The Siren Nation Festival Workshops take place Sunday, November 8th at McMenamin’s Kennedy School (5736 NE 33rd Ave, Portland, OR 97211).

Session One (11:00 am – 12:15 pm)

Documentary Film-making
Martha Jordan Room
In this workshop on the Personal Transformative Documentary, Portland videoproducer, documentarian and Investigator of Things Val Garrison will lead participants in an exploration of the powerful ways simple audio/video interviewing can deepen intimate connections. The workshop will begin by covering some basic technical elements of audio engineering, and then dive right into the structure of the interview. Please bring audio recorders/video cameras as available.

Mother and Child Wellness
Mina Parsons Room
Introduction to basic herbal and homeopathic remedies for baby and child wellness, common health concerns, as well as lifestyle techniques for keeping the whole family well. Presented by Alice Palmeri.

Make Your Own Duct Tape Wallet!
DIY Library
Mary Loudermilk has always been creative. Parenting a spirited child and working as a children’s library professional fed her desire to show kids how to express themselves in an artful manner. She discovered the fun of crafting with duct tape while presenting workshops to mentor/mentee pairs, and has since gifted dozens of duct tape clutches to friends, family, and the occasional lucky stranger. Mary has conducted workshops for both nonprofits and private parties, and her desire is to leave gape-jawed legions in her wake proclaiming, “you made that out of duct tape?”

Session Two (12:30 pm – 1:45 pm)

Food Fermentation 101 with Jess of Croc Haus
Mina Parsons Room
Come learn the basics of food fermentation! Krauts, kefirs, and other fermented foods will all be discussed, as well as the health benefits of eating fermented foods. Jess will also be able to answer any specific questions you may have.

Electronic Music Making
Martha Jordan Room
A sequel to last year’s electronic music workshop, renowned electronic musician Heather Perkins will teach some basic and intermediate techniques for creating sound and noise art. There will be plenty of time to ask questions!

Guerilla Quilt Making
DIY Library
Learn how to hand sew a patch or quilt square out of vintage scraps using “guerilla” methods. Screw perfection…the glamour is in the frenzy. This is all about having the scissors and needles flying. Materials and tools provided… but bring any fabrics you want to work with or share. Presented by zelda.

Session Three (2:00 pm – 3:15 pm)

Tribal Belly Dancing w/ Gypsy Caravan
Martha Jordan Room
Tribal Belly Dance is a dance for the women of today, influenced by folk dances and belly-dance styles of the Middle East, North Africa, India, and Spain; and inspired by contemporary movement. We dance as a community where everyone is part of our circle, learn a structured non-verbal language of dance steps, and put them together improvisationally. It is a lot of fun and a good way to tone and strengthen the body… Come and join us!

Wild Healing
Mina Parsons Room
Learn some basic techniques to treat trauma while in the backcountry. We will go over splints, wraps, and slings, as well as other techniques for stabilizing hiking/camping injuries. Presented by Terra Nielson, certified Wilderness First Responder.

Session Four (3:30 pm – 4:45 pm)

Embody Now: Ecstatic Dance
Martha Jordan Room
Come and dance your dance…it belongs right here right now…

This workshop will begin with some gentle facilitation, calling all participants into their bodies. From there follow your body’s lead, follow your feet, your heart, your breath. Explore…how are you moved? Enjoy moving in instrumental, worldly, textured music. All bodies and levels of dance experience welcome. This is a judgement-free zone!

Clothing: think comfortable and keep in mind that the floor is carpeted.

Presented by Chelsea.

Family Session (2:00 pm – 5:00 pm)

Cheap Art Play Station
In the Gymnasium with the Art & Craft Sale
On behalf of Portland Preschool, founder and teacher Elizabeth Kreutzer offers a “Cheap Art” station… “Cheap Art” is a movement created by the Bread and Puppet Theater which promotes the concept of keeping art accessible to everyone.

Elizabeth has been a proponent, artist and organizer of the concept for many years and is happy to share this space with Siren Nation family. Materials provided for art projects. This workshop is open to children and adults. All artists are welcome!

The DIY Library
The DIY Library is an extension of Siren Nation and open to all festival-goers to meet, relax, hang out, process, share, craft, take a breather, whatever you need!

Please feel free to use this space and make it yours for the last few hours of the festival.