Workshop from Artist & Poet Kamakshi, sharing practices gathered from sitting lovingly at the feet of her mother-tongue Telugu and namesake Desire.


Saturday, November 15, 2025 | 2-4pm
Vaanchaa Vaakitlo: On the Porch of Desire
Part 1/4: Autumn

The first of a four-part series of embodied creative practice to deepen into the arc of our desire, as defined by Telugu love song tradition:

That is, desire as a ripening that is whole and delicious, independent of and even prior to its object! A ripeness defined only in reference to your own edges and the ways you spill forth from them; a deepening into your own taste until your color and composition have been changed, bloomed.

As we move through the arc of four seasons, with translation, song, visuals, adornment, and writing, we will ask together:

What if the edges of our desire were not defined or limited by its object but instead by us — the subject — and who we become when we feel fully? How do we move toward and sharpen our desire, even in the face of systems that convince us of scarcity?

Join us for a closing reception of the Trajectories exhibition, including a slow art tour with Gail Belvett, DDS from The Art Chose Me.

A Slow Art tour is a radical departure from how exhibition visitors consume art. The objective is to savor a single work of art through close looking and discussion while engaging multiple senses.

This inclusive process allows participants to co-create a deeply layered interpretation of the work that is as unique as the people gathered around that specific object, on that day, at that time. Visitors leave this unforgettable experience with simple, yet powerful, tools that can forever enhance their appreciation of art.

A gently introspective experience to learn from flowers about their adamantly flamboyant display of Beauty as a commitment to Life, and how to embody this in our own expression. Please bring a journal or some way to take notes for yourself. You’re invited to arrive in your most exuberant adornment.

Guided by Sufia Ikbal-Doucet (they/them)

Learn more about Sufia at prismaticrealm.com

Suggested donation —$15-$20 

Teach-In: Genocide in the Democratic Republic of the Congo by the Kotla Collective.  Since 1996, 6 million Congolese people have been killed and over 7 million have been externally displaced. Join us to learn about the history of Congo, why it has been embroiled in conflict for the last 30 years, and the historical precedent that lead to centuries of colonial exploitation.

As part of the Trajectories Exhibition.

Storytelling and Teach-In: Sudan and Global Liberation Struggles by Doha Medani from Muslim Women For

Dreaming of a better world is a part of the solution!

In this workshop, we will explore the practice of DREAMING as the resistance through art and expression, tapping into our inner wisdom and joy. We’ll reflect on what it means to nurture ourselves intentionally and creatively as we enter a new season of possibilities. Together, we’ll discuss meaningful ways to invite more daydreaming into our lives with the help of phenomenal visual boards! Each participant will create their own unique board using images, colors, affirmations, and elements that reflect their desires, values, and dreams. This workshop gives us permission to create a new world for ourselves as both individuals and communities. This is a vibrant, empowering way to set intentions, honor your journey into radical existence, and celebrate the magic of who you are becoming.

As part of the Duke Arts Trajectories Exhibition, by Maya Ghanem and Nashia Ogbuagu.Duke Arts Create Workshop with Jac Michel, titled “Dreaming as a Tool: a whimsical collage with flowers and glitter”

Come learn more about the 4th Amendment Workplace initiative to protect workers in NC from unconstitutional workplace searches! We will introduce the initiative to newcomers, catch up with how canvassing and recruiting businesses is going for folks who have already gotten started, plan future canvasses, find canvass partners, talk canvassing strategies, and get to know each other better!

More info here.

The Trajectories project envisions personal and structural trajectories without the shackles of oppression. What paths would we have taken without colonial restrictions? What would we have explored? What mistakes would we have learned from? How would we understand our stories and our concept of time?

Makeup: Maya Ghanem and Nashia Ogbuagu
Photography: Maya Ghanem and Nashia Ogbuagu
Jewelry: Maya Ghanem
Names of all other collaborators featured at the exhibition site

Funeral traditions vary around the world, but food is always involved.

Wake, Karamu, Funeral Luncheon, Kich’vo, Mercy Meal, Repast…

Sign up required for this event.

Closing Reception for Death Planted a Garden, presented in collaboration with Pop Box Gallery and The Art Chose Me

Our magical co-curator, Mavis Gragg, leads us through estate and funeral planning with an art element. Snacks and seltzers, come on through!
Registration required.

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Artists Exhibiting with Death Planted a Garden speak and / or perform about their work.

Image: Jim Lee

Artists Exhibiting with Death Planted a Garden speak and / or perform about their work.

Third Friday Art Walk Event for Death Planted a Garden, presented in collaboration with Pop Box Gallery and The Art Chose Me at Queen Street Magic Boat, 406 N Queen Street, Durham

Durham Art Asylum offers a workshop on how to complete creative—and legal—psychiatric advance care directives.

Image: Catherine Edgerton

Grand Opening Reception for Death Planted a Garden, presented in collaboration with Pop Box Gallery and The Art Chose Me at Queen Street Magic Boat, 406 N Queen Street, Durham

Image: Alia El-Bermani, Echo/ Departed (detail)

Queen Boat Fundraiser

Gail M D Belvett, DDS (she/her) hosts a Slow Art Tour for the closing reception of Trajectories!

Soup Night