Tag: Meditative Practice

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 Denise Feldman

Stitching Together

Stitched Together

We’re all part of the same cloth…

Join us for a Stitching Circle! Denise Feldman, a local mixed-media artist and cancer thriver, hosts this monthly gathering in (virtual) community as we talk and stitch—a powerful meditative and healing practice. Gathering as many have done for centuries, Denise will share tips and ideas for using needle and thread to bring joy and creativity to our everyday lives. Use her ideas to jump start your own, or bring your favorite hand work projects and join us for community stitching time!

 

This community stitching circle is for you! For example, maybe you’ve been hand sewing for years; you might be interested in exploring the recent revival of the “slow-stitch” movement; maybe you are are a needle pointer with a project to finish. Or, you might simply enjoy the meditative nature of hand making with needle and thread.

 

You may consider bringing:

  • needles and thread,
  • an old pair of jeans or other clothing that was headed to charity,
  • left over fabric from another project,
  • or simply bring yourself for some (virtual) time in community.

Stitched Together will be offered Monthly on Saturdays 10:00 – 11:30am ET. 

Upcoming Dates: 

  • August 13
  • September 10

Suggested Donation: $10

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 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 Rebecca Wilkinson, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT

Mandalas for Managing Stress and Increasing Wellbeing

Mandalas – circular designs that communicate symbolic meaning – have been used for centuries as a form of contemplative practice in many spiritual traditions.

In this brief but focused workshop, we will use mandala imagery, writing, and meditative practice to bring creativity, healing, and an increased sense of grounding and balance into our lives. Absolutely no previous art experience is needed. The workshop is designed for all ranges of artistic experience–you need not consider yourself an artist to attend.

 

Suggested Materials:

  • Paper to draw on – can be any size or color that you like; we usually work with something between 6 x 6 to 12 x 12
  • Art supplies to draw or paint with – E.G. colored pencils, magic markers, chalk or oil pastels, watercolor paints, and/or acrylics
  • Plate or circular shape – to draw an outline of a circle on the paper
  • For those of you who do creative or art journaling, you are welcome to use your journal to create your mandala.

Suggested Donation: $10

About Rebecca Wilkinson, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT

Rebecca Wilkinson

Rebecca Wilkinson, MA, ATR-BC, is a Registered and Board Certified art therapists with twenty years of experience in mental health and in facilitating training and workshops. She serves as adjunct faculty at George Washington University Graduate Art Therapy Program and provide continuing education and development through the Potomac Art Therapy Association. She facilitates supportive workshops for those affected by life threatening illness and the professional providers working with them. Co-founder of Creative Wellbeing Workshops, LLC, which provides training, consultation, and clinical therapy designed to reduce stress, prevent burnout and increase life satisfaction and wellbeing.