Author Archives: Jake Alper

Spring 2016 Workshops

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Here are the Spring 2016 workshops

Creativity, Technique, & Problem Solving: In Theory and In Practice with Rose L
Although primarily a DIY Lets Make Art workshop, we’ll include discussions on the differences and connections between creativity, technique, and problem-solving. Also, art for yourself vs art for others, and the importance of creativity in our day-to-day life *and* for humanity in general. Collaborative projects are greatly encouraged. If anyone is interested in painting or drawing lessons, I can provide that.

 

Anti-Capitalist Positivism with Will
PLOT TWIST: Let’s talk 99% less about how much we hate the status quo, and fill that space instead with suggestions for an alternative (this is the positivist part) structure to society. Over our time at Spring we’ll examine a variety of alternative systems (or tweaks to systems) that we might wish upon the world instead and then critically examine those suggested systems, looking for weaknesses, dependencies, and what it would realistically take to get us from here to there.

Disclaimer: Your workshop leader is decidedly pro-capitalism and is working on a phd in Law and Public Policy. He has a master’s degree in community planning and development. He’s running this workshop for two reasons: 1) He REALLY would love to understand what a better alternative to the status quo is, and 2) it worked really well during a pilot run at Sputnik.

This will be a moderated discussion workshop.

 

Acting Like Men, with Kat M, Goshman, Sophie and Sandy
“Carry yourself with the confidence of a mediocre white man.” – Heben Nigatu

This workshop will explore Typical Male Behavior (TMB). We will discuss and practice different aspects of TMB. What you get out of this workshop is the experience of practicing these behaviors and what that entails. This is not about empowerment, and we do not recommend you behave this way after this week. This is NOT a self-improvement plan; it is an experience that will be uncomfortable to you and everyone around you. No men allowed.

 

Spring Fighter XVI with Coran
Do you like watching epic fight scenes!? Enjoy action movies?! Have you ever seen a fight scene and thought “There is no way I could do that and look that cool.” Well you are wrong! At Spring Fighter XVI you will learn how to fake a punch, fake getting hit and with enough time learn to fake a full fight!

Everyone is welcome, will take into account any previous injuries, no experience required! Bring clothing you are comfortable in moving in, etc. sweats and tee shirts. Feel free to contact me with any questions.

 

Build Stuff with Cat
Cat is moving into a new apartment immediately after Spring and has a few carpentry/furniture finishing projects to complete! So she’s bringing them with her! Glen Brook has a wood shop and Cat has a decent toolkit, too. Cat’s mostly going to be focusing on her projects: Building a bed frame and two nightstands and refinishing a 19-teens secretary desk. You can come help and learn how to do some of these things! You can bring a project to work on (don’t forget sandpaper–ask if you don’t know what grit you need)!

 

Games with David
David is going to play games! Come play games with him!

 

 
If the workshop you want isn’t listed, this is a DIY conference, so email Jake and tell him about the workshop you want to run!

Open staff meeting!

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Hello Springians!

The Open Staff Meeting for Spring 2016 will be Sunday, October 4th at Parts & Crafts in Somerville.

This year the Open Staff Meeting will be a bit different than in years past. We’re holding it early in the year to solicit assistance and feedback from the community before the bulk of the planning is done. Only six of last year’s seven staff re-applied, and we received no new applications, which means this year’s staff will need a lot of help from the community to make Spring 2016 happen.

The main agenda item for this meeting is to find volunteers to take on the planning and execution of individual tasks and events. Volunteers won’t necessarily need to attend future staff meetings but they will need to be in regular communication with at least one member of staff.

In aid of this we began brainstorming a Big List of Tasks that are needed to make Spring happen that we feel will would work to be handed off. You can see it here: https://goo.gl/0r34Eb

If you are interested in working on any of these things either by yourself or with a partner or committee please come to the meeting and help us out. And if you are interested but can’t make it to the meeting let us know that too and we’ll work out how to get you involved. Also, let us know if you think there are things that should be on this list that aren’t. Maybe you’ve got an awesome idea we haven’t even thought of?

The goal is for this meeting to be more a conversation with the community, working out ways to make the best conference ever with involvement from much more of the community, rather than the more presentation style Open Staff Meetings that we’ve had in the past when it takes place much later in the process.

The meeting will start at 10AM with a ring-style check in, and then move on to the list and figuring out how to get everything done. At some point in the middle we will break for a potluck style lunch, so please make sure to bring something yummy to eat or drink (but no alcohol, please, in keeping with the Spring spirit).

If you’re planning to attend, or aren’t sure but are considering it, please let us know via this RSVP form: https://goo.gl/a65SWZ

Much love,

2016 Spring Staff
April W, David W, Jake A, Kelly T, Lorraine G, Thor T

P.S. Please let us know if your contact information has changed recently, so we can make sure you don’t miss out on any important future communications!

Open staff meeting!

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Hello everyone!

This year’s Spring open staff meeting will take place on Sunday April 12th at Parts & Crafts — 577 Somerville Ave, Somerville, MA 02143.

The open staff meeting gives you, the enthusiastic Spring attendee, the opportunity to see and participate in the inner workings of making Spring happen. Staff will present some of the big changes and decisions on the table this year, and listen with attention and gratitude to your feedback and ideas about Spring.

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Spring 2014 Workshops

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Here are the Spring 2014 workshops

Making and Breaking Patterns with April
A discussion group centered around noticing patterns and habits in our lives, and working to create new patterns and/or change existing ones (with a bit of group support to help you along). Drawing and doodling patterns during the discussion is strongly encouraged.

 

Spring to the MOON! with Will
No longer known as ‘An Explosively Good Time.’
Also no longer known as ‘Fun with Flying Phalluses’
Also no longer known as ‘The Rickety Rocket Racket’ 
Come learn the fundamentals of model rocketry, hands-on, with your host: Will! Rockets will be entirely scratch-built from as many reclaimed materials as possible: paper towel and wrapping paper tubes, plastic and paper nose cones, parachutes out of crappy shower curtains. It’s not quite upcycling, but it beats shelling out $20-30 for a rocket kit! Motors and launch equipment provided by your workshop leader along with a ton of supplies.
Remember always, however, that this is Spring. Anyone can make a rocket. You are encouraged to make yours fabulous. To this end we will be working extensively in the Art Barn. All Rockets will need to pass a basic safety inspection before being considered for flight.

 

A MARVEL-ous Superhero Role Playing Game with Coran
Have you ever wanted to fight along side the forces of good? Fly through the sky with Superman. Swing through a city with Spiderman. Beat up villains with your brains and brawl with Wonder Woman. Or… talk to fish with Aquaman? Well, you can’t because I don’t want to get sued. But, you can still play superheroes if you want. You could have a telekinetic speedster, or an animal controller brick of a bloke. Who you get is up to the die; how you play… well that’s all on you.

 

DIT Fit – Do it Together Fitness for a DIY Conference with Denise
This workshop is a chance to play and make extra endorphins to enhance your week. Its always easier with a buddy…or ten. As a group (DIT!) we will choose from a variety of body moving, sometimes blood pumping activities to suite our mood and the weather that graces our little slice of heaven that is Glenbrook. Options to choose from include but are not limited to: taking a run through the pastoral neighborhood, tetherball championships, dance class in the barn, playing outside in the rain (obligatory hot cocoa and lounging afterward), swimming, locating and occupying climbable trees, acroyoga in the field, playing kickball, and frisbee. Creativity and endurance is encouraged, along with generous victory cool downs where we lie in the grass. Additionally, if you are wanting to try your hand at teaching a yoga class, sharing your acro skillz, or becoming a drill sergeant to a troop of running free spirits, then this may be the morning workshop for you. Don’t be intimidated, without stillness there is no movement, and there will be plenty of both.

 

The Person & The Poet: A Poetry Workshop with Seb
In this workshop we will engage in a critical study of contemporary poets such as Louise Gluck, Anne Carson, and John Berryman and we will also create a space for us to write and workshop each other’s work. We will do a lot of reading, writing, and sharing.

 

Using Spring As A Jumping Off Point To Create The World You Want with Lydia
This workshop will be a space for us to muse over what makes Spring what it is. We will discuss the world-changing implications of creating this kind of community and ways we might apply our experiences here towards transforming society. In this workshop we will look at the inspiring, the practical, the social, the political, the liberating, the far-fetched, the personal, the challenging, and the pragmatic. As we consider the world-changing implications of our own experiences in community we will also look at what we can learn from other movements and groups. Let’s share our dreams and make big things happen!

 

Be-in with Bryce
Bryce has no idea what he wants to do. He has a vague inkling that it’ll be outside and maybe involve a game or building something… Or both. So if you are similarly indecisive come join him and whoever else shows up that day and figure out something to do.

 

 
If the workshop you want isn’t listed, this is a DIY conference, so email Jake and tell him about the workshop you want to run!

Spring 2013 Workshops

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Here are the workshops from Spring 2013

The World of Small Craft with Sandy
Let’s make things and hang out!Each day will focus on a different material and/or technique for making art and/or crafts. There will be several project suggestions at a variety of experience levels to help you explore making art and/or crafts.Because everyone can be creative, and anyone can create, this workshop is open to both newbies and professional artists (and anyone in between). You should be able to find things to make that are both challenging and accessible regardless of experience or skill level. The projects will also include useful crafts, small gifts, and art for art’s sake.Because we only have a week, and a limited suitcase size, each project idea will be for something small enough to fit into a mailbag and finish in one day.

 

Spring Remix! with Anthony
We’ve had Sproing! (Spring, the musical), and we have Coffee House every year. We have conversations deep and humorous. But we haven’t answered the question: “Will it blend?” In this workshop, we will grab snippets of Spring, short or long (with consent from those recorded), cut them up, mix them together, and throw it at the wall to see what sticks. Many stock loops and audio clips will be available to add, but at least part of the workshop will focus on recording pieces of Spring, and use of “found audio.” I will provide computers/software for recording and editing, as well as recording equipment (microphones, etc.), but if there’s something you really want to record, feel free to bring it!

 

Board Game Workshop with Dan
As usual, we have an abundance of games of all kinds available to us. Board games, card games, party games, you name it! Whether you’re looking for a several-day-long epic RPG or a casual 10-minute card game, there will be plenty of others willing to play, and you might even learn a new game. We sometimes even have game designers play-testing their newest creations!

 

Write On! with Athena
Let’s manifest a creative space to climb up our writers blocks and find our voices. I’m hoping for us to share our writing goals and then satisfy them, however modestly. We will find a quiet nice place to be…and we will write. We will encourage each other along throughout the week. This won’t be so much a “learn a new writing style” workshop as it will be a “dust off your writing goals” workshop. Hopefully by the end of the week, that poem/story/biography/etc that has been spinning around in your head for a while will have made its way onto the paper. In other words, this is a do-it-yourself writing workshop, with a little help from your friends. Because it’s always better that way, isn’t it. 

 

Inclusion and Oppression: Hard Work, Deep Love, and Dreams with Choya
Spring is transformative and powerful because we try to create a space where every person in our community can feel safe and loved enough to express their most authentic selves, free from some of the externally (and internally) imposed constraints of our day-to-day lives. In this workshop, we’ll get into our community values in order to talk about what that means to us, individually and communally. To support and anchor our conversations, we’ll create a shared understanding of oppression, power and privilege, and consider various parts of our identities (both socially charged, like race and gender, and less-so, like food preferences, hobbies or family situations). We’ll compassionately rise to the challenge of being our best selves – and, oddly, it will be fun! This workshop will use gentle facilitation, transformational discussion, personal reflection, activities and creativity.

 

Co-Listening/Peer Counseling with Lydia
In this workshop we’ll be learning how to listen effectively to each other and the role that can play in clearing our minds and healing from old hurts. We are all born wanting to connect, collaborate, learn and celebrate. We all experience social conditioning and emotional hurts which interfere with our ability to think clearly and flexibly. By taking turns actively listening to each other we will tap into our natural emotional healing process (through laughing, crying, talking and being present with each other) and support each other in reclaiming our full humanity.