their work through accessible entry points.