Glow : Light Up Bright
Free Beginners EL Wire Workshop
Let there be light! And light there was. WEArts held a free El Wire workshop on a Sunday afternoon, Nov. 9th at Gordon Neighbourhood House. Andrea Arnot facilitated the workshop & introduced the 16 eager attendees to the world of electroluminescence (El Wire), a thin, flexible tube, battery-powered that is sown to garments or attached to any accessories or equipment.
The participants imagined & created their own unique glow-in-the-dark clothing or playful accessories to illuminate those wintry days of December or for those special holiday events. If it flashes, glows, shines, or otherwise emits light, we wanted them to explore the use of el wire as an innovative & creative medium. There was intense enjoyment in the workshop as their pieces took shape & design & such pleasant surprises to see their creations captured in digital image for all of us to admire.
Here are some comments from the participants of the workshop:
”A total success as far as I’m concerned – love to take part in the Lumiere – I’m one hundred percent what you folks are achieving.” “I loved the workshop. I wish we could have a bigger room though” “Thanks for the el wire workshop it was really fun! I like the way my panda turned out!”
Andrea Arnot is a local West End resident. By day, she works part-time as a community project manager as well as for the Vancouver School Board facilitating workshops & counselling parents of youth with substance abuse. She often uses arts-based methods of engagement to bring people together and get them talking. On weekends you may have seen Andrea & her group of friends in costume lighting up the evening horizon at English Bay or at elaborate theme parties or other wacky events around Vancouver. She loves to make her costumes light up in fun colors & patterns.
As the days grow shorter and darker, the West End experienced a luminous December. Local artists & the community came out to SHINE during the 1st Annual Lumiere Festival, Dec. 11-13th presented in part by the West End BIA. A free trolley car entertained by Santa’s reindeers, elves & divas toured the West End and made stops at major landmarks greeted the holiday crowd with warm drinks, prizes & lively performances. Our El Wire workshop attendees were invited to shine at the Lumiere Festival! The El Wire panda made a smashing hit wherever she shone & the children from Meta Communities paraded our ‘glow-in-the dark’ toys & accessories and glowfully lit up the festival.
We wish to thank all the wonderful attendees who participated in the workshop & Lumiere Festival as well as a big thank you to Independent Grocers on Davie St. who kept us all refreshed while working on our creations by providing lots of drinks & goodies.
Share post:
