This September, it will be the one-year anniversary of the start of the Woman, Life, Freedom movement in Iran. “Ghambastegi” (a play on the words “grief” and “togetherness” in Persian) will help us process what has happened this year, and prepare for the future to build resiliency and bring hope.
This event offers an opportunity to create a safe space outside of self, and to look at our emotions from a different perspective, through creativity and art. Because of that, there is no judgment on the skills or the product, and anyone can participate without any artistic experience.
We will be led and guided by local art therapist, Yasi Ahsanipour. The workshop focuses on wellness and mindfulness through therapeutic art directives:
Introduction and ice breaking activity
Creating collage art following the directives provided
Processing and sharing about the experience
Please wear comfortable clothing, as we will be using glue and mixed media to create!
More about art therapy:
Art therapy is a mental health profession that uses art as an extra tool to put an image on our unspoken thoughts and feelings. Throughout the process it helps to foster a better understanding of ourselves and improve coping skills and self-esteem.
Art making itself is therapeutic and will help to reduce stress, but when we connect it to our emotions it will be more effective, especially in a safe and nonjudgemental group setting. All 18+ are welcome, and we especially encourage Iranians in diaspora to join.
Yasi Ahsanipour has a master’s degree in Art therapy from George Washington University, and works with hospitalized individuals to improve their mental health. In her journey to become an art therapist she learned how to use Art as a coping skill to deal with life challenges. As a result, she is on a mission to make art therapy more accessible. https://yasarttherapy.com/