Join the Arts Administrators of Color Network and Audacity 2 Heal for a transformative gratitude-themed arts workshop that blends personal reflection with collective expression. Through creative exercises and mindful practices, we'll explore how gratitude has been woven into the cultural traditions and healing of BIPOC communities. Bring a jar or container to personalize and any art materials you’re comfortable with (virtual alternatives will be available if supplies are a barrier). Together, we’ll embrace the power of community, guided by the intention: “When ‘I’ is replaced with ‘we,’ even illness becomes wellness.” – Malcolm X.
Come create, connect, and heal through gratitude!
Materials for Gratitude Jars:
Jars or containers (any size)
Craft materials for decoration (stickers, markers, ribbons, etc.)
Small pieces of paper for writing gratitude notes
Basic art supplies for personal art-making (paper, markers, paint, etc.)
Virtual Options: Use tools like Adobe Express, Padlet, or Google Docs to create a digital gratitude jar.
Learning Outcomes:
Understand the significance of gratitude as a tool for self-healing.
Learn how to create and maintain a Gratitude Jar to capture moments of thanks and reflection.
Identify how regular gratitude practices can reduce stress, foster emotional well-being, and strengthen resilience through an interactive virtual presentation.
Participate in a collaborative art experience to foster community-building and collective healing.
Resources to Check Out:
"All About Love: New Visions" by Bell Hooks
Who should Attend?
This event is designed for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and/or global majority-identifying artists and arts administrators. This session will not be recorded to support cultivating a comfortable and confidential space for folks.
Ticketing:
Invest $25 at registration to support expenses for this workshop and to advance the mission of AAC. Need financial support in order to attend this session? Pay what You Can Options are available via this request form.
Session Facilitators
Dr. Martina E. Efodzi, D.Min, M.A., ATR-BC, LCPAT, LCPC, LPC is a BoardCertified Art Therapist, Licensed Clinical Professional Art Therapist and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Washington, DC, and Maryland. She was deeply committed to social justice concerns and earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a Master of Divinity in religious studies from Howard University in 2002 and 2007. She earned a Master of Arts in art therapy from George Washington University and recently completed a Doctor of Ministry in Soul Care from Wesley Theological Seminary in May 2024. She is the Founder of Aya Healing Arts, LLC, where she offers individual counseling and art therapy services for adults of all ages and abilities. For over a decade before that, she served at a community health center where she specialized in providing culturally responsive art therapy and counseling services to marginalized groups, specifically those living with HIV and members of the LGBTQ+ community. In addition to her clinical work, Martina has facilitated countless healing arts workshops with various schools, universities, government agencies, community and faith-based organizations, and churches for individuals of all ages and abilities along the East Coast. Martina is an adjunct professor in the Department of Art Therapy at George Washington University. https://www.ayahealingarts.com
Lindsey D. Vance, M.A., ATR-BC, LPC, is a distinguished professional with extensive experience in art therapy, counseling, education, and community advocacy, emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Lindsey combines clinical expertise with artistic creativity as a Board-Certified Art Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor. She holds dual B.A. degrees in Psychology and Fine Studio Art from the University of Maryland and an M.A. in Art Therapy with a focus on Trauma and Counseling from George Washington University. With a focus on trauma-informed care, Lindsey has dedicated her career to supporting community-based populations, particularly those experiencing housing insecurities and those furthest from opportunity. She excels in integrating the arts into education, promoting healing and resilience, and providing compassionate support to those navigating grief and trauma. An experienced educator, Lindsey mentors future mental health professionals, inspiring them to incorporate art into their practice. As the Founder of arTestimony, Lindsey uses artistic expression for healing and empowerment, offering consulting services and fine art. She is also the Co-Founder of Artistic Alchemy Oasis, creating innovative spaces for healing and wellness through artistic practice and retreats. Lindsey's passion for creativity, commitment to equity, and dedication to community healing profoundly impact the field of art therapy and education, enriching lives and inspiring positive change. https://www.myartestimony.com