Montclair Church Hosts Pop-Up Display Of Experimental Art

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of a Patch community member. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site here.

Bounce@theSanctuary, an ambitious multi-room installation created by Rachael Grachowski and RHG Architecture + Design and a team of artists opens May 31 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Sanctuary in Montclair. One of the highly anticipated signature events of MONTCLAIR BOUNCE: A Festival of Optimism and Resilience, the exhibit runs through June 7.

Bringing to life festival themes, the artists have transformed the historic church space into a multisensory, immersive experience reflecting six research-based keys to promote optimism and resilience. “IN THE DARK” invites visitors to experience a completely lightless environment, with tactile activities to help connect with the senses and learn how to transcend discomfort or fear. “BALLOON BOUNCE” features a balloon-filled room that celebrates the joy and enthusiastic play of childhood. The SOUND•LAB includes local performing artists sharing ambient, meditative instrumental music. “SACRED SPACE” offers nature mandala-building activities to encourage reflection and self-care. “I DARE YOU TO LOOK” is a mirror-filled space layered with introspective messages to help shape (and reshape) attitudes and mindsets. “HAVE A SEAT, MAKE A FRIEND” is a colorful ball pit in which strangers are invited to share space and get to know each other through a series of guided questions. “TAKE WHAT YOU NEED” invites visitors to pick from a collection of inspirational tags that reflect their personal goals. “LEAVE A WISH” offers an opportunity to write meaningful notes to the community. “SHRED WHAT YOU NO LONGER NEED” closes Bounce@theSanctuary with a ritual of releasing and letting go. After they exit, visitors can visit The Creativity Caravan’s Vital Voices storybooth, housed inside a vintage caravan on the St. Luke’s Church front lawn, to share their own stories of optimism and resilience. As Rachael Grochowski, principal designer notes, “Whether it’s a game that draws visitors together or an activity that stimulates altruism, taking creative risks will be encouraged!”

Bounce@theSanctuary will be open during the festival run. Hours are as follows: May 31: 2-8 p.m.; June 1: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; June 2: 4-7 p.m.; June 3-5: 2-6 p.m.; June 6: 2-8 p.m. A “Task Party,” an open-ended and improvisational experience promoting collaboration, connection, and creativity, takes place on June 2 from 4-7 p.m. Admission to all Bounce@theSanctuary events is free and open to all ages. Special music performances will take place in the sanctuary throughout the MONTCLAIR BOUNCE festival during open hours.

A collaboration of Toni’s Kitchen and the Montclair YMCA, the first annual MONTCLAIR BOUNCE Festival, May 31-June 7, is a playful, town-wide week dedicated to exploring practices and connections to enrich lives. Among the 70+ festival events are a community meal, fitness and wellness and activities, book talks, self-care workshops, panel discussions, and programs for teens and families.

MONTCLAIR BOUNCE is made possible by the generous contributions of its sponsors:

Partners for Health Foundation, Summit Medical Group, The Bravitas Group, Clara Maass Medical Center, The Codey Fund for Mental Health, Fusion Academy, Hackensack Meridian Health Mountainside Medical Center, Josh and Judy Weston, All-Ways Advertising.

Montclair Bounce events are free with donation opportunities to support ongoing programming to build emotional health and resilience at Toni’s Kitchen and the YMCA of Montclair. For further details, visit www.montclairbounce.org.

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