Art for Cancer Wellness: Survivors Group, Spring 2023
Workshop Title: Art for Cancer Wellness
Facilitator: Em Jones, MA, BFA, LGPAT
Schedule: Thursdays, 7 PM to 8:30 PM ET
- February 2, 2023
- February 16, 2023
- March 2, 2023
- March 16, 2023
- March 30, 2023
- April 13, 2023
PART 1: Altered Book for Processing Grief
During the first three workshops, participants will use a hardbound book* to create art together with other cancer survivors. We will use the first session to prepare the book to be altered and to prepare yourself to reflect on the stages of grief. The sessions will be based on Kubler-Ross’ stages of grief model: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance. It is up to you what you want to grieve and how you want to reflect on where you are in the process; grief is not linear.
* Participants will need to obtain a hardbound book prior to the first session. This may be an old book they already have or purchased from a used book store.
Related Resources
- Crash Course on Altered Books
- How to Choose a Book for Altering (YouTube)
- Altered Books (YouTube)
- Altered Book Tutorial (YouTube)
PART 2: Mandala Journal for Creative Expression
For the last three workshops, participants will create art using a circular form, or mandala, in each session with other cancer survivors. Some drawing instruction will be provided, but creative exploration and expression is encouraged! In addition to supplies provided, participants are encouraged to have a ruler, pencil, scissors, and magazines to use for collage. We will get inspiration from artwork by a variety of sources, from Tibetan monks to Navajo artists, and experiment with materials such as collage and natural objects. This creative process offers a form of self-care, visual journaling, meditation and reflection.