This past weekend, the SFZones Project hosted two workshops, inviting community members to get involved with the project. Workshop attendees were given a project-rundown by artist, Elsabé Dixon, and were put to work de-winging Spotted Lanternflies.
The first workshop of the day was held at Penn State Lehigh Valley on August 24th from 10am to 12pm. With the campus being a breeding ground for Spotted Lanternflies, attendees at this workshop had the unique opportunity to go outside and capture them, before heading back inside.
The second workshop of the day was held at Cave Brewing Company. Similar to the first workshop, community members spent time de-winging Spotted Lanternflies and enjoying a locally brewed beer. The fun and friendly atmosphere at Cave Brewing Company, a locally owned and operated Lehigh Valley spot, gave attendees the opportunity to mingle with Penn State scientists, the project artist, and others in the community who are suffering from the impact of this insect.
For community member, Tessa Brennan, this was her first up-close look at a Spotted Lanternfly. She attended the project’s first workshop at Penn State Lehigh Valley.
“The interactive part was amazing and really got me invested on learning more about lanternflies.” Brennan said.
The workshop provided an informative background on the threat that this invasive species has on our local community, and an introduction to the overall project. Two mandalas, part of the final installation, were completed between the two workshops. A great start to this creative, community arts project! Attendees at both workshops included Penn State students and faculty, local artists and arts advocates, community gardeners, and even a few brewery patrons joined in on the fun! Everyone was encouraged to participate in any capacity they could.
Brennan spent time collecting insects, de-winging insects, and also pinning wings.
Brennan said, “Being able to contribute to an entire piece is a great feeling because it gives you more initiative to see the installation complete, because you can say ‘Oh, look! I helped make that part!”
Community members will have ample opportunity to participate in our upcoming workshops on September 28th and 29th at The Baum School of Art, Allentown Arts Fest, and Cave Brewing Company.
Workshop dates & locations:
September 28th: The Baum School of Art (12am to 2pm) and Allentown Arts Fest at Cedar Beach Park (3pm to 5pm)
September 29th: The Cave Brewing Company (3pm to 5pm)
TO LEARN MORE
Check for workshop updates, harvesting information, and more on our website or contact us at SFZones@psu.edu.
Also, follow the project on social media!
@spottedlanternflyzones
@campusarts_psu
#spottedlanternflyzones
Blog post by Elise Schaffer, Arts Administration major, Penn State Lehigh Valley