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 Jodi Kanter

Writing Outside the Lines

Writing Outside the Lines

Inspired by Smith Center’s Outside the Lines: A Creative Art Studio, this program begins with a series of partnered exercises. In our own words, we will begin to tell chapters of our own stories.

 

With our stories as a springboard, we will write within a variety of genres. We’ll explore a new genre each week, discovering what different writing forms have to say to us—and we to them. Genres were made to be broken—or at least mixed and matched!

 

Possible genres include poetry, monologue, fairytale, and film noir.  Many writing workshops strive to find and / or hone a writer’s “voice.” Conversely, Writing Outside the Lines will give writers the opportunity to express themselves in an ever-expanding range of voices.


Writing Outside the Lines will be hosted on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays from 10:30-12:00pm ET. 

Upcoming Dates:

  • September 28 (CANCELED)
  • October 12 & 26
  • November 9 & 23
  • December 14

Suggested Donation: $10


About Jodi Kanter

Jodi Kanter

Jodi has been involved in theater since she was ten years old. She grew up acting and studying performance in American theater’s “Second City,” Chicago Illinois.  She is currently a professor of theatre in the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design at George Washington University, where she has been on faculty for nearly fifteen years. Her academic work in theater includes her book, Performing Loss: Strengthening Communities Through Theatre and Writing (2007).

Jodi’s focus on performance as a tool for individual and social healing and change has led her to create workshops, events and productions in a wide variety of settings including hospitals, schools, and prisons. Most recently, she co-created a four-month diversity and inclusion program for members of DC’s fourteen Neighborhood Village associations using the methodology of Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed. Jodi holds a PhD. in Performance Studies from Northwestern University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in dramatherapy at Lesley University.

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 Jodi Kanter

Writing Outside the Lines

Writing Outside the Lines

Inspired by Smith Center’s Outside the Lines: A Creative Art Studio, this program begins with a series of partnered exercises. In our own words, we will begin to tell chapters of our own stories.

 

With our stories as a springboard, we will write within a variety of genres. We’ll explore a new genre each week, discovering what different writing forms have to say to us—and we to them. Genres were made to be broken—or at least mixed and matched!

 

Possible genres include poetry, monologue, fairytale, and film noir.  Many writing workshops strive to find and / or hone a writer’s “voice.” Conversely, Writing Outside the Lines will give writers the opportunity to express themselves in an ever-expanding range of voices.


Writing Outside the Lines will be hosted on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays from 10:30-12:00pm ET. 

Upcoming Dates:

  • September 14
  • September 28 (CANCELED)
  • October 12 & 26
  • November 9 & 23
  • December 14

Suggested Donation: $10


About Jodi Kanter

Jodi Kanter

Jodi has been involved in theater since she was ten years old. She grew up acting and studying performance in American theater’s “Second City,” Chicago Illinois.  She is currently a professor of theatre in the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design at George Washington University, where she has been on faculty for nearly fifteen years. Her academic work in theater includes her book, Performing Loss: Strengthening Communities Through Theatre and Writing (2007).

Jodi’s focus on performance as a tool for individual and social healing and change has led her to create workshops, events and productions in a wide variety of settings including hospitals, schools, and prisons. Most recently, she co-created a four-month diversity and inclusion program for members of DC’s fourteen Neighborhood Village associations using the methodology of Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed. Jodi holds a PhD. in Performance Studies from Northwestern University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in dramatherapy at Lesley University.

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

Stress Release and Finding Ease

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: 

  • September 15
  • October 20
  • November 17
  • December 15

Suggested Donation: $15


About Liz Lescault

Liz Lesault

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)

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

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 session, Ruth Milante will host her beloved “Tiny Stories”

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!

Materials:

Writing & Drawing Materials of Your Choice

Comic Strip Template (Click Here for Ours)

 

June 2021 Tiny Stories


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:

  • December 21
  • January 18
  • February 15

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.

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

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:

  • 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

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

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.


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:

  • 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

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

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.


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

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

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.


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

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 Ruth Milante

June 2021 Tiny Stories

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!

Materials:

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.

 

"The Monkeys in My Mind" Tiny Story

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

Stress Release and Finding Ease

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

Liz Lesault

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)