Last Week in the Green Room: From Kitchens to Collages

Forbidden Fruit wrapped up week three of the Green Room, our six week creative wellness residency, and there’s no signs of slowing down now. Things picked up the first week of May, with an assortment of talented collaborators hosting programs that helped our community find all sorts of different outlets. From making collages, to expanding knowledge of herbalism, to breathwork and body healing, here’s what went down in West Philly’s newest wellness space.

The Kitchen Apothecary

Qoura Jones leading attendees through the process of infusing oil with garlic cloves

Herbalism is an art that can often be intimidating in modern spaces. Here to remedy that was Qoura Jones, who has over a decade of experience in plant-based living and herbal studies. Taking techniques both passed down from her great-grandmother as well as learned in the field as a professional, Jones led participants through guided demonstrations and practical learning. Attendees went home with new knowledge of simple remedies, including garlic and clove-infused oils, as well as an understanding of the vast amount of uses for common household ingredients. From demonstrations on handling and storing ingredients, to mindfulness in logging personal practices for remedies, Jones reminded us all that herbalism is an ancient, yet easily accessible way to improve our own wellness.

shanina introducing guests to her Expressive Arts Healing practice

Expressive Arts Healing

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with the speed of today's world. It’s more important than ever to take a second for yourself, be mindful, and be present - something that shanina dionna understands and embodies deeply. She facilitated Expressive Arts Healing on Sunday May 3rd, grounded in her practice with Person-Centered Expressive Arts Therapy. dionna took guests on a journey of meditation, somatic movement, and visual art-making. Her goal was to foster an integrative environment of “unconditional positive regard” for beginners and those already versed in wellness, starting with movement to open and anchor the creative flow in an intuitive way.

Find the Funds

Find the Funds attendees pose for a photo!

In the final part of our financial literacy series, our partners at Univest wrapped things up with information on credit and debt management. From their seminars on starting a business to budgeting and financial planning, each session provided attendees free access to valuable knowledge that could transform their careers. People in the community interested in owning their own businesses, expanding their creative projects, or simply looking for an opportunity to become more financially knowledgeable picked up invaluable tips and tricks from real business professionals. We look forward to providing more financial resources to entrepreneurs and business owners to uplift our creative economy. 

Collective Visioning

Ty, Mo, and Stonez smile with excitement as Collective Visioning kicks off

Art is a tool for growth and self discovery. Forbidden Fruit explored this notion in partnership with Let Me Know Club, a Black and queer woman–founded creative community where crafting and connection meet. with Collective Visioning. Together on May 6th, we led Collective Visioning: a workshop centered on collaging and self-reflection. Participants turned inward, channeling their own future goals and the growth they wish to see for the collective to anchor their collages. With a mix of materials like magazines, art supplies, and photographs, each attendee took one collage home, and contributed one collage to a collective installation in the Green Room. Look for this installation, along with many others, at our final showcase on June 7th!

Yoga and Yaps

Yoga and Yaps attendees pose for a group shot at the end of class with Eileen!

Growth in the creative space isn’t just about wellness and healing artistically. Growing your network with like-minded people is part of why community spaces like the Green Room are so important. Yoga and Yaps took creatives on a journey through intention. The experience started out with half an hour of guided yoga, followed by structured networking that offered attendees the chance to meet other Philly movers and shakers. This session was facilitated by local yoga instructor, Eileen Toribio. Her gentle guidance and welcoming energy allowed participants to truly surrender to the moment and open their minds and bodies. Don’t worry if you missed this one! On May 23rd, Yoga and Yaps will be back in the space for more creative connectivity.

Up Next in The Green Room

As summer starts to peek its head around the corner, Forbidden Fruit is ecstatic about the progress we’re making in West Philly, as well as all the exciting events we have coming up. Don’t miss Motion Picture, our film showcase in collaboration with Daniel Krantman and Cinespeak, or our final showcase in the Green Room on June 7th! We look forward to sharing space with you.