This session has been cancelled and the class is taking a break for the summer.

Art Lab: Celebrating the Creative Spirit will return in September

with artist & sculptor Liz Lescault

In future Art Lab sessions, we will play with a variety of media and genres including: doodling, drawing, collage, assemblage, and watercolor.

Art Lab will be about making art as well as the different ways we experience art and how it affects us. We will explore both the process and the product of the art we create. We will integrate movement and playful sharing into our art making experience sharing insights, joys and concerns.

These hands-on workshops are for both novices and experienced artists.  You are invited to come to one, some or all of the workshops as the spirit moves you. All are welcome.

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 SESSION HAS BEEN CANCELED. 

Art Lab: Celebrating the Creative Spirit

with artist & sculptor Liz Lescault

Playing with Watercolor

In April we will continue to play with watercolor using “wet on wet” techniques to create washes and spontaneous abstract effects. Our play and experimentation will provide inspiration for further exploration.  We will create paintings that emerge from the flowing forms and patterns we see.

In future Art Lab sessions, we will play with a variety of media and genres including: doodling, drawing, collage, assemblage, and water color.

Art Lab will be about making art as well as the different ways we experience art and how it affects us. We will explore both the process and the product of the art we create. We will integrate movement and playful sharing into our art making experience sharing insights, joys and concerns.

These hands-on workshops are for both novices and experienced artists.  You are invited to come to one, some or all of the workshops as the spirit moves you. All are welcome.

Suggested Materials*:

*your favorite watercolor supplies may work just as well for this project. Below are some suggested supplies from Cheap Joes (my favorite place to purchase – prices are generally 40% off retail)

Suggested Materials*:

*your favorite watercolor supplies may work just as well for this project. Below are some suggested supplies from Cheap Joes (my favorite place to purchase – prices are generally 40% off retail)

(The idea is to have a variety of supplies you can play with but you don’t need them all.  Hopefully you have some of these supplies or equivalent supplies at home.)


Art Lab will be offered monthly on Thursdays from 5:30 – 7:15pm ET.

Participants are encouraged to drop-in for any session – new themes and projects will be introduced each month.

This hands-on workshop series is for novices and experienced artists.

Upcoming Dates: 

  • April 27 (canceled)
  • May 25
  • June 22

Suggested Donation: $15


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 olivia@smithcenter.org.

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

Art Lab: Celebrating the Creative Spirit

with artist & sculptor Liz Lescault

Playing with Watercolor

In March we will play with watercolor using “wet on wet” techniques to create washes and spontaneous abstract effects. Our play and experimentation will provide inspiration for further exploration. We will create paintings that emerge from the flowing forms and patterns we see.

In future Art Lab sessions, we will play with a variety of media and genres including: doodling, drawing, collage, assemblage, and water color.

Art Lab will be about making art as well as the different ways we experience art and how it affects us. We will explore both the process and the product of the art we create. We will integrate movement and playful sharing into our art making experience sharing insights, joys and concerns.

These hands-on workshops are for both novices and experienced artists.  You are invited to come to one, some or all of the workshops as the spirit moves you. All are welcome.

Suggested Materials*:

*your favorite watercolor supplies may work just as well for this project. Below are some suggested supplies from Cheap Joes (my favorite place to purchase – prices are generally 40% off retail)

(The idea is to have a variety of supplies you can play with but you don’t need them all.  Hopefully you have some of these supplies or equivalent supplies at home.)

Art Lab will be offered monthly on Thursdays from 5:30 – 7:00pm ET.

Participants are encouraged to drop-in for any session – new themes and projects will be introduced each month.

This hands-on workshop series is for novices and experienced artists.

Upcoming Dates: 

  • March 23
  • April 27
  • May 25

Suggested Donation: $15


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

In Partnership with The Arts and Humanities Program at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital

 

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.

For this month’s session, we will be creating collages for The Georgetown Lombardi Arts and Humanities Program (AHP) at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital’s Call for Art.

The Arts and Humanities Program at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital (AHP) invites us to create 4×4-inch collage art for its first ever Call for Art: “Art for a Cause”. This is a call specifically for collage art in conjunction with World Collage Day (May 13) 2023.

All works submitted will be displayed and then made available to patients, caregivers, their families, and hospital staff. Each work will be attached to a blank greeting card and will have a sticker indicating that it is original art generously donated to the hospital community. Works will not be sold nor returned to the artists.

If you have any questions about the Call for Art, please contact jenniferwilkinpenick@gmail.com directly.


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:

  • March 15
  • April 26
  • May 17

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 Martina Sestakova 

Visualizing Home: A Place of Safety and Joy (Meditation & Collage Workshop)

No matter what ‘home’ may mean to you, the idea will inspire us during a guided meditation and a visual exploration of ‘home’ in watercolors, colored pencils, and magazine cutouts. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have created a one-of-a-kind artwork communicating a place of safety and joy. No experience needed.

Martina Sestakova, your instructor, will create a sample artwork combining colored pencils, watercolors, and magazine cutouts.

 

Suggested Materials: 

  • Colored pencils
  • Watercolors
  • Brush
  • Watercolor paper
  • Magazines
  • Photographs
  • Cup with water
  • Paper towel
  • Pencil
  • Pen
  • Paper for notetaking
  • Glue

(You are welcome to use any materials for a collage that you enjoy even if they are not listed.

Suggested Donation: $10


About Martina Sestakova

Martina Sestakova (owner at RADOST) engages in textile design, painting, and art education. Martina creates scarves that invoke stories of life experiences. Her scarves have been featured on Voice of America and at the Smithsonian American Art Museum (DC). In her paintings on yupo, she communicates words through colors and shapes. Her artworks have been shown at the Adah Rose Gallery (MD) and Latela Curatorial (DC) and other art institutions. As an art educator, Martina offers workshops and brings creativity to the public and communities with limited access to the arts. Martina Sestakova resides in Kensington, MD.

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 olivia@smithcenter.org.

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

Art Lab: Celebrating the Creative Spirit

with artist & sculptor Liz Lescault

Spiral Design and the Golden Ratio

In January, we will play with spiral designs and the universal nature of the Golden Ratio in visual perception.

We will approach doodling as a meditative process and a way of fostering a contemplative frame of mind.

In future Art Lab sessions, we will play with a variety of media and genres including: doodling, drawing, collage, assemblage, and water color.

Art Lab will be about making art as well as the different ways we experience art and how it affects us. We will explore both the process and the product of the art we create. We will integrate movement and playful sharing into our art making experience sharing insights, joys and concerns.

These hands-on workshops are for both novices and experienced artists.  You are invited to come to one, some or all of the workshops as the spirit moves you. All are welcome.

Suggested Materials*:

*any materials and supplies you may already have will work just as well for this project; the materials suggested below are just some of my favorites.


Art Lab will be offered monthly on Thursdays from 5:30 – 7:00pm ET.

Participants are encouraged to drop-in for any session – new themes and projects will be introduced each month.

This hands-on workshop series is for novices and experienced artists.

Upcoming Dates: 

  • January 26
  • March 23

Suggested Donation: $15


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 olivia@smithcenter.org.

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

with artist & sculptor Liz Lescault

Doodling: Mandalas and Sacred Geometry

In December we will play with mandalas and the notion of sacred geometry. We will approach doodling as a meditative process and a way of fostering a contemplative frame of mind.

In future Art Lab sessions we will play with a variety of media and genres including: doodling, drawing, collage, assemblage, and water color.

Art Lab will be about making art as well as the different ways we experience art and how it affects us. We will explore both the process and the product of the art we create. We will integrate movement and playful sharing into our art making experience sharing insights, joys and concerns.

These hands-on workshops are for both novices and experienced artists.  You are invited to come to one, some or all of the workshops as the spirit moves you. All are welcome.

Suggested Materials*:

*any materials and supplies you may already have will work just as well for this project; the materials suggested below are just some of my favorites.


Art Lab will be offered monthly on Thursdays from 5:30 – 7:00pm ET.

Participants are encouraged to drop-in for any session – new themes and projects will be introduced each month.

This hands-on workshop series is for novices and experienced artists.

Upcoming Dates: 

  • December 15
  • January 26
  • February 23

Suggested Donation: $15


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 olivia@smithcenter.org.

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

with artist & sculptor Liz Lescault

Art Lab: Celebrating the Creative Spirit

In future Art Lab sessions we will play with a variety of media and genres including: doodling, drawing, collage, assemblage, and water color.

Let’s Doodle!

In November we will get warmed up with a little doodling and the concept of lyrical abstraction. Participants are encouraged to doodle and explore the art of drawing in a spontaneous, abstract or minimally representational way.

Art Lab will be about making art as well as the different ways we experience art and how it affects us. We will explore both the process and the product of the art we create. We will integrate movement and playful sharing into our art making experience sharing insights, joys and concerns.

These hands on workshops are for both novices and experienced artists.  You are invited to come to one, some or all of the workshops as the spirit moves you. All are welcome.


Suggested Materials*:

*any materials and supplies you may already have will work just as well for this project; the materials suggested below are just some of my favorites.


Art Lab will be offered monthly on Thursdays from 5:30 – 7:00pm ET.

Participants are encouraged to drop-in for any session – new themes and projects will be introduced each month.

This hands-on workshop series is for novices and experienced artists.

Upcoming Dates: 

  • December 15

Suggested Donation: $15


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 carla@smithcenter.org.

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

with artist & sculptor Liz Lescault

Art Lab : Assemblage and 3D Collage

Art Lab

3D Collage, Assemblage, Shadow Boxes and Sculpture: Expanding the Horizons of Collage

Self-Discovery through Collage

In our May session, we will explore the art of 3D collage and further delve into the possibilities of assemblage, putting together found objects, both manufactured and organic, whole, or bits and pieces. Assemblage combines everyday materials in new and surprising ways. Assemblages are often designed to fit in shadow boxes or other open containers but can also be created as free standing sculpture. Come and make either three dimensional collage or assemblage. (See suggestions for materials below).

Throughout the session we will share our inspirations, the progression of our work and how it relates to our personal experiences. 

 

Art Lab is designed so that anyone, both novices and experienced artists, can join all or just one of the sessions offered even though new material will be presented in each session.

 

Those who attend are encouraged to do whatever they wish to do in the session.  I will toss out ideas but I encourage you make art in any way that suits you.

 

Art Lab is about making art as well as the different ways we experience art and how it affects us. We will integrate movement and playful sharing into our art making experience sharing insights, joys and concerns.

 

You are invited to come to one, some or all of the workshops as the spirit moves you.


Suggested Materials*:

*any collage materials and supplies you may already have will work just as well for this project; the materials suggested below are just some of my favorites.

  • Images or printed materials and photographs from any source, including text
  • Found or everyday objects (some ideas): thread, buttons, string, lace, ribbon, sand, fabric, beads, cotton, feathers, seeds, yarn, old jewelry, broken pieces of ceramic, manufactured objects, organic matter
  • Crescent collage boards: www.dickblick.com/products/crescent-collage-boards/, and/or Ampersand Gessobords or wood panels: DickBlick.com 
  • Boxes, or any open container: candy boxes, drawers, old picture frames, etc.
  • Scissors
    • Suggested: SINGER 00557 4-1/2-Inch ProSeries Detail Scissors with Nano Tip, Teal (Amazon Smile)
  • Glue stick (for standard collage on paper)
    • Suggested: UHU Stic – Clear Glue Stick (Amazon Smile)
  • Elmer’s glue (for standard collage on paper or other flat surfaces)
  • Glue gun and/or Rockler Cyanoacrylate Quick-Set Medium Adhesive for assemblage (Amazon) for assemblage
  • Paints or any other medium you feel is appropriate for your needs

Art Lab will be offered monthly on Thursdays from 5:30 – 7:00pm ET.

Participants are encouraged to drop-in for any session – new themes and projects will be introduced each month.

This hands-on workshop series is for novices and experienced artists.

Upcoming Dates: 

  • May 19

Suggested Donation: $15


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 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 arts 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 carla@smithcenter.org.

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

with Martina Sestakova

Insightful Collage Watercolor Workshop

Join art educator Martina Sestakova for a workshop, during which you get to create a unique collage. We will learn about basic watercolor techniques and explore ideas behind colors, shapes, and textures. As a result, we will create a deeply meaningful collage through a fun creative process.

No experience is needed: just your curious self!

 

Suggested Materials:

  • 2 sheets of watercolor paper (9″ x 12″)
  • Thin strips of watercolor paper (e.g., 9″ x 12″ cut up into strips that are .1″ x 12″, have about 15 strips on hand)
  • 1 cup for water
  • 1 watercolor paints (tray or tubes)
  • Glue stick (school glue)
  • 1 pencil or pen
  • Paper for notes

Suggested Donation: $10


About Martina Sestakova

Martina Sestakova

Martina Sestakova (owner at RADOST) engages in textile design, painting, and art education. Martina creates scarves that invoke stories of life experiences. Her scarves have been featured on Voice of America and at the Smithsonian American Art Museum (DC). In her paintings on yupo, she communicates words through colors and shapes. Her artworks have been shown at the Adah Rose Gallery (MD) and Latela Curatorial (DC) and other art institutions. As an art educator, Martina offers workshops and brings creativity to the public and communities with limited access to the arts. Martina Sestakova resides in Kensington, MD.