Tag: art-making

In order to participate and to receive to Zoom invitation, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.

with guest artist Sara Jane Harris

Outside the Lines

Sometimes life is a balancing act, even on the inside. This workshop invites you to connect with your mind, body, and heart through music, visual art, writing, and more. You will explore what is taking up more emotional real estate than you prefer and how to restore internal harmony.

Suggested Materials:

*The list below is just a guide. We can work with whatever you have on hand. You can go as simple or wild as you feel like, but there is definitely no need to run to Michaels or place an emergency Amazon Prime order!

  • Access to music 
    • digital/phone/computer is easiest, but cd’s, records, and tapes are just fine
  • Plain paper for drawing or painting
    • The larger the better if you have it 
    • Heavier weight paper holds watercolor and glue better if need be
  • Drawing and/or painting media 
    • Whatever you like to use is great – from #2 pencils to the fanciest watercolors
  • Circle template
    • A compass or small plate works; anything round you can trance
  • Glue or glue stick
    • either/or or neither/nor
  • Collage materials
    • Magazines or catalogues
    • Random pieces of interesting paper, wrapping paper, tissue paper
  • Scissors
    • Regular or pinking shears
  • Embellishments
    • Anything and everything goes! Raid your pantry for macaroni noodles or grab that stash of random spare buttons. Ribbons, sequins, and fabric oh my!

Suggested donation: $15 per class

This program is offered for free or at a low cost on a pay-as-you-can basis. Contributions are not required to attend, ensuring accessibility for everyone. If you’re able to donate, we deeply appreciate your support—every contribution directly funds our cancer support programs.

About Sara Jane Harris

Sara Jane Harris is a certified expressive arts
facilitator and is committed to promoting
mental health through creative expression.

She has worked with various clinical teams including those
at the National Center for Children and Families and The
Children’s Inn at NIH, integrating expressive arts into their
therapeutic treatment programs. Her passion for healing
through the arts led her to establish Speak from the Art
which offers expressive arts workshops designed to foster
playful self-exploration and inner peace.

In order to participate and to receive to Zoom invitation, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.

with Kiersten Gallagher

Outside the Lines

Creative expression has often been used in the healing process and it is at the core of Smith Center’s philosophy, but fear of judgment and “not being an artist” can often prevent us from tapping into its healing power. Join us for Outside the Lines, where a facilitator will help you reclaim art-making as a healing tool through guided creative projects. Participants who feel comfortable working on their own projects are also welcome to do so.

Suggested donation: $15 per class

Our programs are open to the community, and tailored to meet the needs of people affected by cancer. Classes and workshops are free or low cost on a pay-as-you-can basis, ensuring that our programs are accessible to everyone.

About Kiersten Gallagher

Kiersten Gallagher

As the Cancer Support Program Director, Kiersten fully believes that through the arts we can expand our perspectives and explore new fulfilling ways of being. She invites you to make our space your own refuge, to circumvent your daily routine to spark creativity, to take time for introspection, and draw outside the lines.

This session will be in-person. 

with guest artist Deborah Coffey

Outside the Lines: Then, Now, and When – A mixed media, Mood Board workshop

Our earliest memories reflect our innate qualities and values. In this creative arts workshop, we reconnect with our personal qualities, tracking them, like a red thread that moves from our early childhood to ‘Now’ and a desired future – that ‘When’ that we look forward to. A mood board is a place to collect and arrange images, objects and words that capture feeling and what matters in a healing journey. More precious objects, and objects that we want to remain fluid,
can be pinned to the board rather than glued.

We’ll be using the creativity supplies available at Smith Center.  We invite you to bring a childhood photo that resonates with you, as well as any natural materials (e.g., seeds, sticks, leaves) you’d like to include.

Suggested donation: $25

Our programs are open to the community, and tailored to meet the needs of people affected by cancer. Classes and workshops are free or low cost on a pay-as-you-can basis, ensuring that our programs are accessible to everyone.

About Deborah Coffey

Deborah Coffey, BFA MFA, is an artist, certified art educator and mindfulness and Mindful Self-Compassion instructor. She has taught art and mindfulness courses domestically and internationally for many years while also exhibiting her artwork. Deborah especially enjoys facilitating programs for adults and teens that combine mindfulness and art.

In order to participate and to receive to Zoom invitation, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.

with guest artist Liz Carren

In this workshop, we will delve into the themes of flow, transformations, and letting things go. Through artistic exercises, discussions, and reflections, we aim to cultivate relaxation and promote healing.

Supplies:

If you have ANY art supplies at home they will probably work! What we basically need is:

  • Some fluid paint (my choice is, and I suggest, watercolors)
  • A couple markers – One big and small (I suggest for Large- something like a big magic marker or sharpie and For Small – I like the Micron pens – something around 05 …or an extra fine point sharpie PERMANENT marker)
  • A white Gel pen is nice
  • Paper to paint on (an inexpensive watercolor pad but all you need is a few sheets)
  • A brush(s) for painting with– one small, one medium and one large – or just one big and one medium
  • Jars for water if using watercolors (I just save small jars form the kitchen)
  • Something to mix some paint on- plastic lids from your kitchen or a paint pallet if you have one)
  • A handful of paper towels
  • And of course, a PLACE /Spot for you do your art in!

Suggested donation: $20

Our programs are open to the community, and tailored to meet the needs of people affected by cancer. Classes and workshops are free or low cost on a pay-as-you-can basis, ensuring that our programs are accessible to everyone.

About Liz Carren

Welcome – Discover my world where art meets healing, sustainability, and creativity. My focus is The Intersection and interaction of Art, Medicine, and Healing. The mind is a potent tool. 
Positive thinking is essential for healing, and the transformative power of art and creativity can incorporate it all! Outlets for release and self-understanding are crucial at critical life points, as well as the everyday. That’s where the arts can come to the rescue!

Artwork can inspire and create hope. A path for treatment can address the fears of the unknown, loneliness, isolation, and the need for hope on a deeper level; incorporating arts and mindfulness into the treatment plans can be a missing link to health and happiness again.  In 2019,  I embarked on a journey that would forever change my life’s trajectory. What started as a persistent stomachache was soon diagnosed as Stage 3 cancer, shaking my foundation of existence. Amidst the turmoil and uncertainty, art emerged as a beacon of light, guiding me through the darkest of times.

Driven by this transformative experience, my focus has shifted towards harnessing the power of art to heal and inspire. Through drawing sessions, I found solace, release, a channeling my fears, tensions, and a clarity laid upon a canvas, paper or iPad. What began as a means of coping evolved into a profound journey of self-discovery and renewal.

In order to participate and to receive to Zoom invitation, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.

with guest artist Deborah Coffey

Outside the Lines

Mindfulness Through Art combines mindfulness practices and art-making into an exploration that allows for reflection and insightful expression through art. Mindfulness in the present moment gently illuminates what calls for attention. Compassion eases suffering. Art impersonates and records that process in which elements are creatively hidden and revealed. Deborah will guide us through a slow looking exercise where impressions are gathered and
evolve into a poetic narrative for interpretation in the art.

Supply List:

  • Light colored or white
  • Heavy paper or Bristol Board
  • Graphite pencils
  • Colored pencils
  • Crayons
  • Acrylic paint (if you have it)
  • White tempera paint or white watercolor paint
  • Paint brushes
  • Q-tips or paper towels
  • Water
  • Glue stick
  • A small piece of gold foil from a candy wrapper

Suggested donation: $20

Our programs are open to the community, and tailored to meet the needs of people affected by cancer. Classes and workshops are free or low cost on a pay-as-you-can basis, ensuring that our programs are accessible to everyone.

About Deborah Coffey

Deborah Coffey, BFA MFA, is an artist, certified art educator and mindfulness and Mindful Self-Compassion instructor. She has taught art and mindfulness courses domestically and internationally for many years while also exhibiting her artwork. Deborah especially enjoys facilitating programs for adults and teens that combine mindfulness and art.

This session will be in-person. 

with Kiersten Gallagher

Outside the Lines

Creative expression has often been used in the healing process and it is at the core of Smith Center’s philosophy, but fear of judgment and “not being an artist” can often prevent us from tapping into its healing power. Join us for Outside the Lines, where a facilitator will help you reclaim art-making as a healing tool through guided creative projects. Participants who feel comfortable working on their own projects are also welcome to do so.

Suggested donation: $10 per class

Our programs are open to the community, and tailored to meet the needs of people affected by cancer. Classes and workshops are free or low cost on a pay-as-you-can basis, ensuring that our programs are accessible to everyone.

About Kiersten Gallagher

Kiersten Gallagher

As the Cancer Support Program Director, Kiersten fully believes that through the arts we can expand our perspectives and explore new fulfilling ways of being. She invites you to make our space your own refuge, to circumvent your daily routine to spark creativity, to take time for introspection, and draw outside the lines.

In order to participate and to receive to Zoom invitation, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.

with Kiersten Gallagher

Outside the Lines

Creative expression has often been used in the healing process and it is at the core of Smith Center’s philosophy, but fear of judgment and “not being an artist” can often prevent us from tapping into its healing power. Join us for Outside the Lines, where a facilitator will help you reclaim art-making as a healing tool through guided creative projects. Participants who feel comfortable working on their own projects are also welcome to do so.

Suggested donation: $10 per class

Our programs are open to the community, and tailored to meet the needs of people affected by cancer. Classes and workshops are free or low cost on a pay-as-you-can basis, ensuring that our programs are accessible to everyone.

About Kiersten Gallagher

Kiersten Gallagher

As the Cancer Support Program Director, Kiersten fully believes that through the arts we can expand our perspectives and explore new fulfilling ways of being. She invites you to make our space your own refuge, to circumvent your daily routine to spark creativity, to take time for introspection, and draw outside the lines.

This session will be hosted in-person at our U Street location on Wednesday, July 24th from 10:30am-12pm.

In order to participate, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.

with Kiersten Gallagher

Outside the Lines

Creative expression has often been used in the healing process and it is at the core of Smith Center’s philosophy, but fear of judgment and “not being an artist” can often prevent us from tapping into its healing power. Join us for Outside the Lines, where a facilitator will help you reclaim art-making as a healing tool through guided creative projects. Participants who feel comfortable working on their own projects are also welcome to do so.

Suggested donation: $10 per class

Our programs are open to the community, and tailored to meet the needs of people affected by cancer. Classes and workshops are free or low cost on a pay-as-you-can basis, ensuring that our programs are accessible to everyone.

About Kiersten Gallagher

Kiersten Gallagher

As the Cancer Support Program Director, Kiersten fully believes that through the arts we can expand our perspectives and explore new fulfilling ways of being. She invites you to make our space your own refuge, to circumvent your daily routine to spark creativity, to take time for introspection, and draw outside the lines.

In order to participate and to receive to Zoom invitation, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.

with Kiersten Gallagher

Outside the Lines

Creative expression has often been used in the healing process and it is at the core of Smith Center’s philosophy, but fear of judgment and “not being an artist” can often prevent us from tapping into its healing power. Join us for Outside the Lines, where a facilitator will help you reclaim art-making as a healing tool through guided creative projects. Participants who feel comfortable working on their own projects are also welcome to do so.

Suggested donation: $10 per class

Our programs are open to the community, and tailored to meet the needs of people affected by cancer. Classes and workshops are free or low cost on a pay-as-you-can basis, ensuring that our programs are accessible to everyone.

About Kiersten Gallagher

Kiersten Gallagher

As the Cancer Support Program Director, Kiersten fully believes that through the arts we can expand our perspectives and explore new fulfilling ways of being. She invites you to make our space your own refuge, to circumvent your daily routine to spark creativity, to take time for introspection, and draw outside the lines.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with guest artist Suzanne Wright

The Remarkable Keep Circle

Holds and protects self-love and your innermost intentions

In this “Outside the Lines” program, you are invited to create a “Remarkable Keep Circle,” designed to hold and protect self-love and your innermost intentions on a daily basis.

Using a few simple prompts and basic art materials, Suzanne Wright will guide you through a playful – and sometimes profound – creative process activating our human connection with circles as shape and metaphor. The experience includes coloring with abandon, pattern making, and paper tearing coupled with prompts to percolate on.

Infused with your personal, creative energy and insights, your Remarkable Keep Circle will be ready to safeguard self-love and protect your intentions for years to come!

Outside the Lines is held Bi-Monthly on Wednesdays from 10:30am – 12:00pm. The Social Hour sessions will only run from 10:30-11:30am. 

Suggested donation: $10 per class

Our programs are open to the community, and tailored to meet the needs of people affected by cancer. Classes and workshops are free or low cost on a pay-as-you-can basis, ensuring that our programs are accessible to everyone.

About Suzanne Wright

Suzanne Wright is an artist, certified coach, and educator working at the intersection of creativity, mindfulness, and neuroscience. Energized by the innate and profound link between creativity and wellbeing, she founded Art Well 4 Life in 2020 to help individuals and groups artfully navigate life-journeys, transitions, and ADHD (executive functioning challenges).

Suzanne brings a unique blend of experience with 30 years in the art museum field, nineteen years as the Director of Education and Community Engagement at The Phillips Collection, in Washington, DC, as well as many years as an adjunct university instructor in fine arts and art history.

She has synthesized this expertise with new professional training in somatic, ADHD, and life coaching to produce a unique, evidence-based method blending creativity, mindfulness, neuroscience. In her programs and coaching, Suzanne supports adults with a blend of sophistication, insight, creativity, and playfulness. While she firmly believes that “play” and “fun” are critical components of any growth process – especially for adults – you won’t find any craftsy macaroni necklace making in her programming.

Suzanne’s Museum Career and Achievements

Driven to transform the function of art museums in our culture, Suzanne played a significant role in shifting the national paradigm leading her team to develop and scale award-winning national arts and K-12 education, wellness, and community engagement programs and initiatives. Under her leadership, they innovated the museum-goer’s experience at the Phillips and provided national models for other museums to follow suit. Suzanne fostered a diverse range of multi-year partnerships with university neuroscience programs, school systems, the US Departments of State and Education, the US Veterans Administration, artist collectives, embassies, and renowned museums across the country.

In addition to building an extensive portfolio of programs, publications, national leadership grants, and foundational support for The Phillips Collection, she co-founded Art Education DC, the DC “state” affiliate of the National Art Education Association (NAEA), and served as President-Elect/ President for 4 years.

Highlights of recognition Suzanne has received include: the Eastern Region “Museum Educator of the Year” by the NAEA, top awards for “Excellence in Educator Resources” from the American Alliance of Museums, and the Washington, DC “Mayor’s Art Award for Outstanding Achievement in Arts Education.”

Suzanne’s Credentials

Suzanne received her BA in visual arts and art history from George Washington University and her MA in art history from Tufts University. She holds certificates in Museum Studies (Tufts), professional life coaching (Life Purpose Institute), ADHD coaching (Live ADHD Free) and Reiki I (The Mindfulness Center). She is currently working on her peer-reviewed ADHD coaching credential and completing her Science Of Mindful Awareness (SOMA) Meditation Teacher Training.