Sweat Together: Public Pleasure is an ongoing public sauna series I started in fall 2022. Inspired by the work of local activists, educators, students, and artists, this series playfully offers some moments of respite among plants, steam, and colleagues for these social change makers to recharge while using little water.
My first offering table for saunas October 13-14, 2022 on Payne Ave in St Paul included Grandmother Cedar, Apples, mash, Mississippi River clay, Mint, Sage, and Sunflower oil. Nettle, Cedar, and Mint teas were also available to drink and wash hair (Nettle).
The first of the public sauna series was hosted by Wilbur’s Auto Service and Second Shift Studios in St Paul on October 13-14, 2022.
For the month of December 2022 I hosted 7 public saunas for teachers, artists, and non-profit workers at a private residence along the bluffs in St Paul.
Offerings during this winter sauna included ground Pomegranate skin, Butternut Squash mash, local Honey, Olive oil, and Mississippi River clay. Nettle tea, Chaga tea, Catnip tea, Butternut Squash and Aronia Berries were available to eat and drink.
For a week in April 2023 I hosted saunas at Macalester College for student groups, classes, and faculty to connect in more intimate ways outside of a traditional classroom where personal and public wellbeing were prioritized through conversation and care.
As a sauna host I offer my attention and care to participants throughout their sweating experience, as well as a selection of plants to learn about and try before and after sweating.
For these spring saunas I offered Nettle and Raspberry tea, Almond Chaga latte, Catnip tea, Mullein tea for for sauna steam, Mississippi River clay, Lavender and Chamomile washbag, and Cedar Sunflower lotion.
SWEAT TOGETHER