Aqua Chautauqua

1 – 2 PM

1. Collective Rest

2. Latin American Music

3. Juggling

4. 100 Years from Now-A Journey Back From the Future

5. From Conversation to Poem

6. Tie Dying

7. Kumi Himo

2 – 3 PM

1. Mending

2. Song Circle

3. Hula Hooping

4. Aerial Silks

5. Doctrine of Discovery and How it Works with Canadian Law

6. Air Filters

3 – 4 PM

1. Clowning and Physical Comedy

2. It’s Bubble Time

3. Salish Sea History

4. Unpacking Great Songs

5. Flower Crown

6. Folding a Fitted Sheet (15 minutes only)

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS

Workshops led by members of the New Old Time Chautauqua

HULA HOOPS – Mariah

(2-3 pm)

Hula hoops for everyone! Open to all ages and experience. Learn to hula hoop on and off the body with one or maybe even two hoops!

AERIAL SILKS – Reed

(2-3 pm)

Have you ever wanted to join the circus? Have you been wanting to learn how to fly? Interested in what the heck is going on with those fabric things? Now is your chance to try aerial silks! Join Reed, a certified aerial instructor, for a 75-minute workshop where you will learn the basics of aerial silks, including poses, spins (only if you want), and maybe even some improv. This workshop is open to all ages, all bodies, and all abilities! Aerial is for everyone!

Things to prepare for:

• Show up at least 10 minutes before the start of the workshop. You’ll need to sign a waiver. If you’re under 18, you’ll need a guardian to sign a waiver.

• Bring some water and eat a light snack before.

• Wear full coverage clothing and take off all jewelry.

JUGGLING – The jugglers of Chautauqua

(1-2 pm)

Learn to juggle. Or come to juggle. Beginners welcome. You can do it.

CLOWNING AND PHYSICAL COMEDY – Mika and friends

(3-4 pm)

In this 45-minute introduction to clown and physical comedy, participants will explore their personal point of bafflement, practice group complicity, and learn how to connect with an audience. We will do some character work using tempo, and states of tension. We will play games that open us up to the power of laughter and the inner clown. For all ages and abilities.

FROM CONVERSATION TO POEM – Bill

(1-2 pm)

What if inspiration isn’t hiding in some distant mountaintop, but sitting across from you in a chair? In this engaging and interactive workshop, poet and performer Bill Keys, known as The Poem Guy, explores the surprising connection between conversation and creativity. Through stories, demonstrations, and guided exercises, participants discover how curiosity, attention, and genuine listening can uncover unexpected insights, vivid imagery, and even poetry.

Together we’ll explore how ordinary conversations can spark extraordinary ideas, why some questions open doors while others close them, and how paying closer attention to the words around us can awaken creativity in everyday life.

No writing experience is required. In fact, this workshop isn’t really about writing at all. It’s about noticing. Listening. Wondering. And discovering the hidden treasures that emerge when people connect with one another. Come curious. Leave inspired.You may even walk away with a poem.

100 YEARS FROM NOW: A JOURNEY BACK FROM THE FUTURE – Robin and Paul

(1-2 pm)

Don your space goggles and time travel 100 years into the future. Inspired by How to Fall in Love with the Future, this interactive workshop invites participants to imagine vibrant, healthy communities and ecosystems—and then trace the decisions and actions that made our brighter Salish Sea future possible. What did you see, what surprised you? Through guided visualisation, participants will create postcards from 2126, bringing back hopeful stories and practical pathways we can set in motion today.

THE DOCTRINE OF DISCOVERY AND HOW IT WORKS WITH CANADIAN LAW – Paul

(1-2 pm)

This workshop will touch upon the legal basis for the Canadian government’s claim to sovereignty. This 45-minute discussion will give those who attend the tools with which to inform themselves about negotiations between First Nations in B.C. and the federal government.

FOLDING A FITTED SHEET – Paul

(3-3:15 pm)

A 15-minute workshop where the mystery is at last revealed.

HOW TO MAKE A FLOWER CROWN – Marcy

(3-4 pm)

Are you ready to become your own inner royalty? We will make flower crowns to wear and share. If you can bring roadside or backyard flowers and greenery that would be great!

KUMI HIMO – Don

(1-2 pm)

Learn the art of Japanese braiding.

LATIN AMERICAN MUSIC – David, Sarafina and Dave

(1-2 pm)

Immerse yourself in beautiful Latin-American music with veteran Spanish-immersion music teacher (David Adee), with assistance from his delightful daughter Sarafina Adee (marimba, ukulele, voice) and fabulous friend David Fulp (guitar, marimba, percussion). Bring any instrument (especially bass, guitar, ukulele, violin, flutes) or just sing and dance! Take-home song-sheets with words and chords will be provided (yay!) Recording for your own learning is encouraged but do not post. Open to all ages and abilities.

UNPACKING GREAT SONGS – Tracy

A great lyric. A lovely bridge. An unexpected melodic line or chord structure. What caught your ear or captured your heart? We’ll bring our favorite songs to this workshop and learn about songwriting by exploring the great moves that someone else made. No prior songwriting experience is required to participate; just bring a favorite song to share with the group.

SONG CIRCLE – Eben and Harry

(2-3 pm)

Rise up singing! This casual gathering is for all. Think you can’t sing? Yes, you can!

Workshops led by Denmanites

IT’S BUBBLE TIME – Chris

(3-4 pm)

ALL are welcome to join Chris to learn about the magic of giant bubble-making and how to make your own bubble sticks!

TIE-DYE – Sherry

(1-2 pm)

Immerse yourself in a tie-dye Workshop that is inspired by the first hippies living on Denman island. Sherry says: “In the early 70s, I was inspired by the draft dodgers moving to our island, wanting only peace and love, and I wanted to be just like them. So, I started following the Grateful Dead and learned how to make tie dyes. Now I teach the technique to others so they can experience the same feeling.”

Bring any article of clothing you’d like to dye (white or light colours work best) or select a blank piece of clothing that Sherry has provided.

COLLECTIVE REST – Max

(1-2 pm)

Take some time, lay down and rest.

HISTORY OF THE SALISH SEA – Howard

(3-4 pm)

Join Howard for an informative talk about the history of the Salish Sea

AIR FILTERS – Lisa

(2-3 pm)

Learn how to make air filters with Lisa and the Denman Island Climate Action Network

MENDING – Annie

(2-3 pm)

Join Annie (who hosts the Mending Cafe at the Gathering Place) and learn about the differences between textiles – their pros and cons – while getting some hands-on experience with embroidery and applique!