40 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY DECEMBER 21-27, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com ARTS In the yard of the Gathering for Women in Monterey, a sculptural bench stands as a tribute to local women without homes who have died in recent years. It’s a memorial bench, but also a tree of life, and a nest—big enough for a human to be born in. A motif of butterflies represents the plethora of souls this community has lost due to homelessness. There were two people crucial to making the project happen: Regina Lebel—who has experienced homelessness herself, found support in the Gathering for Women day center, moved into permanent housing in 2021, and now is determined to help other women—and local sculptor and drummer Jayson Fann, known for his spirit nest sculptures and drumming workshops at the School of Sacred Rhythms in Sand City. In 2023, Lebel approached the Gathering for Women with the idea. Later, independently, the nonprofit received a phone call from Fann. He wanted to do some kind of interactive art project that would involve the women who utilize the facility. The core piece of wood is redwood that Fann found in Big Sur. “It represents the deep roots the women had in the community,” Fann says. “The butterflies represent transformation,” Lebel says, watching as younger women sand the piece. “It’s beautiful.” The bench is made of unpainted, sanded wood. An unveiling ceremony took place on Wednesday, Dec. 13. “It’s easy to be homeless on the Peninsula,” says Staci AlzieblerPerkins, executive director of Gathering for Women. The center assists about 15 women daily, 400 each year. “Ninety percent are from the county, mostly older women,” Alziebler-Perkins adds—the age range is 50s to 80s, but the center also had a 93-year-old regular. The center has 15 core staff, supported by 65 volunteers. The women can come in Monday through Friday, use the shower room, get a pair of shoes, eat a meal, use a computer, maybe talk to someone. They can also—as of last week—take a seat on the memorial bench, pause, reflect and pay homage to those who have passed. The hope is the spot will become a sanctuary that will serve many people, provoking reflection and offering peace. Gathering for Women – Monterey is at 147 El Dorado St., Monterey. Open 8am-2pm Monday to Thursday and 8am-noon Friday. 241-6154, gatheringforwomen.org. DANIEL DREIFUSS Take a Seat A new memorial bench at Gathering for Women in Monterey offers a place to pause and reflect. By Agata Pop˛eda Local sculptor and drummer Jayson Fann worked side-by-side with women from Gathering for Women to create this memorial bench. Showroom DiSplayS for Sale 70% OFF! Cabinets • Appliances • Hardware Accessories • Decorative Plumbing Visit our showroom Monday-Friday 10am-4pm 1096 Canyon Del Rey Blvd Seaside www.ksmonterey.com P.S. We are NOT going out of business! Inquiries: please email info@ksmonterey.com or call (831) 899-3303 “I brought my Subaru to Hartzel on advice of a friend and I was so pleased with the service & attention I got from them. Not only finished on time, but under the estimate I was given. Very rare these days. So pleased with the whole experience & great peace of mind knowing it was done correctly. Highly recommend this guy.” —David F., Seaside 2/14/19 510 California Avenue | Sand City | 394.6002 hartzelautomotive.com EXPERT SERVICE WHEN YOU NEED IT. Subaru Mazda Lexus Infiniti Saab vintage MG SCHEDULE YOUR NEXT SERVICE ONLINE TODAY New Arrivals italian sport coats outerwear jackets shirts sweaters denim carmel-by-the-sea, carmel plaza 831.625.8106 • khakisofcarmel.com selected sport coat reductions
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