Tag: 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

Outside the Lines

Mindful Art – Greet Your Creative Side and Have Some Fun

Come meet the Blob Family and give your mind, body, and nerves a break! In this workshop, you’ll unleash your creativity while tapping into the feelings of the day. No experience is needed—just paint blobs with watercolors and we focus in on the process. It’s not about creating a perfect piece, it’s about enjoying the journey and relieving stress. Join us, relax, and let’s explore creative freedom together!

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 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 stomach ache was soon diagnosed as Stage 3B 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.

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 Kiersten Gallagher

Outside the Lines: A Creative Art Studio

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: Social Hour, where we will catch up as we reclaim art-making as a healing tool. Participants are welcome to work on their own creative projects as we socialize.

Outside the Lines is held Bi-Monthly on Wednesdays from 10:30am – 12:00pm ET. 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 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, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.

with artist & sculptor Liz Lescault

Painting in Community

Floral Arrangements in Watercolor

May’s focus will be on painting depth and shadows in floral compositions.

In each session an image, photograph or painting will be displayed which participants can choose as an inspiration for exploring new techniques. Or, participants may choose to bring their own inspirations such as photographs or paintings to the session and may paint whatever they wish.

Participants will be introduced to both basic and advanced techniques with a slide show of watercolor paintings that illustrate those techniques.

Bring your favorite painting supplies. We will paint, listen to soothing music and share our creations. There will be 10 minutes left at the end of the session for sharing and talking about our experience during the session.

**Limited to 12 participants

Suggested Donation: $15/session

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.

Some Suggested Materials*:

Below are some suggested supplies from Cheap Joes www.cheapjoes.com (my favorite place to purchase art supplies – prices are generally 40% off store prices and are of high quality). High quality watercolor supplies are needed to achieve many watercolor effects.

Your favorite watercolor supplies may work just as well.

Where links are not provided search cheapjoes.com for recommended items.

About Liz Lescault

Liz Lescault

Liz Lescault, a visual artist and sculptor, has practiced and taught art for over 40 years. Liz is also a Coordinator of the DC InterPlay Metro Region, a certified InterPlay leader and a member of the DC InterPlay Board. She leads Open Gathering days for InterPlay DC and organizes and leads workshops regionally and nationally online and in person. Liz has been leading Art Lab both for Smith Center for the Healing Arts, for the Phillips Collection and for InterPlay internationally.

Formerly, Liz, was a hotline crisis counselor, for various suicide prevention lifelines and The Trevor Project providing help for LGBTQ youth in crisis and the Prince Georges County Homeless Hotline.

Liz has also led InterPlay for elders with chronic illness and cognitive disabilities at Iona Senior Center in Washington DC.

Liz melds her art, teaching, guidance and personal philosophy with InterPlay wisdom, tools and forms.

B.S., Psychology, Drew University, Madison, NJ

M.Ed., University of Massachusetts at Amherst, British Techniques of Open Education

Studied watercolor at WICE, an international educational and cultural association in Paris, France

https://www.lizlescault.com/home

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 Kiersten Gallagher

Outside the Lines: A Creative Art Studio

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: Social Hour, where we will catch up as we reclaim art-making as a healing tool. Participants are welcome to work on their own creative projects as we socialize.

Outside the Lines is held Bi-Monthly on Wednesdays from 10:30am – 12:00pm ET. 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 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, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.

with artist & sculptor Liz Lescault

Painting in Community

Floral Arrangements and Still-Life in Watercolor

April’s focus will be on painting floral arrangements and glass vases.  So bring a plain glass vase with you or just a glass so you can see how light and shadow play on the surface of the glass. 

Please bring a variety of brushes including old ones that have seen better days. In each session an image, photograph or painting will be displayed which participants can choose as an inspiration for exploring new techniques. Or, participants may choose to bring their own inspirations such as photographs or paintings to the session and may paint whatever they wish.

Participants will be introduced to both basic and advanced techniques with a slide show of watercolor paintings that illustrate those techniques.

Bring your favorite painting supplies. We will paint, listen to soothing music and share our creations. There will be 10 minutes left at the end of the session for sharing and talking about our experience during the session.

**Limited to 12 participants

Suggested Donation: $15/session

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.

Some Suggested Materials*:

Below are some suggested supplies from Cheap Joes www.cheapjoes.com (my favorite place to purchase art supplies – prices are generally 40% off store prices and are of high quality). High quality watercolor supplies are needed to achieve many watercolor effects.

Your favorite watercolor supplies may work just as well.

Where links are not provided search cheapjoes.com for recommended items.

About Liz Lescault

Liz Lescault

Liz Lescault, a visual artist and sculptor, has practiced and taught art for over 40 years. Liz is also a Coordinator of the DC InterPlay Metro Region, a certified InterPlay leader and a member of the DC InterPlay Board. She leads Open Gathering days for InterPlay DC and organizes and leads workshops regionally and nationally online and in person. Liz has been leading Art Lab both for Smith Center for the Healing Arts, for the Phillips Collection and for InterPlay internationally.

Formerly, Liz, was a hotline crisis counselor, for various suicide prevention lifelines and The Trevor Project providing help for LGBTQ youth in crisis and the Prince Georges County Homeless Hotline.

Liz has also led InterPlay for elders with chronic illness and cognitive disabilities at Iona Senior Center in Washington DC.

Liz melds her art, teaching, guidance and personal philosophy with InterPlay wisdom, tools and forms.

B.S., Psychology, Drew University, Madison, NJ

M.Ed., University of Massachusetts at Amherst, British Techniques of Open Education

Studied watercolor at WICE, an international educational and cultural association in Paris, France

https://www.lizlescault.com/home

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 Kiersten Gallagher

Outside the Lines: A Creative Art Studio

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: Social Hour, where we will catch up as we reclaim art-making as a healing tool. Participants are welcome to work on their own creative projects as we socialize.

Outside the Lines is held Bi-Monthly on Wednesdays from 10:30am – 12:00pm ET. 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 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 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, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.

with artist & sculptor Liz Lescault

Painting in Community

Floral Arrangements and Still-Life in Watercolor

Please bring a variety of brushes including old ones that have seen better days. We will explore creating leaves, petals, stems and flower heads with various brushstroke techniques. In each session an image, photograph or painting will be displayed which participants can choose as an inspiration for exploring new techniques. Or, participants may choose to bring their own inspirations such as photographs or paintings to the session and may paint whatever they wish. 

Participants will be introduced to both basic and advanced techniques with a slide show of watercolor paintings that illustrate those techniques.

Bring your favorite painting supplies. We will paint, listen to soothing music and share our creations. There will be 10 minutes left at the end of the session for sharing and talking about our experience during the session.

**Limited to 12 participants

Suggested Donation: $15/session

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.

Some Suggested Materials*:

Below are some suggested supplies from Cheap Joes www.cheapjoes.com (my favorite place to purchase art supplies – prices are generally 40% off store prices and are of high quality). High quality watercolor supplies are needed to achieve many watercolor effects.

Your favorite watercolor supplies may work just as well.

  • Arches Watercolor Pads https://cheapjoes.com/products/arches-watercolor-pads (9×12” cold pressed or size of your choice)  Quality watercolor paper is essential for the best wet on wet effects and Arches is a high quality but reasonably priced paper. I recommend the pad for experimentation and the block (see below) for paintings.
  • squeeze bottle for water
  • Soft eraser (Tombo Mono Erasers).
  • small plastic palette
  • Pencils: standard and/or mechanical 
  • 3 small jars or containers for water 4-6 ounces is sufficient
  • paper towels
  • Masking fluid (optional)

Where links are not provided search cheapjoes.com for recommended items.

About Liz Lescault

Liz Lescault

Liz Lescault, a visual artist and sculptor, has practiced and taught art for over 40 years. Liz is also a Coordinator of the DC InterPlay Metro Region, a certified InterPlay leader and a member of the DC InterPlay Board. She leads Open Gathering days for InterPlay DC and organizes and leads workshops regionally and nationally online and in person. Liz has been leading Art Lab both for Smith Center for the Healing Arts, for the Phillips Collection and for InterPlay internationally.

Formerly, Liz, was a hotline crisis counselor, for various suicide prevention lifelines and The Trevor Project providing help for LGBTQ youth in crisis and the Prince Georges County Homeless Hotline.

Liz has also led InterPlay for elders with chronic illness and cognitive disabilities at Iona Senior Center in Washington DC.

Liz melds her art, teaching, guidance and personal philosophy with InterPlay wisdom, tools and forms.

B.S., Psychology, Drew University, Madison, NJ

M.Ed., University of Massachusetts at Amherst, British Techniques of Open Education

Studied watercolor at WICE, an international educational and cultural association in Paris, France

https://www.lizlescault.com/home

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 Julie McCarter

Photo by Julie McCarter

In this two hour workshop, participants will learn the fundamental of an expressive photography practice, one that is grounded in mindfulness and open-hearted awareness. The aim of this practice is to allow photography to become a vehicle for cultivating self-expression, inspiration – as well as a tool for nervous system regulation. We will practice gentle breathwork, mindfulness meditation and creative exploration through photography. You’ll walk away from the workshop having developed your own creative wellness practice that you can use anytime.

Please bring a journal, your phone/camera and your two favorite objects.

Suggested Donation: $15

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 Julie McCarter

Julie is a fine art photographer and therapist, offering workshops that blend her two worlds of creative expression and emotional wellness. She is based in the Greater Washington DC area. Her photographic work may be viewed at:  jfmccarter.com and juliemccartter.com.

Contact email: julie@jfmccarter.com 

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 Kiersten Gallagher

Outside the Lines: A Creative Art Studio

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: Social Hour, where we will catch up as we reclaim art-making as a healing tool. Participants are welcome to work on their own creative projects as we socialize.

Outside the Lines is held Bi-Monthly on Wednesdays from 10:30am – 12:00pm ET. 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 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.