Sarah Edo will host a reading group responding to Erika DeFreitas' outdoor installation of lightboxes at Blackwood Gallery. The series features images of DeFreitas's hands holding polaroids of her attempts to document apparitions of the Virgin Mary in sunny skies. Thinking alongside DeFreitas' interests in repetition, gesture, and the haptic, Edo will propose readings and lead a multi-sensory discussion that engages notions of the sacred in Black diaspora, ritual, cosmology and repair. Readings will include selections from the work of M. Jacqui Alexander and Alexis Pauline Gumbs. Attendees are not required to have read the texts to participate. All reading materials will be made available on the day of at the start of the program.

Registration for this event is required. Click here to register.

A free shuttle bus from University of Toronto St. George Campus will depart at 1:35 pm, from Classic Avenue (at Wetmore Hall), and arrive at UTM at approximately 2:40 pm. After the event, a free shuttle bus will depart UTM in front of Instructional Centre Layby at 5:15 pm, and drop participants off at the St. George Campus on Classic Avenue (at Wetmore Hall). For more information on the shuttle bus service please click here.

This event will begin at The Blackwood Gallery and move outdoors to various locations on UTM campus. Some movement throughout the campus is required—ramps and curb cuts are in place. This event will be held rain or shine, with covered indoor facilities available in case of inclement weather. Accessible public washrooms and seating are available. Snacks and refreshments will be provided at the gallery.