Ebony Gooden, the only Black Deaf artist living in Calgary, is determined to make artistic experiences accessible to all. She is working with Ghost River Theatre’s artistic director Eric Rose to create The Room Sculpture Experience, a unique, hands-on event that allows participants to collaborate and create art silently. The focus is on using art as a language to connect and create together in a dark, empty room. Gooden leads special Deaf-led sessions during the experience, reshaping the intersection of accessibility and art. These sessions highlight the power of human connection and offer a unique experience for Deaf audiences.
The Room Sculpture Experience invites participants to use materials like giant inflatables, pebbles, and mannequins to transform the empty room into a life-sized sculpture. The collaborative nature of the experience allows for people to build upon each other’s creations, leading to a constantly evolving sculpture. The emphasis is on the process of creation rather than achieving a perfect end result. Ghost River Theatre aims to create a space where art serves as the currency for communication, allowing for a deep connection between participants.
Eric Rose, the artistic director of Ghost River Theatre, has worked with Deaf actors and creators over the years and is passionate about changing practices to make art more accessible. The decision to have Deaf-led sessions during The Room Sculpture Experience was inspired by the barriers faced by Deaf individuals in traditional artistic spaces. Gooden views these sessions as a way to remind people of the importance of taking the time to truly connect with others. The experience challenges participants to step out of their comfort zones and communicate through art without relying on verbal language.
The Room Sculpture Experience is a 45-minute immersive art-making event that encourages participants to engage in collaborative creation. The focus on using art as a language to connect people from different backgrounds is a central theme of the experience. The Deaf-led sessions led by Ebony Gooden offer a unique perspective on accessibility in the arts and highlight the power of human connection. The event is a reflection of Gooden’s commitment to making artistic experiences inclusive and accessible to all members of the community.
The Room Sculpture Experience is currently on stage at the West Village Theatre until October 7. Tickets are available through Ghost River Theatre’s website, providing an opportunity for individuals to participate in this transformative and immersive art-making event. The experience challenges participants to step out of their comfort zones and communicate through art, fostering connections and collaborations that transcend language barriers. Gooden and Rose are dedicated to creating a space where art serves as a universal language to bring people together in a meaningful and impactful way.
In a city like Calgary, where diversity and accessibility in the arts are constantly evolving, The Room Sculpture Experience stands out as a unique and inclusive event. By prioritizing collaboration, communication, and connection through the language of art, Gooden and Rose are redefining the intersections of accessibility and creativity. The Deaf-led sessions offered during the experience serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusivity and human connection in the arts. Through events like The Room Sculpture Experience, Gooden and Rose are paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse artistic community in Calgary and beyond.
