Free hands-on arts, writing, poetry and dance workshops at OCCCA

Free hands-on workshops in fine art; creative writing / poetry; dance and music will be offered at OCCCA (the Orange County Center for Contemporary Art) from July 10 to August 17, 2013. Workshops will be facilitated by professional artists and include the discussion and creation of artworks reflecting on themes of stigma, wellness and recovery. This experience will enhance the lives of participants, helping to reduce stigma, anxiety and stress and raise self-esteem, while providing a sense of joy and productivity derived from a positive access to their imagination and the healing process of creativity.

Download Workshop Schedule: http://occca.org/AES.html. 1st come 1st served basis: FREE!

Watercolor workshop – July 28th: 10:00am to 12:00am

Artist, Educator, Family member, Greg M. Atkin (of Artisan StudioWorks) will conduct a watercolor workshop entitled: “You are an original Artist”. Participants will learn many aspects of water color techniques and create finished paintings reflecting their experience.

Two Drawing Out Stigma workshops

August 4th: 2:00pm to 4:00pm – Toni Ivashkov (Artist -Educator)

In this drawing workshop, participants will learn how to release inner thoughts and feelings about the stigma of mental illness using a universal vocabulary of expressive line gestures and color on paper. Their awareness and ability to use intuitively understood elements to express their feelings in a creative, communicative, and therapeutic manner will be increased. Participants will be each asked to share with the group and write about the feeling expressed in each of the art pieces they have created. One of the two workshops will be taught by a bi-lingual ethnic artist.

Writing Seminar workshop

July 27th: 2:00pm to 4:00pm

Writer, Educator, PhD is professional MH worker Casey Dorman PhD will conduct a workshop-seminar on writing. During this workshop participants will explore feelings about stigma, wellness and recovery.

Three Poetry workshops

August 10th & 15th, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm:

Published Writer, Performing Poet, Educator, Community Builder, A.K. Toney will conduct poetry writing workshops focusing on the theme of personal experiences with stigma reduction, wellness and recovery. This workshop is designed to introduce students to the Japanese form of poetry called Haiku. This process will allow the student to express their truth while giving them an understanding of a standardized form of poetry thus teaching the students to write poetry while telling their truths about stigmas.

Frame Drum workshop

August 6th: 1:00pm to 3:30 pm

Musician, Educator, Mental Health Arts Advocate Miranda Rondeau will conduct a presentation and hands-on Frame Drum workshop. During this workshop participants will explore feelings about stigma, wellness and recovery. (frame drums will be provided)

Two Music Meets Art workshops

August 7th & 17th: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Toni Ivashkov (Artist -Educator)

In these workshops, participants will work with different art media exploring new creative techniques for expression of feeling and experiences with mental health. Along with the art will be live music, which will enhance the workshop, creating deeper relaxation and inspiration and direct the participants to be in touch with another sense. One of the two workshops will be taught by a bi-lingual ethnic artist.

Two Dance and Movement workshops

August 11th 14th: 2:00pm to 4:00pm

Educator, MS, LMFT, Lived Experience, Dancer; Chandra Chaikin, will conduct an introduction to dance movement workshop with a focus on body awareness, expression of feelings using the body and an opportunity to move expressively utilizing rhythm, breath and/or shape. (all percussion instruments , props and art supplies to use during the workshop will be provided)

http://occca.org/AES.html