Casting Concrete Artifacts: Intentional Pillow Talk & Coasters Edition

Explore the sensory language of texture and color through the creation of bespoke botanical-infused concrete artifacts on Sunday, August 2nd from 1-2:30pm in our Venice apothecary.

Inspired by the botanicals of Anima Mundi Apothecary, this hands-on workshop invites participants to blend, dye, cast, and finish their own concrete coasters and pillow-inspired objects. While those one of a kind artifacts set, we invite you to build your own concrete intention, mantra for the season, with a combination of concrete letters in different sizes and fonts that can be mounted and framed as well. The process is tactile, meditative, and surprisingly approachable as concrete transforms from liquid to solid within minutes, offering a front-row view of a remarkable material reaction.

Led by architect and sculptor Robyn Squires, founder of RYSQ Design Collective (2005) and Sqrypt Atelier (2024), the workshop draws from over two decades in architecture and construction alongside an evolving art practice centered on material exploration, wellbeing, and community. Sqrypt Atelier is developing an art co-op and residency proof of concept venture in Upstate New York, with its first international location opening in Japan's Setouchi region in 2026.

Inspired by research and travel through Japan, Costa Rica, California, Italy, and Portugal—places Robyn refers to as her "Indigo Zones"—the workshop reflects a belief that art, architecture, and craft can cultivate healthier relationships with the spaces we inhabit. By infusing concrete with indigo and botanicals, participants discover how an everyday building material can become expressive, functional, and deeply personal.

Whether you're an artist, designer, or simply curious, you'll leave with unique handcrafted objects and a fresh perspective on how intentional making can foster creativity, connection, and wellbeing.

Take a calculated RYSQ (pronounced "risk") and start building your ideas with intention.

What’s Included:

• Inspired by the seasonal beverage menu by Anima Mundi, this summer workshop will focus on creating your own one of a kind botanical infused coaster and pillow set in conjunction with your words of wisdom framed.  

We will have various styles and sizes available. Let's truly let our Creativity and Intuition shine with this process.

• Experiment with Anima Mundi botanicals selected to compliment the season and RYSQ-sourced natural inks & indigo dyes.
  
• Sip on curated Anima Mundi beverages and enjoy conversation while building your own personal concrete intention, aka ‘pillow talk’, an inspiring mantra for yourself that can be framed while your creation cures and sets.
  
• After care will be provided to seal and protect your work.