Vulva Forest Walk returns with important message about women’s health

An annual event that combines art with a strong statement about women’s health and sexuality returns to the forest in Walter’s Falls next month. 

Called the Vulva Forest Walk, the event invites people to walk through a forest that is augmented with artistic renditions of vulvas. 

Founded by Fran Bouwman, the creator of Viva la Flying Vulva, the second-annual event takes place Aug. 9 and 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will feature 15 artists, musicians and performance artists who have come together to reclaim the importance of the vulva. 

Bauman’s mission is to provide a space that celebrates the vulva, honouring it as a portal to life, sexuality, creativity, diversity, and power. As an artist, educator, musician, world traveller, comedian, and with a degree in philosophy and world religion, she sees that the vulva has often been undervalued, disrespected, misunderstood, and sometimes feared in modern society.

According to her, the vulva all but disappeared from our vocabulary, psyche and society. Luckily, there has been a resurgence of vulva energy and work around the globe and women are reclaiming the vulva as a sacred icon. As gender equality strengthens, so does awareness and empowerment around women’s health. 

“The erasure of this word has had profound effects on women’s health, esteem and sexuality. This event is a reclamation of women’s holistic intelligence, beauty, wisdom and power,” states a news release for the event. 

Bouwman’s work will feature the vulva in all four elements, earth, air, fire and water. A 20-foot floating vulva balloon sculpture will be centred above the Oxytocin Flow Dance performed by Sharon Johnson and Dana Burmaster. 

“The Spirit of the Vulva,” a fire sculpture commemorates women who have come before us. “The Spirit of the Vulva” invites guests to sit in silence and reflect on the historical significance of the vulva, as well as their own thoughts and feelings on vulva awareness, sensuality, sexuality and esteem. 

This event is inclusive and everyone is welcome. There is an added outdoor space for enjoying vulva waffles, stick-on vulva tattoos, a vulva bean bag toss, and a circle for conversation and dialogue. Viva la Flying Vulva merchandise will be available, including T-shirts, ball caps and colouring books. There is no entrance fee but donations for the charity are welcomed. Refreshments will be provided. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own water bottles.