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Faces of Resilience Workshops

Aug 3, 2024 - Aug 4, 2024
The August Wilson African American Cultural Center
980 Liberty Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Are you a survivor of gun violence, or do you know someone who is? Join us for Faces of Resilience, a transformative two-day workshop at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, where you’ll create powerful masks to express your emotions, celebrate your loved ones, and honor your triumphs. These workshops are offered in partnership with Project Safe Storage and will be facilitated by Tia Baker and Dr. Lois Dabney-Smith.

Workshops will be offered in August, September and October. Each workshop is a Saturday and Sunday and will be offered in August (3&4), September (14&15), and October (26&27) from 9am-5pm.

The masks will be displayed during Community Day on December 14th, in conjunction with a panel discussion with Community Leaders in the violence prevention space.

These workshops are designed for ages 18+.


FAQ

Why Two Days?

In-Depth Healing: Healing takes time. Over two days, you’ll have the space to deeply explore and process your emotions, ensuring a more profound and lasting impact.
Comprehensive Guidance: With extended sessions, our experienced art therapists can provide more thorough guidance, helping you unlock deeper levels of creativity and self-expression.
Community Building: Two days allow for stronger connections to form within the group, creating a supportive community that understands and shares your journey.
Reflect & Refine: The second day offers the opportunity to refine and complete your mask, process the weekend’s experiences, and close out with a special ceremony.

What Will You Gain?

? Emotional Healing: Through guided mask-making, you’ll find a unique, non-verbal way to process and release deep-seated emotions, paving the way for profound healing.
Celebrate Loved Ones: Use your art to honor the memories and legacies of those you cherish, creating a beautiful tribute to their impact on your life.
Empowerment & Resilience: Transform your pain into powerful expressions of resilience, discovering new strengths and pathways to self-discovery and hope.

How to Prepare?

The masks you create will be actual molds of your face, offering a unique and personal touch to your artistic expression. We recommend that women attend without makeup and all participants wear comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting paint on to ensure the best experience.

Workshop Highlights

Guided Art Sessions: Experienced art therapists will lead you through each step, helping you unlock your creativity and emotions.

Supportive Community: Connect with fellow survivors in a safe, understanding environment, sharing, and reflecting on your journey together.

Panel Discussion:
 At the end of the workshop series, some participants will have the opportunity to join community leaders in a panel discussion at the August Wilson Center to discuss the impact of the project and share their experiences.

Meals Provided:
 Enjoy continental breakfast and lunch for both days, ensuring you’re nourished and focused on your healing journey.

Special Ceremony:
 Conclude the workshop with a special ceremony to honor your journey, celebrate your resilience, and reflect on the weekend’s experiences.
By the end of this weekend, you’ll leave with:
A tangible, artistic expression of your journey and resilience.
Newfound connections and support from a community of fellow survivors.
The empowerment that comes from reclaiming your narrative and celebrating your loved ones.

An opportunity to voice your story and impact the community through a panel discussion.

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