Artist Advising Artist (AAA) seeks to foster a supportive and enriching space to replenish our individual wellness, allowing us to return to our communities, friends, and families with compassion and grace.

March’s event will be co-hosted by Gadisse Lee, local artist whose work is included in 21c Durham’s current exhibition Refuge: Needing, Seeking, Creating Shelter.

DISCUSSION TOPICS FOR ARTISTS’ SUPPORT CIRCLE

+ You are already doing the work! You are an expert!

+ Artist hangouts and gatherings

+ Exploring the importance of expressing yourself creatively while also nurturing your wellbeing

+ “I make; therefore, I live” – art is a way of life requiring both critical thinking and physical energy

+ What environments provide resources to develop or maintain good psychological, social, and physical wellbeing, and facilitate the capacity of individuals to withstand, overcome, and adapt to adversity?

+ Art-making as community action

+ Art-making as mind/body healing

+ Community-based wellness resources and how to access

+ Nurturing internal resources such as self-efficacy and self-compassion

+ Confidence, concentration, energy and emotional management

+ Importance of our sources of power (food/lived experiences/ancestors)