Published November 26 2014
At the next Cultural Conversations gathering on Tuesday, December 2, women will come together to share their interest in arts and crafts such as painting, photography, fiber arts, hand crafts, performance, cooking and arrangements.
The meeting, titled "Arts and Crafts -- Traditions and Expression Across Culture," takes place 1-3 p.m. at Crossroads Community Center, 16000 NE 10th St. Cultural Conversations is a women's group that meets approximately every six weeks. The group seeks to build community connections and cultural understanding.
At the gathering, the group will welcome those who create, collect or are inspired by art. There will be table displays at which women will have an opportunity to share how they learned about art and cultural traditions, and why they create or collect. Participants also will enjoy some treats of the season from local ethnic bakeries.
In addition, Lisa Merrill, a professional photographer and artist who regularly participates in Cultural Conversations, will share a slide presentation. Merrill's photos of ethnic dishes in two volumes of the Cultural Conversations cookbook, "The World in My Kitchen," capture cultural traditions and artistic expression.
Cultural Conversations was launched in 2010 as a partnership between diverse women in the community and the City of Bellevue. It was initiated by women with a desire to get better connected with their community and enhance their understanding of different cultural practices. Gatherings include women from around the world. The events are free, refreshments are served and women of all ages, faiths and cultures are welcome to attend. To fully participate in the sharing, attendees are encouraged to make arrangements for child care.
For more information on this event or future Cultural Conversations programs, please contact Carol Ross at 425-452-7917 or cross@bellevuewa.gov; or Barb Tuininga at 425-452-2800 or btuininga@bellevuewa.gov.