Join us for a vibrant workshop with Folk Lounge, to explore the rich tradition of floral cross stitch in Soviet and Russian culture, focusing particularly on roses and flowers as symbols of transformation and potential.

Drawing inspiration from beloved Soviet animations like “Alenkiy Tsvetochek” (The Scarlet Flower, the Russian Beauty and the Beast) and “Tsvetik-Semitsvetik” (The Flower with Seven Petals), we’ll explore how flowers symbolized human potential and the fulfillment of deepest wishes.

Through hands-on cross stitch techniques, participants will create their own floral embroidery pieces while discussing how these natural symbols transcend cultural boundaries yet carry specific cultural meanings about transformation and becoming.

The workshop connects these traditional patterns to contemporary life, demonstrating how the simple act of stitching can become a meditative practice for nurturing our own growth and honoring our wishes for beauty in the world.

Teacher Bio:

Born in Vladivostok, Russia, Shagoh is of Armenian and Russian heritage and has traveled the West Coast from Seattle to Los Angeles.

With a background in luxury fashion, wearables, and human-computer interaction, she is a seasoned multidisciplinary design leader, blending creativity and innovation with global teams.

Her artistry spans textile arts, leatherwork, painting, and illustration, grounded in her MFA in Human-Computer Interaction (California College of the Arts) and a Fashion Design degree (Oregon State University).

A trained facilitator, she is passionate about fostering community, collaboration, healing, and shared learning. As the founder of Folk Lounge, Shagoh is dedicated to uniting people through the exploration of ornamentation and sacred symbolism across cultures.

Enter the garden gate off of the parking lot adjacent to the Wende museum on Culver Blvd.