The Art of Belonging: A Class for LGBTQ+ Students

Description

Growing up is hard. It’s exponentially more difficult when you are different, are questioning your worth, or when you don’t fit society’s mold.

This is a class about self-acceptance, about being bold and brave, and about being true to YOU! Because when you can do that—when you can be brave, bold, and authentic no matter what other people think—you start living your unique truth and you give other people permission to do the same.

Art teaches us a lot about ourselves and the world around us. And, being in a room full of our kindreds is good for the soul! This is a very special class for local LGBTQ+ and non-binary youth. It’s a safe space to create beautiful art, show up as you are, and encourage others to do the same.

We are going to work on an assortment of mixed-media art projects in this series. We’ll visit topics such as self-talk, self-love, and self-discovery. Each class will incorporate a robust combination of group discussions, some journaling and personal reflection, and the creation of awesome altered artwork!

*Class will be held online. 

Personal Growth Benefits:

By design, art-based activities lend themselves to a wide range of personal development and growth mindset philosophies.

• Art is a perfectionism buster! Children will learn how to embrace imperfection and turn those less-than-ideal project results into stunning works of art (no throw-aways here!).
• Mixed-media art is a confidence-booster! Any time kids can learn and practice a new skill to mastery, it dramatically improves their self-confidence and self-esteem.
• They will consistently practice active listening. Technique-based classes such as this are heavy on very specific instructions that will affect the outcome of their projects.
• The main social/emotional outcome of this course will be a spike in their creative thought and creative problem-solving. These skills will serve them well in ALL areas of life! Anytime you can incorporate abstract, open-ended projects it is a boost to right-brained thinking!

What the Children Will Love:

• Each child will have access to their very own base kit.
• Everyone will love the variety of techniques and materials. Each week will be a smorgasbord of incredible art techniques.
• The kids will love the freedom, choice, and variety that a Self Esteem Through Art program allows.
• Disconnecting from stress, technology, and peer pressure while they focus on something FUN!
• The empowering, judgment-free way they are encouraged to approach not only their time in class, but their time on their artwork. Both help to increase their sense of self and foster their creative spirits.
• Developing their unique artistic style as we work on an assortment of fun, tactile, and unique projects.
• Engaging in the expressive arts on a weekly basis and building on the foundation of artistic and creative thought.
• Critical thinking, self-awareness, and abstract thought are huge parts of our weekly classes. The kids learn the power of sharing their thoughts and their art in a supportive environment.

FINE PRINT:

• This series will run for four weeks, from October 14—November 4 (Thursday evenings)
• We will meet each Thursday evening from 5:30—7 p.m. (*we will meet via Zoom)
• This class is for members of the LGBTQ+ community and non-binary students in grades 6-12.
• A base kit of art supplies are included in the pricing. You will be given a list of other materials you should plan to have on hand in the welcome email.
• *The series will run as long as there is a minimum of 10 attendees. If we don’t meet the minimum requirement, class will be cancelled and a full refund will be given. 
• *Registration closes on September 30, or when sold out.
  
• You will receive an email from me a few days in advance of the class with additional information.
• There are no refunds or transfers for this class. Please be sure you understand my refund policy by reviewing my FAQ page.
• Footnote: People think art is a luxury, or a nice-to-have, or an only-for-the-select-few activity. People think you need a degree in order to be an “artist.” People think that creating art and taking the time to play is a waste of time. You would be wrong! Art is an unparalleled stress reliever, a phenomenal non-verbal communication tool, and a time-tested technique for processing emotions. I’ll see you in the classroom!