Playfulness and Emotional Discovery

LUDICS

Speaker: Serena Gabriels, Member of Mobius Artists Group

Play, pretend, and whimsical imagination are usually associated with childhood. As we shift into adulthood, childlike discovery starts to fade into the background. Playfulness elicits wonder and connection to a range of emotions that can lead to self discovery. Approaching life through imaginative exploration can help one see the world with a sense of colorful innocence. 

Serena Gabriels explores how play is integral to one’s well being in her seminar "Playfulness and Emotional Discovery." An artist and an elementary art educator, Serena discusses her life experience and how she applies playfulness into her art practice. 

About the Speaker

Serena Gabriels is a multimedia performance artist and member of Mobius Artists Group, working in the Boston area. Her work explores the subjects of mental health awareness and play. Working in elementary art education, Serena engages her imagination daily to keep up with games of pretend and whimsical creativity. She recognizes the positivity that comes from being with children and embracing her own wonder, demonstrating the importance of play for one's well being. Serena explores how to approach play as a “grown up,” with performances and installations that engage the imaginative mind. Seeking to bridge the gap between child and adult imagination, her work aims to be accessible to all ages, inviting the audience to play. She creates spaces that tap into the world of pretend and enable one to learn what it means to be a child again.

This seminar is co-sponsored by the Citizen TALES Youth Mentorship Forum on Civic Innovation.