What will we be doing?

The session will be led by Lore, she will encourage and support you to make your own flower crown that represents you and your lived experience with a chronic illness, mental health issue or disability. The flower crowns are inspired in part by those worn by Frida Kahlo. Expect a friendly atmosphere with live demonstrations and a chance to get hands on with the materials. There will be lots of crafty elements to use, including flowers, found objects and sparkly things.

Each crown will be personal to you, for example, you might want to use faux thorns or barbed wire to represent pain or symbols of your illness, like a butterfly for Lupus.

Lore will also be using the icon of Frida Kahlo to influence the session through images, her artwork and quotes, provoking creative responses from you and the other participants. Not only will it be a safe space for you to talk about your experiences but also through creating, you will explore your own forms of resilience or acceptance. The workshop will be a safe space to be honest, be creative, have fun, and share stories.

After you have made your crown, then you can choose to have your portrait taken wearing your crown (with some Frida Kahlo props) and these will be taken by Ben Croft. Afterwards we will send you a copy of the image and with your permission, feature the portrait in a small exhibit in September/October.

If you are unable to attend in person, then we are hoping to hold an online workshop which will be adapted. For example, participants will be sent crafty packs ahead and photography will happen digitally.

Please email keely at keely.mills@neneparktrust.org.uk to advise if you wish to take part in an online workshop.

About Lore Green

Lore is a mixed media creative and writer who comes from Peterborough, Lore has worked in a number of different community settings, including HMP Peterborough and she has been living with a chronic illness since they were eighteen.

Lore is using their lived experience, alongside the work and life of Frida Kahlo as an inspiration for two workshops, one in person and one which will be digital. The sessions will not explore the themes of Kahlo’s work but will shine a light on chronic illness and invisible disabilities. Lore is inviting participants who are impacted by chronic illnesses to be seen, heard and to step into their own power.

Why Frida Kahlo?

She suffered an accident at a young age and painted from her hospital bed, often whilst lying flat. Kahlo endured a life of chronic pain and many of her portraits celebrate the bold, bright and beguiling beauty of nature. She never shied away from pain and her portraits capture the brutality of chronic pain and chronic illness. Because of this Kahlo is an icon of creative resilience and one of the most recognised female artists of all time.

Access information for the workshop

This session is a Quiet Session, which means fewer workshop places and intended with less visual and auditory stimuli.If you require a BSL interpreter please let us knowLore will give a demonstration at the front of the room, and clearly explain what she is doing so that anyone with sight loss can follow alongThe workshop will be seated on standard plastic/classroom chairs with no arm rests. You are welcome to bring your own chair if you prefer.Materials used include precut felt flowers, hot and cold glue guns, PVA glue, various tactile fabrics and accessories.You will be given a name badge sticker when you arrive.Maximum spaces available – 12 participants plus parents/carers.We will have a box of focus toys and Ear Defenders, or feel free to bring your own.Lore and the Peterborough Presents team will also be there to support if you need. You are welcome to go at your own pace and take breaks whenever you need.

Access information for the venue

Stepped and step free main entranceOne disabled parking bayAutomatic DoorsLow height receptionReception staff will greet youAccessible toilets on the Ground and First FloorsAssistance dogs welcomeLarge print & braille guides available at receptionLift Access (excluding the Operating Theatre and Vaults)One adult wheelchair (Booking advised)

Finding the venue

What3words: crop.fend.planetThere is a stepped and step-free route to the main entrance. The Museum’s main entrance is located on Priestgate street.

The main entrance has two sets of steps, the first consists of three steps with a rail and a second step by the entrance without rail support. Step free access to the Museum is available to the right of the entrance and through the sign posted staff car park. For more information, please see the museum’s Visual Story. Peterborough-Museum-Visual-Story-V1-2022.pdfThe Museum is a short 2–5-minute walk from Peterborough Bus Station. Head out of the South Exit of the Bus Station (towards the big roundabout), use the pedestrian crossings to walk towards Priestgate Street.1 Disabled parking bay available in front of the building. Please book this directly with Peterborough Museum staff on 01733 864663 or email museum@peterboroughlimited.co.ukThe nearest Pay & Display car park is on Trinity Street: https://www.apcoa.co.uk/…/trinity-street-car-park…/

Frida's Flowers workshop with Lore Green