Art for Change: Creating in Community
A 3-session workshop series starting April 1, 2025
How often have you heard the phrase, “unprecedented times” recently? Well, It’s unprecedented. As we attempt to navigate the moment, many of us are finding ourselves feeling pulled between action and inertia: we are in conflict between wanting to both affect change around us while also holding tight to the things we can control.
This workshop series is designed to help you find a balance between these forces by offering a nurturing, community space to make art with meaning.
This workshop series is designed to help you find a balance between these forces by offering a nurturing, community space to make art with meaning.
This 3-session series (attend one, two, or all three) includes three unique and complementary art projects, each of which is beginner-friendly with plenty of room to grow. At the end of each session, you will have a work of art that can be just for you, or can be an offering to your community; we'll show you how.
Each session will offer the opportunity to connect with others who want to harness creativity and love towards some kind of healing during uncertain times. We will slow down together, and show up for one another.
Each session will offer the opportunity to connect with others who want to harness creativity and love towards some kind of healing during uncertain times. We will slow down together, and show up for one another.
What's Included
- A variety of high-quality materials to create your own art projects that create community connections
- Imagery, inspirations, and prompts to help you get started
- Two facilitators to help foster meaningful reflection and connection
- An awesome community of like-minded mothers to share space with
- Yummy desserts and non-alcoholic beverages (you are welcome to BYOB)
- Materials and skills to finish your project at home if needed
Workshop Details
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April 1: Stumble Stones
Together we’ll create rocks that can capture our awareness, and promote contemplation. Participants will be given the tools to craft stones that send a message, whether inwards or outwards: finished products can either be placed in the community (such as in gardens, tree boxes, etc.), or they can be kept in your home as a grounding tool |
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May 6: Peace Trees
Based on the Japanese practice of Bonsai, making a Peace Tree is a contemplative act of mindful creation. Using pliable wire, colorful beads, and clay and/or plaster or other materials, you'll learn how to twist and turn and create a symbol of both growth and groundedness. By the end of the session, you'll have at least one tree to display wherever you need a visual reminder to help you pause and reset. Or, gift one to a friend who needs support and strength. |
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June 3: Note Cards
During a time when it seems like the world is fracturing, we invite you to revive the art of heart-to-heart correspondence. Using a variety of techniques (including stamping, collaging, texture rubbing, and simple watercolor methods), each participant will create a unique set of notecards. We’ll also set aside a moment to begin your first letter, and we’ll even provide the stamp :) |
Meet Lida (& Elizabeth)
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This workshop series will be co-led by Lida M. Sunderland, LPC, PAT, LCPAT, ATR-BC. Lida is an art therapist and psychotherapist in Washington, DC. She focuses on supporting clients to improve their relational life by first building deep and meaningful connections with themselves. Lida has over a decade of experience working with people of all ages and in multiple settings, including schools, community centers, group practice, and now in solo private practice (which you can learn more about here). She is also an enthusiastic participant in The Mama Love Collective, and has enjoyed participating in circles and workshops as she raises her two young children.
Co-leader Elizabeth Hubley is the founder and director of Mama Love Collective. Read more about Elizabeth here. |
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Disclaimer: While this workshop series is facilitated by an art therapist and the experience may feel therapeutic, this is NOT art therapy and is not meant as a replacement for mental health care services. For more information on art therapy or to find a board certified art therapist to work with, please visit the American Art Therapy Association.
Workshop Details
Workshops will be held on the first Tuesday of the month from April - June 2025
Dates: Tuesdays, April 1, May 6 and June 3
Time: 7:00-8:30pm
Location: CREATE Arts Center (914 Silver Spring Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910)
Cost: We offer a sliding scale where you can choose the registration rate that best aligns with your circumstances:
Standard Rate — $55/workshop or $150 for all 3 — Covers our expenses and keeps the collective on a sustainable path
Reduced Rate* — $45/workshop or $120 for all 3 — For those who need financial support
Pay It Forward Rate — $60/workshop or $175 for all 3 — For those who can afford to pay a little more to support our scholarship program
*If you would like to participate but the cost of the workshop at the reduced rate is a challenge please complete our scholarship request form or contact us.
Dates: Tuesdays, April 1, May 6 and June 3
Time: 7:00-8:30pm
Location: CREATE Arts Center (914 Silver Spring Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910)
Cost: We offer a sliding scale where you can choose the registration rate that best aligns with your circumstances:
Standard Rate — $55/workshop or $150 for all 3 — Covers our expenses and keeps the collective on a sustainable path
Reduced Rate* — $45/workshop or $120 for all 3 — For those who need financial support
Pay It Forward Rate — $60/workshop or $175 for all 3 — For those who can afford to pay a little more to support our scholarship program
*If you would like to participate but the cost of the workshop at the reduced rate is a challenge please complete our scholarship request form or contact us.
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Location:
The workshops will be held at CREATE Arts Center in Silver Spring, Maryland: 914 Silver Spring Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Limited metered parking is available on the street in front of CREATE. Additional metered parking is available in the Fenton Street Village (Garage 4) Parking Garage and small surface lot by our building. See more about parking here. |
Please note: These workshops are for adults only. We do not have the space or childcare available for babies, toddlers or children so they should be with another caregiver during the workshop
We strive to host workshops that are inclusive, accessible spaces for all parents, including those with disabilities, to engage in. If you have an accessibility need please mention it in the form below and we'll follow up with you directly.
Art for Change: Creating in Community FAQ
How many people will be at the workshops?
Each workshop will have between 6-12 participants.
What if I don't have any art experience? What if I'm an experienced artist?
All novice and experienced artists are welcome! We'll get everyone started with some basic instructions and we provide all of the materials you'll need. You can work on a more straightforward or more complex project and, even if you don't finish it all in one evening, you'll leave with the tools and skills to keep working at home.
What if I changed my mind? Can I get a refund?
Refunds (minus a processing fee) are available up to two weeks ahead of the start date. Cancellations made between two weeks and one week before the start of the event receive a 50% refund. No refunds are available after one week prior to the event.
What if I need accommodations for a disability?
We strive to host circles that are inclusive, accessible spaces for all mama-identifying people, including those with disabilities, to engage in. If you have an accessibility need please mention it in the registration form and we'll follow up with you directly.
What if the times don't work for me?
Please get in touch! We'll offer additional workshops if there is more demand and would love to include you in a future workshop if we are able.
Have another question? Please contact us.
Each workshop will have between 6-12 participants.
What if I don't have any art experience? What if I'm an experienced artist?
All novice and experienced artists are welcome! We'll get everyone started with some basic instructions and we provide all of the materials you'll need. You can work on a more straightforward or more complex project and, even if you don't finish it all in one evening, you'll leave with the tools and skills to keep working at home.
What if I changed my mind? Can I get a refund?
Refunds (minus a processing fee) are available up to two weeks ahead of the start date. Cancellations made between two weeks and one week before the start of the event receive a 50% refund. No refunds are available after one week prior to the event.
What if I need accommodations for a disability?
We strive to host circles that are inclusive, accessible spaces for all mama-identifying people, including those with disabilities, to engage in. If you have an accessibility need please mention it in the registration form and we'll follow up with you directly.
What if the times don't work for me?
Please get in touch! We'll offer additional workshops if there is more demand and would love to include you in a future workshop if we are able.
Have another question? Please contact us.