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
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.
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.
Upcoming sessions:
- September 21
- October 5 (Social Hour)
- October 19
- November 2 (Social Hour)
- November 16
- December 7 (Social Hour)
- December 21
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
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 Kiersten Gallagher
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.
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.
Upcoming sessions:
- August 17
- September 7 (Social Hour)
- September 21
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
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 Julie McCarter
In this workshop, we will begin with a practice of visual mindfulness and then we’ll get right to creating images with prompts that will spark your creative voice.
This workshop will give you the tools to develop your own “practice” of mindful image-making that will be both nourishing and life-balancing. you will also have the experience of creating images that reflect your unique vision/voice that is often deeply meaningful.
Join us to discover new ways of being, seeing and expressing with mindfulness and your camera.
Please select one meaningful object for the workshop. Any camera, including a cell phone, is perfect for this workshop.
Suggested Donation: $15
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: http://juliefischermccarter.com
Contact email: jfm@juliefischermccarter.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 Ruth Milante
Tiny Stories
Do you have a grand art plan with little time or skill to execute it?
A memory yearning to be expressed in both words and pictures?
Tiny Stories are a quick way to jumpstart your ideas without a big commitment.
All you need are 4-6 panels and your favorite drawing tools. We’ve attached a printable page but index cards, or any Comic Strip Template will do. You don’t need to be a professional writer or artist to tell a Tiny Story!
Suggested donation: $10
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.
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 Susi Wyss
Led by a therapeutic writing facilitator, this session is designed for self-care and taking time out to tap into the healing benefits of writing. Join us for a session that includes a brief meditation, writing prompts, and creative exercises in a playful and supportive environment. No writing experience necessary, just an open mind!
Suggested Materials:
-
Favorite pen
-
Unlined paper or journal to write on
-
Plain paper
-
Your favorite art materials (anything will do, including pencil or pen)
-
A candle and matches
Suggested Donation: $10
About Susi Wyss
Susi Wyss is a public health professional, author, therapeutic writing facilitator and—most of all—a believer in the healing power of words. Her public health career has spanned more than 25 years, mostly addressing women’s health in Africa. She is the author of The Civilized World, a novel set in Africa that was named “A Book to Pick Up Now” by Oprah Magazine. In addition to her collaboration with the Smith Center, she has led writing-for-healing workshops at the DC Rape Crisis Center and Crossings Healing & Wellness.
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 Susi Wyss
Led by a therapeutic writing facilitator, this session is designed for self-care and taking time out to tap into the healing benefits of writing. Join us for a session that includes a brief meditation, writing prompts, and creative exercises in a playful and supportive environment. No writing experience necessary, just an open mind!
Suggested Materials:
- 2 sheets plain unlined paper
- favorite writing pen
- Art/drawing material such as oil pastels, colored markers, pastels, colored pencils or crayons
- Pair of scissors
- scotch tape
Suggested Donation: $10
About Susi Wyss
Susi Wyss is a public health professional, author, therapeutic writing facilitator and—most of all—a believer in the healing power of words. Her public health career has spanned more than 25 years, mostly addressing women’s health in Africa. She is the author of The Civilized World, a novel set in Africa that was named “A Book to Pick Up Now” by Oprah Magazine. In addition to her collaboration with the Smith Center, she has led writing-for-healing workshops at the DC Rape Crisis Center and Crossings Healing & Wellness.
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 artist & sculptor Liz Lescault
Finding Ease through Mindfulness, Movement and Story
Breathe It Out; Move It Out; Talk It Out
In this program, we will focus on our mind-body connection and explore ways to have more ease in our lives. With this intention, we will share our personal stories, move and engage with each other in playful ways.
This program is based in affirmation and looking for the good. Our shared, safe space will encourage us to explore our own creativity, find our own answers, and explore practices that enhance our life experience.
Creative movement forms can happen standing and moving within a small space or from a sitting position. Movement can also happen with our videos on or off. You are encouraged to take care of yourself and only participate at your comfort level. All are welcome.
Finding Ease through Mindfulness, Movement and Story will be offered monthly on the 3rd Thursday from 5:30 – 7:00pm ET.
Participants are encouraged to drop-in for any monthly session. Limited to 12 participants.
Upcoming Dates:
- August 18 (CANCELLED)
- September 15
- October 20
- November 17
- December 15
Suggested Donation: $15
About Liz Lescault
| About 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, is a certified 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 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 arts and cultural association in Paris, France
https://www.lizlescault.com/home
A short video of my current work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPZeEG09qJgfacebook.com/LizLescaultSculpture
www.facebook.com/LizLescault (personal page) |
Part 3/3. If you would like to join this program series, please email programs@smithcenter.org.
You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.
with Elizabeth Belanger
A cancer diagnosis can completely turn your life upside down and leave you trying to understand who you are and what is important. Join us on a three-part creative venture to help narrate and make sense of your cancer experience.
During this program, we will discover how to choose music that represents your life or cancer experience and that looks towards the next steps in your journey. You can expect sessions to assist in creatively processing the emotional and physical tolls that cancer can take on every aspect of your life. Each session will provide space to share in community and think about how to express your experience.
In our first session, we will discuss key moments and feelings in our journeys. Then, each of us will individually be tasked with creating a collection of 7-14 songs (an album) of our journey from diagnosis into the future of survivorship.
In our second session, we will get our creative juices flowing by developing album art that represents our albums. And finally, in session three, we will come together as a group and share in art and story.
Come ready with a passion for music and art and some self-reflective time for out-of-group activities. Everyone with a story to tell is welcome!
Life Soundtrack will be hosted in three parts. Participants are encouraged to attend all three sessions to get the most out of the program series.
Program series dates:
- July 19 & 26, 3:00-4:30pm ET
- August 2, 3:00-4:30pm ET
Suggested Donation: $10/session or $25/series
About Elizabeth Belanger
Elizabeth Belanger is a social work intern for Smith Center while she is getting her Masters of Social Work at Simmons University. Elizabeth has previously worked with survivors of domestic violence and youth in Ward 8, providing strengths-based and trauma-informed care. After graduating, Elizabeth looks forward to working as a clinical social worker here in DC providing accessible mental health services to those who have experienced trauma.
Part 2/3. If you would like to join this program series, please email programs@smithcenter.org.
You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.
with Elizabeth Belanger
A cancer diagnosis can completely turn your life upside down and leave you trying to understand who you are and what is important. Join us on a three-part creative venture to help narrate and make sense of your cancer experience.
During this program, we will discover how to choose music that represents your life or cancer experience and that looks towards the next steps in your journey. You can expect sessions to assist in creatively processing the emotional and physical tolls that cancer can take on every aspect of your life. Each session will provide space to share in community and think about how to express your experience.
In our first session, we will discuss key moments and feelings in our journeys. Then, each of us will individually be tasked with creating a collection of 7-14 songs (an album) of our journey from diagnosis into the future of survivorship.
In our second session, we will get our creative juices flowing by developing album art that represents our albums. And finally, in session three, we will come together as a group and share in art and story.
Come ready with a passion for music and art and some self-reflective time for out-of-group activities. Everyone with a story to tell is welcome!
Life Soundtrack will be hosted in three parts. Participants are encouraged to attend all three sessions to get the most out of the program series.
Program series dates:
- July 19 & 26, 3:00-4:30pm ET
- August 2, 3:00-4:30pm ET
Suggested Donation: $10/session or $25/series
About Elizabeth Belanger
Elizabeth Belanger is a social work intern for Smith Center while she is getting her Masters of Social Work at Simmons University. Elizabeth has previously worked with survivors of domestic violence and youth in Ward 8, providing strengths-based and trauma-informed care. After graduating, Elizabeth looks forward to working as a clinical social worker here in DC providing accessible mental health services to those who have experienced trauma.
This program series 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 carla@smithcenter.org.
You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.
with Elizabeth Belanger
A cancer diagnosis can completely turn your life upside down and leave you trying to understand who you are and what is important. Join us on a three-part creative venture to help narrate and make sense of your cancer experience.
During this program, we will discover how to choose music that represents your life or cancer experience and that looks towards the next steps in your journey. You can expect sessions to assist in creatively processing the emotional and physical tolls that cancer can take on every aspect of your life. Each session will provide space to share in community and think about how to express your experience.
In our first session, we will discuss key moments and feelings in our journeys. Then, each of us will individually be tasked with creating a collection of 7-14 songs (an album) of our journey from diagnosis into the future of survivorship.
In our second session, we will get our creative juices flowing by developing album art that represents our albums. And finally, in session three, we will come together as a group and share in art and story.
Come ready with a passion for music and art and some self-reflective time for out-of-group activities. Everyone with a story to tell is welcome!
Life Soundtrack will be hosted in three parts. Participants are encouraged to attend all three sessions to get the most out of the program series.
Program series dates:
- July 19 & 26, 3:00-4:30pm ET
- August 2, 3:00-4:30pm ET
Suggested Donation: $10/session or $25/series
About Elizabeth Belanger
Elizabeth Belanger is a social work intern for Smith Center while she is getting her Masters of Social Work at Simmons University. Elizabeth has previously worked with survivors of domestic violence and youth in Ward 8, providing strengths-based and trauma-informed care. After graduating, Elizabeth looks forward to working as a clinical social worker here in DC providing accessible mental health services to those who have experienced trauma.
