Community Rattle Workshop with Gina Athena Ulysse

A Community Rattle Workshop

Across cultures, the rattle is both profane and sacred—a baby’s toy, a ritual tool, a percussion instrument, a call to the spirits. Clink. Clang. Jingle. Something that agitates, disturbs, and awakens.The MAH invites the public to participate in a hands-on, low-pressure workshop led by artist Gina Athena Ulysse. Together, participants will co-create a large-scale community rattle using string, cowrie shells, paper, and other tactile materials. No prior experience is needed.

Participants are especially encouraged to bring odd jewelry, beads, or small found objects they are ready to part with, items that can be woven into the rattle as offerings. These contributions will not be returned, as the finished rattle will become part of a larger installation.

The workshop centers collective making as a space for reflection and connection. As hands work, participants are invited into a shared exploration of individual and collective will, sound, memory, and intention.

This program is offered as part of Redwoods Rasanblaj: Origins & Disentanglements, a multisited public art project that places Haiti at the avant-garde, gathering ideas, objects, people, and spirits for exhibition across Santa Cruz at IAS, the MAH, the Quarry, and Variance Objects.

All are welcome.