MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The Middletown Art Center invites community members to participate in “Reframing Trauma: A Therapeutic Drawing and Writing Workshop,” this Saturday, Sept. 5, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Zoom.

Artist Antje Howard and Lake County Poet Laureate Georgina Marie will guide participants in a drawing and writing workshop to process and reframe trauma into creative expression. This class is the first of MAC’s current Second Responder series.

The workshop will include a drawing process, a writing process and time to share.

“Drawing will help us to ground and explore the breadth of the emotions we are feeling at this current time,” explained Antje Howard. “We will use the Neurographica technique, a simple intuitive drawing process that can help us to see things from a new perspective. No prior art experience is required, and all you need is a piece of paper, thin and thick black markers or pens and colored pencils, markers, or crayons."

A certified Neurographica specialist, artist, creative coach and mentor, Howard uses Neurographica and mindfulness to catalyze personal and practical change. Her guidance is solution-oriented, with focus on concrete steps to support holistic well-being and growth. Learn more about Howard’s work at http://neuroartproject.net.

Georgina Marie will facilitate the writing portion which will build upon the drawing process. “The trauma we are experiencing may be a result of recent wildfires and evacuations, the Covid-19 crisis, current events, or personal experience. Our work together will help us cleanse, reframe and create new meaning through creative expression in a supportive, and welcoming environment.”

Georgina Marie is the 2020-2022 Lake County Poet Laureate, the first Mexican-American and youngest local poet to serve in this role. She facilitated writing workshops for MAC’s “Resilience” and “Restore” projects and served as co-editor for both projects’ chapbook of writings and art. She has facilitated and participated in poetry readings and workshops in Northern California and online. Visit her website at georginamariepoet.com to learn more about her work.

Upon the community’s return from Valley fire evacuation, the MAC began offering free and low-cost healing art classes. Subsequent fires in Lake County and regionally combined with Covid-19 have triggered flight or fight mechanisms and trauma upon trauma.

“The recent LNU Complex Fire and evacuations further impacted our already vulnerable nervous systems,” said MAC Programs Director Lisa Kaplan “The arts and creative expression can help us integrate experiences and emotions, reconnect us with ourselves, and support a sense of balance, and purpose.”

Participation is by donation $5-25. Pre-registration is required at www.middletownartcenter.org/classes. A Zoom link will be provided upon registration. No one turned away for lack of funds. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for information.

Find out more about MAC and ways to support their efforts to weave the arts and culture into the fabric of life in Lake County at www.middletownartcenter.org.