La Ceiba Gathering Takes Root on Earth Day 2020
We are excited for the beginning of La Ceiba Festival on Earth Day, this Wednesday, April 22, 2020. The festival’s name is inspired by La Ceiba (The Ceiba Tree), the sacred tree revered by the Indigenous peoples of the Americas and West African cultures for its spiritual and healing powers. In keeping with these traditions, La Ceiba signifies the roots, fruit and the trunk. Art and music are centered under the tree to create a space of safety, unity and reconnection, even in the absence of physical contact with the ancestors.
During the global COVID-19 Pandemic, these powers of the sacred tree are needed. We need its nourishment, protection, transformation and liberation.
We mark the start of La Ceiba Festival with this special art activity called La Ceiba Gathering. Led by Gabriela, a visionary 13-year-old artist, we invite children, youth and even adults to take part, reflect and create their own La Ceiba keepsakes by exploring any of the following questions:
“What do you hold sacred?
What keeps you connected or rooted during this time?
What’s your La Ceiba?”
Instructions: Use this time to take a nature walk around the yard or otherwise physically distanced outdoor space to gather materials for this activity.
Time to Complete: 60 - 90 minutes (full activity)
MATERIALS
Media:
Collect a smooth piece of wood or stone. Alternatively, can use canvas or paper.
Pencil
Dark or black marker
Black, red and orange acrylic paint
If using paper, markers, colored pencils or crayons would work better.
Instruments/Tools:
Sponge or blotting instrument
Fine Tip Paint Brush
Fan Paint Brush
After watching the video tutorial and completing your La Ceiba masterpiece, send us photo(s) of what you’ve created along with a brief statement about the inspiration behind your artwork to communicationsus@iofc.org. Show you took part in La Ceiba Gathering by uploading your creations on Instagram and tag @iofcusa and @laceibafest and hashtag #LaCeibaGathering. Share with your family and friends and invite them to also take part!
Check out these original pieces created by Gabriela below:
ABOUT GABRIELA
Gabriela is an accomplished artist from the USA. At 13 years old, she has already seen her work exhibited and commissioned nationally and internationally. Her work was selected as the official art of "Lives Bound Together" a tribute and ceremony honoring the memories, spirits and souls of enslaved Africans George Washington held and buried at his Mount Vernon Plantation in Alexandria, VA. Juried exhibition of her work has included the National Arts Program Foundation and the National PTA. Gabriela's work is often inspired by family stories. They have fueled her quest to know, show pride in, and honor the boundless strength, beauty and brilliance of her African ancestors from across the continent and her Indigenous ancestors, including the Maya of Central America, and North American nations.