Challenging Times Series: Connecting Through Creativity and Conversation

September 6 through December 6

This fall, the United States faces one of its most pivotal elections. In uncertain times, art and creative thinking play critical roles, reflecting the world’s complexities and fostering dialogue.

How can we create a safe space for community interaction and sharing experiences? How can we build lasting support systems?

Through artistic engagement, students and community members contribute to meaningful dialogue, raise awareness and inspire change.

Each session explores a theme, incorporating artistic creation, conversation and collaboration. Read about each session below and click “sign me up” for desired sessions. Attendance is flexible; sessions are led by Melinda Abrams, MSA, BFA, CPCC, artist.

About Melinda Abrams: Melinda leads the Crafts Center’s My Intent Project and MovingLeaders, offering experiential training and development programs. Her focus is on authentic communication, trust building, conflict resolution and guiding individuals through change with dignity and self-respect.

Note: These sessions support well-being but do not replace professional mental health care. Light snacks and art materials will be provided. These sessions are sponsored by the Crafts Center, Arts NC State and Gregg Museum of Art & Design.

Session Schedule:

SESSION 1:

Friday, Sept. 6
Topic: Community Building: Foster a supportive community for sharing experiences, resources, and encouragement.

In this opening session, participants establish a safe environment to explore and create collaboratively. They share their current artistic endeavors and preferences, exchange ideas for mutual support and envision contributions to the community.

During discussions, each participant starts a canvas using their chosen medium. Every eight minutes, they pass their canvas to the right, discussing the evolving artwork and its significance to them.

Note: stay tuned for Reporter Link for class sign up. For questions contact Carol Nix:  clnix@ncsu.edu

SESSION 2: Friday, Sept. 20
Topic: Resilience and Resolution: Find inner peace amidst chaos through art creation.

Participants paint or draw while engaging in conversation. Each person receives a set of 2×2 wood squares to decorate freely. During the latter part of the session, participants exchange squares, culminating in each individual departing with a mosaic comprising contributions from everyone in the group.

SESSION 3: Friday, Oct. 11
Topic: Mindfulness and Wellness: Incorporate mental health practices into art making.

Practices such as mindfulness, meditation and self-care can aid in maintaining resilience during difficult periods. Today, we emphasize self-care through mindfulness, meditation and artistic expression. The session commences with a guided meditation followed by art creation, allowing each participant to choose their preferred medium.

SESSION 4: Friday, Nov. 8
Topic: Social and Political Engagement: Explore art’s role in activism and advocacy.

During this session we will talk and make art regarding this particular moment in time.  

SESSION 5: Friday, Nov. 22
Topic: Encourage engagement with pressing social and political issues through art.

Participants may delve into issues such as climate change, inequality, immigration or democracy, employing art as a means of advocacy, activism and fostering community.

The session will commence with a panel discussion featuring guest speakers. Following the panel presentation, attendees will break into small groups for direct interaction with the panelists. Participants are encouraged to exchange ideas and explore potential collaborations.

Details regarding panelists will be shared later. Please bring any relevant images or links you wish to share.

SESSION 6: Friday, Dec. 6
Topic: Imagining Alternative Futures: Speculative thinking and creative brainstorming through art.

Art provides a distinct capability to envision unrealized worlds, offering hope and inspiration for innovative possibilities, even amidst adversity. Today, we reflect on our achievements in 2024 and contemplate future directions for 2025.

Each participant will craft their own mixed media vision board.

Contact: For questions, please contact the Crafts Center at 919.515.2457.