Join us for a very special wellbeing centred Sunday afternoon, connecting to ourselves and each other, through a guided Cacao Ceremony and Pottery workshop, where you will make your own ceremonial cup to take home with you after glazing and firing.

This event is for queer folks AND their allies! If you have a friend, partner or family member that doesn’t identify as queer but they actively love and support the queer community then please invite them too.

Jasmine (she/they) and Jess (she/her) are a queer couple who share a passion for craft and healing. They have teamed together to co-facilitate a very special event, combining a Cacao ceremony with a pottery workshop. Both Cacao and clay are from the earth and connecting with them can help you to feel grounded and connected with yourself.

*Please note, the workshop will take place seated on cushions on the floor. If you'd like the option to lay down during the Cacao Ceremony, feel free to bring a yoga mat too. There will be a table available for anyone who has difficulty sitting on the floor. Please let us know if you require a chair and table.

FOR THE CACAO SIDE OF THINGS:
This part of the workshop is facilitated by Jess. Jess is a Plant Medicine Facilitator and a dedicated student of Curanderismo (the ancient practice of traditional healing rooted in Indigenous wisdom). She spends time in the Amazon Jungle every year, learning directly from indigenous Curanderos about plant medicines and holding space for people to benefit from their healing qualities. She will be serving you a cup of ceremonial grade, ethically sourced, organic, Peruvian Cacao. Jess will guide you through a heart opening meditation and bring healing song / Icaros to the ceremony to help you connect to yourself, those around you, and the Cacao plant. You will be invited to set a personal intention before drinking the Cacao.

A BIT ABOUT CACAO:
Cacao beans (otherwise known as chocolate!) are one of the most nutritious foods on the planet. Cacao beans are harvested from pods on trees that grow in Africa, The Caribbean and Central / South America. Cacao can promote feelings of love, compassion, and unity, allowing us to release emotional blockages and cultivate a sense of inner peace. Cacao is packed with vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, polyphenols and antioxidants which together promote healthy brain function, gut health, protection from disease and good mental health.

FOR THE POTTERY SIDE OF THINGS:
This part of the workshop is facilitated by ceramic artist and pottery tutor, Jasmine. She has been making pottery professionally for a decade and teaching pottery classes for 5 years. Jasmine has a background in Psychotherapy and with this she is able to hold a safe and welcoming space for you to express yourself through clay. After drinking your Cacao, Jasmine will guide you in the making of your own ceremonial drinking cup. You will learn the skills of pinching and coiling clay, and adding surface texture design. Your finished cup will be functional for Cacao, coffee, Tea or whatever drink brings you joy in ritual! The workshop is suitable for all abilities, including complete beginners.

After the workshop, your pottery will be left with Jasmine for her to glaze and fire for you. It will be ready to collect within a few weeks. Everything you need to complete the workshop will be provided - all you need to bring is your wonderful-self!

The workshop has been made as affordable as possible, whilst still covering expenses and paying the facilitators a fair wage. Ticket options are tiered - please select an option you can comfortably afford.
*Cheaper BIPOC tickets are available as a gesture due to the extreme lack of representation of BIPOC folks in wellness and art spaces.

If you'd like to know more about Jasmine and the pottery she makes, check out @jasmine.maier.ceramics and @bristol.queer.pottery

If you'd like to know more about Jess and the healing therapies she offers, check out www.medicunamamahealing.com

FAQs:

How many people are in this workshop?

15 person maximum capacity.

When can I take my pottery home?

Your pottery will be ready to collect up to 4 weeks after the workshop. Your pottery needs time to completely dry out before being bisque fired, glazed, and stoneware fired.

Can I use my pottery for serving food and drink?

Yes. Everything you make will be food safe, dishwasher and microwave safe, unless otherwise stated. All pottery will be fired to stoneware temperature, which means it will be durable and suitable for everyday use.

Is there parking?

Yes, there is unrestricted parking on nearby streets.

What do I wear?

Wear something comfortable and that you don't mind getting a little dirty. You are welcome to bring an apron.

Is there disability access?

Yes, the downstairs is fully wheelchair accessible, in addition there is an accessible toilet on the ground floor by the entrance. Ramp access is also available via the main entrance side door. If you have any additional needs, please let Jasmine know in advance so she can do everything she can to accommodate you as much as possible.

Entry requirements: 18+ — Read more — Read less