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Arts & Entertainment

Learn About the Ancient Art of Henna in Independence

The Independence Art Guild has an interesting program this month on henna art.

Would you like to get out for a relaxing evening with a friend and learn about a fun, creative and culturally fascinating practice? The Independence Art Guild is hosting a program on April 12 called The Timeless Art of Henna Painting. The event will be held at the Liberty Station Building in Independence from 7:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.

The program is being presented by Kristina Haberek. She is a Cleveland-area artist, who has been practicing henna art for 13 years, and participants will learn about the history of henna art, as well as its cultural significance and have a chance to have a small henna design applied.

The application of henna paste is known by various names, including mehendi. According to mehendiworld.com, the art of henna has existed for many centuries and has been used among many cultures including those of India, the Middle East and Africa. The cultural traditions vary, but often it is used as bridal decoration or body adornment for special occasions. Henna paste is made from ground leaves of the henna plant, mixed with various things like lemon juice, eucalyptus oil and sugar. The paste is then applied to the skin in a beautiful design.

I asked Haberek how she got interested in henna, and she said that she had some henna applied at an arts festival many years ago. Her love of body art and tattoos led to her obsession with henna. She said she can be more bold and creative with her designs, because they’re not permanent.

If you’d like to learn more about henna body art and participate in this program, call Regi of the Independence Art Guild at 216-524-6824. Tickets are free for members and $3 for non-members and registration is required.

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