This program is being offered in a hybrid session (both virtually over Zoom or you can join in-person at our U Street location). Please let us know if you would like to join and in what format by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.
You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.
Join us weekly to enjoy knitting in a safe and welcoming environment. Knitting can provide a respite from one’s immediate situation, serve as a way to productively pass the time, and have a positive effect on reducing stress symptoms.
Knitting is:
- relatively easy to learn,
- requires no artistic talent or prior experience,
- portable,
- and results in a useful product.
Sometimes referred to as the “new yoga” — plain and simple — knitting is good for you.
Trained volunteers will provide knitting instruction and quality materials in an effort to foster wellness, comfort, and community. Beginner and experienced knitters are welcome. Starter kits are available, as is a small selection of yarn and knitting supplies.
Stone Soup Films and Project Knitwell created a beautiful 3-minute video highlighting the health benefits of knitting. Watch the video here!
Our Knitting Circle meets Weekly on Wednesdays from 3:00 – 4:30pm ET.
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.
About Project Knitwell
Project Knitwell offers knitting as a tool to promote wellness and help people cope with stressful situations at more than a dozen hospital and community settings.
All of Project Knitwell’s programming is provided by volunteers, and services and supplies are provided free of charge to the people we serve.
Project Knitwell volunteers provide knitting instruction and quality materials in an effort to foster wellness, comfort, and community among those we serve.
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 Kathleen O’Toole
Writing Through the Seasons
Summon the Resilience of Spring, Nature and Ourselves
Kathleen O’Toole’s work with haiku and other short poetic forms is deeply rooted in attention to the natural world. In her Writing through the Seasons workshops for Smith Center for the Healing Arts, she guides participants through poems, poetry forms and writing practices that invite us to pay attention to the ways season changes bring special opportunities for healing and creativity.
We’ll mark our own seasonal awareness, just after the spring equinox, and again near Samhain next fall, collecting images and feelings— “word paintings” as described by Yosa Buson, haiku master —to summon the energy needed to heal body & soul.
For these sessions: No previous poetry writing experience required, just an openness to playing with words. Bring an open heart, a notebook or sketchbook; whatever materials you need to respond to poetry and nature. (Previous participants have journaled, created drafts of poems or sketches to capture feelings and insights that have surfaced in our sessions.)
Kathleen O’Toole is a poet whose work with haiku and other short poetic forms is deeply rooted in attention to the natural world. These three workshops will guide participants through poetry forms and writing practices that invite us to explore the ways season changes bring special opportunities for healing and creativity. The ancient Celts celebrated cross-quarter days as moments of magic and openings to spirit and ritual; we’ll mark our own seasonal awareness.
Writing Through the Seasons: The Healing Power of Nature will be offered as a program series, spread over the seasons.
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.
About Kathleen O’Toole
Takoma Park Poet Laureate Kathleen O’Toole is the author of 4 books of poetry (find her at https://kathleenotoolepoetry.com). She has taught writing at Johns Hopkins University and the Maryland Institute College of Art. As evident in her longer work, she often seeks inspiration and consolation in nature. For more than thirty years she has been writing haiku as a spiritual practice of attention, and to deepen her experience of the natural world.
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.
Join us weekly to enjoy knitting in a safe and welcoming environment. Knitting can provide a respite from one’s immediate situation, serve as a way to productively pass the time, and have a positive effect on reducing stress symptoms.
Knitting is:
- relatively easy to learn,
- requires no artistic talent or prior experience,
- portable,
- and results in a useful product.
Sometimes referred to as the “new yoga” — plain and simple — knitting is good for you.
Trained volunteers will provide knitting instruction and quality materials in an effort to foster wellness, comfort, and community. Beginner and experienced knitters are welcome. Starter kits are available, as is a small selection of yarn and knitting supplies.
Stone Soup Films and Project Knitwell created a beautiful 3-minute video highlighting the health benefits of knitting. Watch the video here!
Our Knitting Circle meets Weekly on Wednesdays from 3:00 – 4:30pm ET.
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.
About Project Knitwell
Project Knitwell offers knitting as a tool to promote wellness and help people cope with stressful situations at more than a dozen hospital and community settings.
All of Project Knitwell’s programming is provided by volunteers, and services and supplies are provided free of charge to the people we serve.
Project Knitwell volunteers provide knitting instruction and quality materials in an effort to foster wellness, comfort, and community among those we serve.
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
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
- 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.
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.
Join us weekly to enjoy knitting in a safe and welcoming environment. Knitting can provide a respite from one’s immediate situation, serve as a way to productively pass the time, and have a positive effect on reducing stress symptoms.
Knitting is:
- relatively easy to learn,
- requires no artistic talent or prior experience,
- portable,
- and results in a useful product.
Sometimes referred to as the “new yoga” — plain and simple — knitting is good for you.
Trained volunteers will provide knitting instruction and quality materials in an effort to foster wellness, comfort, and community. Beginner and experienced knitters are welcome. Starter kits are available, as is a small selection of yarn and knitting supplies.
Stone Soup Films and Project Knitwell created a beautiful 3-minute video highlighting the health benefits of knitting. Watch the video here!
Our Knitting Circle meets Weekly on Wednesdays from 3:00 – 4:30pm ET.
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.
About Project Knitwell
Project Knitwell offers knitting as a tool to promote wellness and help people cope with stressful situations at more than a dozen hospital and community settings.
All of Project Knitwell’s programming is provided by volunteers, and services and supplies are provided free of charge to the people we serve.
Project Knitwell volunteers provide knitting instruction and quality materials in an effort to foster wellness, comfort, and community among those we serve.
In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, please click the RSVP button above or email programs@smithcenter.org.
You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.
with Denise Feldman
Looking for a creative community? Wondering how to use creativity to uplift, inspire, and connect us all? Join us for an online gathering where we’ll channel our collective creative energy into spreading love and kindness throughout our communities.
What to Expect:
- Create Your Way: Bring your own project or follow Denise’s featured creation for the session.
- Share & Inspire: Swap ideas and cheer each other on as we work on our creations.
- Spread Joy: After the session, we’ll place our completed projects in random places around our neighborhoods, ready to surprise and delight anyone who finds them.
No fancy supplies needed—just bring what you have on hand! You’ll also receive a full suggested materials list each month in advance.
No matter your creativity or expertise, all are welcome! This a chance to connect, create, and spread kindness. Join us as we send love into the world, one piece of art at a time.
Random Acts of Art Group will be offered the 2nd Monday of the month from 6:00-7:00pm EST.
2025 Meeting Dates:
-
March 10
-
April 14
-
May 12
-
June 9
-
July 14
-
August 11
-
September 8
-
October 20
-
November 10
-
December 8
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.
About Denise Feldman
Denise Feldman is a local mixed media artist who discovered the power of creativity as a healing practice after her treatment for breast cancer in 2014. As a creative ‘dabbler’ who loves working with various materials and surfaces, Denise shares her mixed media processes and soulful perspective with the hope of inspiring others to tell their stories ‘on and off the page’ and clear space for life’s chapters yet to come.
“My philosophy is simply that telling our stories helps us heal by giving us the space to process our own experiences and connect with each other. Getting our stories out from our hearts and our heads helps make room for the next chapter to happen…the one just waiting there in the wings.” ~Denise
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 Mindy Brodsky, LCSW and Kiersten Gallagher
Wherever you are on life’s journey, there are times when it can feel impossible to commit to a recurring program like a workshop series. Radical Writing Space is our answer to this conundrum of wanting to attend for some radical self-care, but struggling to commit.
Clinical studies have documented the healing psychological and psychical impacts of writing within a safe and sacred space. On the second Friday of each month, drop in for one hour for Radical Writing Space and join us for inspiring writing prompts, time to write, and time to share with one another about your experience of putting your most radical emotions, feelings, and experiences on paper.
The part that makes this writing so “radical” is that we create a safe space for it all — raw feelings, emotions, experiences — and, together, we give voice to them in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment.
This healing program offers a place for supporting one another and we stay clear of writing critique. Come and experience writing and sharing together.
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.
Beginning in December 2024, our SC Writes program and Radical Writing Space program came together as one program
What’s new?
- The program has a new name: SC Writes: A Place for Radical Writing.
- In some months, we will meet twice so we can dive into one topic for two sessions
What’s the same?
- We will continue to meet on Fridays from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Mindy and Kiersten will continue to co-facilitate.
- We will hold a sacred healing space and we warmly welcome you all!
Pencil in these dates:
- March 7
- Additional dates TBA!
About Mindy Brodsky, LCSW
Mindy Brodsky specializes in trauma-informed, strengths-based counseling with a passion for integrative health and healing. Mindy honors her clients as the experts of their lives, and she strives to provide a supportive and safe environment. After a career in social justice advocacy and her own challenging health journey, Mindy aspires to meet her clients where they are to help them achieve their goals. She also has her Grief Educator Certification.
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.
Join us weekly to enjoy knitting in a safe and welcoming environment. Knitting can provide a respite from one’s immediate situation, serve as a way to productively pass the time, and have a positive effect on reducing stress symptoms.
Knitting is:
- relatively easy to learn,
- requires no artistic talent or prior experience,
- portable,
- and results in a useful product.
Sometimes referred to as the “new yoga” — plain and simple — knitting is good for you.
Trained volunteers will provide knitting instruction and quality materials in an effort to foster wellness, comfort, and community. Beginner and experienced knitters are welcome. Starter kits are available, as is a small selection of yarn and knitting supplies.
Stone Soup Films and Project Knitwell created a beautiful 3-minute video highlighting the health benefits of knitting. Watch the video here!
Our Knitting Circle meets Weekly on Wednesdays from 3:00 – 4:30pm ET.
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.
About Project Knitwell
Project Knitwell offers knitting as a tool to promote wellness and help people cope with stressful situations at more than a dozen hospital and community settings.
All of Project Knitwell’s programming is provided by volunteers, and services and supplies are provided free of charge to the people we serve.
Project Knitwell volunteers provide knitting instruction and quality materials in an effort to foster wellness, comfort, and community among those we serve.
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: 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
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.
