Come To The Mistica (What It Is And Why We Need It Now)
The Morton Memorial Library in Rhinecliff is hosting a Latin American tradition to open its new art exhibit.
Textile by Deliana Simeonova and photo by Susan Quasha
February demands this: A group of women artists who will be bringing a Latin American tradition to the Morton Memorial Library in Rhinecliff, N.Y. On Friday, Feb. 7, the mistica, a ceremony filled with symbology meant to unite groups of people, will celebrate art, music, food, multicultural influences and, last but not least, women in the Hudson Valley. The event is open to the public and free to attend.
The idea came from Andrianna Natsoulas, one of the organizers, who used to work with La Via Compesina, an international farmers movement.
“At conferences and meetings, every morning and evening, there would be a mistica,” she said. “The ceremony brings people and a community together through common symbols and items like flags, banners, seeds and scent. Sometimes there was song and prayer. They were always so beautiful.”
“The Mistica: Celebrating Women in the Hudson Valley Art Show” will illustrate the collective belonging women have to our homes and community in the region. Six women artists representing a variety of media will be exhibiting their work. At the mistica, music will be supplied by Caprice Rouge, a female-led ensemble form the Mid-Hudson Valley, and Sue Sie, a Hudson Valley organic gardener, will prepare a ceremonial soup using local products. The hope is that this sharing of food, music and art will be a way to reflect on our connection to the earth and to those around us.
“We thought a mistica would be a wonderful thing to do in the cold month of February,” Natsoulas said. “Women are caretakers of the earth and the mistica will inspire warmth and community. It’s going to be a really fun event.”
The event is designed to be participatory and attendees will have the opportunity to read a short poem.
The exhibit, featuring works by Natsoulas, Deliana Simeonova, Lal Montoya, Laura Chkhetiani, Margaret DeWys and Susan Quasha, will run through Feb. 23.
“A mistica is a beautiful way to bring people together in this crazy world,” said Natsoulas. “It reminds us that we’re here together, and that our mission is to make life beautiful and better for everyone living in it.”
The Mistica: Celebrating Women in the Hudson Valley
Friday, Feb. 7, 5-8 p.m.
Morton Memorial LIbrary
82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff, NY
Free
