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Through participation in workshops and classes, participants will develop skills in both the visual arts and social-emotional competencies as outlined by the Maryland State Visual Arts Standards and the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) which informs the state of Maryland’s Social Emotional Learning initiatives and objectives. Arts activities are designed to include connections to self, promoting self-awareness, in addition to reflecting on how engaging in mindfulness and art activities affects their mental and physical state. This reflection demonstrates the connection between engaging in mindfulness and art to build participants' repertoire of self-management strategies. To aid in the implementation of this learning at home, participants will be introduced to visual journaling as a practice they can build into their weekly routines to engage in mindfulness through art and learn how developing mindfulness routines engage our brain differently which impacts our response to stressors and triggers. Journaling kits and supplies will be provided along with guides for getting started and using journaling. These events will facilitate a connection between community members through art, creating a space for diverse members of the community to come together, meet, and build fellowship. The community-building aspect of the events will engage participants in two other aspects of the CASEL framework; relationship skills and social awareness. Participants will leave our events with the knowledge and tools necessary to increase their social emotional decision making capacity through engaging with art and expanding mindfulness; the end result of which is creating an increase in the community's overall wellness.
