Salon for Possible Futures
I was asked by Amy Kligman to create some very special candles for her Salon for Possible Futures. I am honored to have my art tapers displayed alongside the works and contributions of Kligman and several other artists in this unique art exhibit and interactive installation in the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art’s Oppenheimer New Media Gallery.
Salon for Possible Futures opening ritual Thursday, March 27th 6-8pm.
“Amy Kligman’s The Salon for Possible Futures is a collaboration of more than 20 artist contributors whose work is integrated into the installation; a built-environment installation that takes on the familiar shape of a living room. It is a library, a gallery, a cabinet of curiosity, a third space, a common room, and a think tank. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in the Salon . . . to open drawers, read, write, draw, sit, spend time with yourself and your thoughts, or with others who might be sharing the Salon with you. This is an art space meant to be used, not just observed; fostering the relationships and community needed to establish any kind of future at all.”
Artists and Collaborators featured in the Salon, as envisioned and organized by Amy Kligman:
NedRa Bonds, Patricia Bordallo Dibildox, Melanie Bridges, Juan William Chávez, Sonia Delaunay, Kevin Demery, Charles and Ray Eames, Kim Eichler-Messmer, Rachel Ferber, Sofia + Lara Karadogan, Lilly McElroy, Sean Nash, Chiara No, Minga Opazo, Andrew Ordonez, Jada Patterson, Sally Paul, Laura Pensar, Megan Pobywajlo, Will Preman, Adams Puryear, Emily Reinhardt, Mike Sayer, Julie Schenkelberg, Smiley Projects, Dannielle Tegeder, Frank Thong, and Aleah Washington.
Letterlocking Workshop
Letterlocking is the art of folding and securing messages on paper without using external envelopes. Tamper-proof documents are created by hand using small slits, tabs, and folding techniques to allow the intended recipient to tell if the message has been intercepted. Analog encryption… the original “document security!”
Join me in the Salon for Possible Futures to learn some basic letterlocking techniques and discuss the very human practice of “passing secret notes.” No experience necessary. Free.
Instructor: Laura Pensar
Thursday, April 24th 5:30-6:30pm
Free - supplies provided.
Presented as part of Amy Kligman’s Salon for Possible Futures at The Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, Oppenheimer New Media Gallery (2nd floor).
The Hermit's Guide to Solitaire
Playing cards have been tools of underground resistance and community building for centuries. Even Solitaire can be a covert form of personal resistance and a path for self-reflection and insight.
Join us as we discuss the history of the game of Solitaire and how you can turn it into a discreet divination system. No experience necessary. Free.
Instructor: Laura Pensar
Saturday, May 17th 2:00-3:30pm
Free - supplies provided.
Presented as part of Amy Kligman’s Salon for Possible Futures at The Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, Oppenheimer New Media Gallery (2nd floor).
25th Anniversary - West 18th Street Fashion Show
I have teamed up with costume designer Jennifer Tierney once again to create a unique collection for the runway! Her costumes with my textile patterns will be walking the runway in the West 18th Street Fashion Show on Saturday, June 14th. Come celebrate one of Kansas City’s longest-running art events (25 years!) for a Mercurial Summer.
VIP tickets available soon. Standing room is free.
Collection: iMmortality by Jennifer Tierney and Laura Pensar
Saturday, June 14th - show begins at sundown
Hands Around the Table: Card Game Afternoon
Various card games have held a special role in various communities throughout history. We will learn about and play just a few of these games, building connections with each other and back through time. Games to be announced.
No experience necessary. Free.
Your Dealer: Laura Pensar (do not expect fancy shuffling or cardistry…)
Saturday, August 2nd 1:00-3:00pm
Free - supplies provided.
Presented as part of Amy Kligman’s Salon for Possible Futures at The Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, Oppenheimer New Media Gallery (2nd floor).
Letterlocking Workshop II
Letterlocking is the art of folding and securing messages on paper without using external envelopes. Tamper-proof documents are created by hand using small slits, tabs, and folding techniques to allow the intended recipient to tell if the message has been intercepted. Analog encryption… the original “document security!”
Join me in the Salon for Possible Futures to learn some basic letterlocking techniques and discuss the very human practice of “passing secret notes.” No experience necessary. Free. * If you attended the first Letterlocking workshop in March come add more folding styles to your toolbox as we will be doing different techniques this time around. If you didn’t attend the March workshop no problem!
Instructor: Laura Pensar
Saturday, Septmber 13th 1:00-2:00pm
Free - supplies provided.
Presented as part of Amy Kligman’s Salon for Possible Futures at The Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, Oppenheimer New Media Gallery (2nd floor).
Hands Around the Table II: Card Game Afternoon
Various card games have held a special role in various communities throughout history. We will learn about and play just a few of these games, building connections with each other and back through time. Games to be announced.
No experience necessary. Free.
Your Dealer: Laura Pensar (do not expect fancy shuffling or cardistry…)
Saturday, November 8th 2:00-4:00pm
Free - supplies provided.
Presented as part of Amy Kligman’s Salon for Possible Futures at The Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, Oppenheimer New Media Gallery (2nd floor).
Spring Equinox Candles at Oracle
Saturday + Sunday (12 to 5pm) come choose your favorite candle and have me custom dress it for you with special Spring herbs, flowers, and crystals. A perfect seasonal gift for yourself or a loved one!
Candle Divination & Superstitions Class
Get in the October spirit! Learn about candle divination and superstitions as we practice reading candles in class. Guide booklet and supplies included. No prior divination practice necessary. $50 Tickets through oraclekc.com
Equinox Candles Pop-up
Celebrating the Autumn Equinox at Oracle Natural Science in Kansas City with custom-dressed candles! Hand-dipped beeswax tapers dressed with your choice of herbs, crystals, and/or sustainably-sourced bones. Start your Autumn off with cozy candle magic!
Pop-Up: Custom Dressed Candles
Celebrating the Spring, May, and Mothers Day at Oracle Natural Science in Kansas City with custom-dressed candles and floral bundles! Hand-dipped beeswax tapers dressed with your choice of herbs, crystals, and/or sustainably-sourced bones. Custom-dressed candles make a lovely gift!
Pop-Up: Custom Dressed Candles
Celebrating the Spring Equinox at Oracle Natural Science in Kansas City with custom-dressed candles and floral bundles! Hand-dipped beeswax tapers dressed with your choice of herbs, crystals, and/or sustainably-sourced bones.
Online Class: Flora & Fauna in Tarot’s Major Arcana
The Major Arcana may be the Fool’s Journey but the Fool sees many things on the path. Learn the significance of animals and plants depicted on the cards of the Major Arcana and how they contribute to the card’s meaning. No tarot experience necessary. The Library has a limited supply of tarot decks to give to interested participants. Call 816-701-3683 for details. Please RSVP to receive a link to register for this online class. (RSVP to the library to receive event link.)
Class: Candle Divination
Learn the language of candles. As magic, prayer, or meditation… candle practices are a wonderful way to connect with our intuition. Interpreting the way your candle burns all the way to the wax formations left behind. We will practice reading candle flames and wax formations. Guide booklet included and supplies included. No prior divination practice necessary. Reservations: oraclekc.com
Pop-Up: Blood Milk Philadelphia
The Midwest is heading to Philly for the weekend! Join us for an artists’ market at Blood Milk Jewel’s Sphinx and Snakeskin location Friday the 13th 6-9pm and Saturday the 14th 12-5pm. More info: TBA
Tyler Thrasher Art
Sweet Destructor Ceramics
Oracle Natural Science
Moth and Candle Studio
Jane Almiral Art
Ashley Miyagawa Art
Heartland Book Festival: Tarot Workshop
I’m honored to be included on the roster of presenters for the Heartland Book Festival! I’ll be teaching two sessions of my Intro to Tarot workshop: 12pm and 2pm. Participants will receive a Tarot deck to take home compliments of the library! KCPL Central Branch, 3rd floor room 312. The workshops are free but RSVP to the library is required to attend.
Pop-Up: Custom Dressed Candles
Celebrating the Autumn Equinox at Oracle Natural Science in Kansas City with custom-dressed candles and floral bundles! Hand-dipped beeswax tapers dressed with your choice of herbs, crystals, and/or sustainably-sourced bones.
Paper Plains Zine Fest
I’ll be a tabler at the Paper Plains Zine Fest! I’ve got some brand new mini-zines of Tarot spreads, a Candle Divination booklet, and more! So come say “hey” and check out the 100 local and regional artists participating!
Denver Class: Candle Divination
Learn the language of candles. As magic, prayer, or meditation… candle practices are a wonderful way to connect with our intuition. Interpreting the way your candle burns all the way to the wax formations left behind. We will practice reading candle flames and wax formations. No prior divination practice necessary. Supplies provided. Reservations: School.Ritualcravt.com
Online Class: Tarot for Goal Setting
Free class presented by KC Public Library. Learn to use Tarot cards to help you set your intentions and align with your goals. In this workshop we will cover using Tarot readings to help set intentions and chart your course towards your ambitions! (RSVP to Library to receive event link.)
Class: Your Tarot Questions Answered
This session is a time for students of the tarot to drop in with questions, challenges, insights, or helpful hints about the tarot. Experienced tarot readers will be on hand to work with any level of tarot reader.
Pop-Up: Custom Dressed Candles
Celebrating the Summer Solstice at Oracle Natural Science in Kansas City with custom-dressed candles and floral bundles! Hand-dipped beeswax tapers dressed with your choice of herbs, crystals, and/or sustainably-sourced bones.
Online Class: Tarot for Self Care
Free class presented by KC Public Library. Learn to use a deck of Tarot cards as a part of a contemplative practice. This workshop covers ways to read Tarot for yourself and incorporate the cards into your self-care routine. (RSVP to the library to receive event link.)
Class: Working with Tarot Spreads
“Spreads” are layouts that give Tarot cards context in a reading. Learn the basics of working with various Tarot spreads and leave class with several simple spreads you can use immediately.
Class: Tarot’s Major Arcana
The Fool’s Journey: What story is buried in the traditional Tarot deck’s fifth suit? Learn about the archetypes as we follow The Fool on his journey through the Tarot’s Major Arcana. No Tarot experience necessary.
Pop-Up: KC Zine Con
I have a table at this year’s KC Zine Con! I’m bringing all of my zines, the Lulu decks, and more paper goods. “At KC Zine Con, anyone can come and wander the tables, chat with the incredible artists, learn at workshops and panels, make a whole host of new friends, and get tons of zines!” More info: kczinecon.com
Class: Intro to Tarot
Learn to use a deck of Tarot cards as a part of a contemplative practice. This workshop aims to supply you with enough foundational history and tools for you to begin working with the cards right away.
Class: Learn Divination with Playing Cards
Read regular playing cards like an Oracle or Tarot deck! Learn how to use any deck of playing cards as a divination and contemplative tool. Turn a simple game of Solitaire into magic filled with insight! Bring you own deck of standard playing cards and we will practice reading in this class led by Laura Pensar of Moth & Candle. No prior divination practice necessary. You will go home with your own cartomancy workbook to practice what you’ve learned! Reservations: OracleKC.com
Class: Learn Divination with Playing Cards
Read regular playing cards like an Oracle or Tarot deck! Learn how to use any deck of playing cards as a divination and contemplative tool. Turn a simple game of Solitaire into magic filled with insight! Bring you own deck of standard playing cards and we will practice reading in this class led by Laura Pensar of Moth & Candle. No prior divination practice necessary. Reservations: Divination with Playing Cards
Pop-up: Tarot Readings at Sideshow Gallery
I will be available for private session Tarot readings at Sideshow Gallery on Saturday April 29th! Sessions must be scheduled and paid in advance. Reservations: Tarot Sessions at Sideshow Gallery
Pop-up: Chicago Market
Pop-up Market featuring Moth & Candle and OracleKC at Sideshow Gallery in Chicago!
Class: Candle Divination
Learn the language of candles. As magic, prayer, or meditation… candle practices are a wonderful way to connect with our intuition. Interpreting the way your candle burns all the way to the wax formations left behind. We will practice reading candle flames and wax formations. No prior divination practice necessary. Supplies provided. Reservations: Candle Divination Class
Pop-Up: Custom Dressed Candles
Celebrating Spring at Oracle Natural Science in Kansas City with custom-dressed candles and floral bundles! Hand-dipped beeswax tapers dressed with your choice of herbs, crystals, and/or sustainably-sourced bones.
Class: Charting Your Course With Tarot
SOLD OUT - Learn to use Tarot cards to help you set your intentions and align with your goals. Bring your deck and in this hands-on workshop we will do personal readings and begin filling in your own Tarot planning journal! We will cover a few spreads useful for intention setting. You’ll take home the “Your Chariot Year” journaling workbook. (Some familiarity with Tarot is recommended.) Space is limited to 6 participants. Reserve your space through OracleKC.com
Online Class: Your Tarot Questions Answered
Free class presented by KC Public Library. This session is a time for students of the tarot to drop in with questions, challenges, insights, or helpful hints about the tarot. Experienced tarot readers will be on hand to work with any level of tarot reader. (RSVP to the KC Library to receive the login link.)