Clay Seed Pod Happening

A collaborative sculpture workshop, fundraising in aid of Altadena Seed Library.

What can we learn from looking closely at seed pods, by dancing their dance?

In this one-day workshop at the PRS Plantstock Festival, participants will sculpt a giant collaborative clay seed pod, guided by artist and naturalist Rosie Brand.

Wild Cucumber Pod Sculpture, Rosie Brand, 2024

Seed pods teach us about carrying precious and precarious futures, they know how to make and unmake themselves, they contain the knowledge of letting go. Together we must learn to weave new containers for ongoingness, composting those that no longer carry us. Looking to examples of locally foraged seed pods, we’ll adapt fundamental clay hand-building techniques to build our large scale pod.

Following the profound loss of the Eaton and Palisades fires, we face the complex work of rebuilding our neighborhoods. With this collective gesture, we honor what has been lost, holding space for the hopeful act of reseeding in the wake of disaster. As we make our giant pod, we’ll discuss human impact on local ecologies, and how we can foster native habitats in our neighborhoods. In addition to building the collaborative sculpture, participants will make clay seed balls embedded with native wildflower seeds to cast into their neighborhoods.

No previous clay experience is necessary!
Come and learn from plants, get your hands dirty and have fun!

There are three time slots to participate: 11am-1pm, 2pm-4pm, 5pm-6pm. Book now to reserve your spot, limited spots will be set aside for walk-ups on the day.

Sign up is by sliding scale donation. All contributions are welcome. We are raising funds for Altadena Seed Library, who are working to empower communities to steward their neighborhood ecosystems by distributing free seeds and seed education.

Rosie Brand Facilitating the Clay Seed Pod Workshop, 2024.

Please note:

We will be using non toxic red terracotta clay that may stain lighter fabrics. Please wear clothes that can get messy!
Native seed balls are only to be sown around your urban neighborhood, so as not to disturb the delicate balance of our native ecosystems.

About the Artist Facilitator:

Rosie Brand is a multidisciplinary artist, writer, and educator living on Tongva land: Los Angeles, CA. Certified as a California Naturalist via the University of California’s Environmental Stewards program, She teaches interdisciplinary workshops at various arts and community spaces across Southern California including AMOCA, California Botanic Garden and The Feminist Center for Creative Work. She is an advocate for alternative education and a founder and facilitator of the artists’ collective, worm school.

About the Fundraiser:

Proceeds from this workshop will be donated to Altadena Seed Library.

Altadena Seed Library is a growing network of seed exchange boxes, educational resources, and conservation initiatives. Through the distribution of free seeds and seed education, they are working to expand equitable access to shade and green spaces, increase food sovereignty, connect neighbors, and restore local ecosystems.