The Art of Henna

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About

The Art of Henna, will introduce participants to the history of henna and its cultural significance. Widely used in North Africa, South Asia and the Middle East, henna has become popular throughout the world, and brings people together around design.

Our session will provide participants with the opportunity to discover henna art and learn simple henna patterns and designs. They will learn how to use a henna cone to create lines and shapes. Henna tracing sheets will be available for participants to use, as well as create their own designs. Common motifs found in henna designs include flowers, paisley, tendrils, stars, vines, spirals, leaves, water drops, criss-cross and waves. Henna is often used for celebratory events, and we aim to bring diverse members of the Vaughan community together to learn, share and celebrate.

Each participant will be provided with all supplies needed, including henna paste and a laminated sheet for easy practicing.

Our event will be led by henna artist, Saira Hussain, owner of Breath of Henna. A multidisciplinary artist, she has produced visually-charged artwork, highlighting

the intersections of racialized women and their individualized, and communal stories. She has received awards from Toronto City Council, and Brilliant Minded Women's Organization. She has been published as an initiative artist and featured on CBS's Bollywed and CBC Toronto Life. Saira has used henna patterns to create expression art work that will also be displayed at the event.

Links

• York Region Women's Foundation yrwf.ca
• Breath of Henna breathofhenna.com

Organizer

York Region Women's Foundation

The York Region Women's Foundation (YRWF), a non-profit organization that was incorporated in 2016, is dedicated to improving the lives of marginalized and

racialized women and girls in York Region. We aspire to provide resources, support and education in the pursuit of three main goals: Combatting violence against

women, Advancing economic opportunities, Increasing health and wellness Our vision is a community in which women and girls have equal opportunity, support and resources to thrive and reach their full potential The York Region Women's Foundation invests in women and girls through research, education, programs and advocacy to create measurable change and a chance for a better life.

All of our programming is based on providing opportunities to women and girls to fill the current gaps in services and ensure everyone receives the tools they need. Our programs are linguistically and culturally relevant, accessible and at no cost. This ensures barriers to services are addressed. Our staff and volunteers are reflective of our target populations, to ensure feelings of belonging, understanding and safety. We aim to provide our programs taking into consideration the impact of the intersectionality of identities.

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