This summer, NAMI Mercer is offering a series of 5 expressive arts workshops. (See descriptions below.) There is no charge for NAMI Mercer members. A goodwill offering from nonmembers would be welcomed when you attend.
The Workshops:
Registration is capped at 25 per workshop, so register now before they fill up!
Sip 'n Paint (It isn't a PARTy without art)
Tuesday, June 26th 7 - 9pm
Enjoy a fun evening and create your own summer-themed masterpiece!
Light refreshments and sparkling grape juice will be served.
Paint, easels, canvases, aprons, brushes will all be provided. No previous art experience is necessary. Everyone is welcome!
Diane Forer is a retired art teacher with awards to her credit. She has been doing painting parties for children, adults, and as fundraisers for more than 2 years. Diane's favorite quote is from Picasso, "Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life."
Wit & Writing
Tuesday, July 10th 7 - 8:30pm
Produce your own vivid writing about your everyday life. Learn from your unique way of putting words on paper. Leslie says it is all about perspective -- and you can turn crummy into funny.
Leslie Handler is a syndicated columnist and freelance writer who recently authored a book, "Rats, Mice and other Things You Can't Take to the Bank," a collection of essays from humorous to simply human.
Good Vibes: Music on Your Mind
Monday, July 23rd 6:30 - 8pm
Musicians Colleen Ryan and Jim Gaven will lead the group in a round of fun, positive, and uplifting music activities. Silly vocal warmups to break the ice will flow into a handful of sing-a-long songs, and finish off with a series of percussion related activities to get everyone in rhythm with one another before parting ways.
Armed with the goal of helping others, Jim Gaven, a musician on a mission, is inspired to write songs that make you think of a good time in your life, make you feel good about yourself, and most of all, put a smile on your face. The upbeat singer/songwriter from Hamilton, NJ wants to make a positive difference in the world and truly believes that music has the ability to do that.
Colleen Ryan Barringer is a singer/songwriter from Ewing, NJ. She is a graduate of Rider University, with a BA in Fine Arts and a music concentration. Her EP of original songs, The Getaway Plan, was released in 2016 and is available on iTunes. She performs locally and is a private voice instructor.
Dancing on Paper ~ Painting on Scarves
Monday, August 13th 7 - 9pm
This workshop is designed to explore emotions and engage your creativity. Put pen to paper to express how music makes you feel. Then, create a vibrantly-colored silk scarf using stamping, folding and tying techniques.
Lisa Brown is an accomplished artist who has created many different types of work which she exhibits and sells, including mixed media. She has been teaching classes for over 35 years and has developed a series of art-as-therapy workshops to support those dealing with illness and adversity. She is also an author.
The FUNdamentals of Improv
Monday, August 27th 7 - 9pm
FUNdamentals of Improv will cover the basic skills and techniques of comedy improvisation. How do you quell your anxiety and know what to do when there's no script??? This class will put your mind at ease!
David Lee White is a playwright and educator who has worked with a number of theaters and theater programs in NJ/NY/PA. His work runs the gamut from crowd-pleasing comedy, political satire, oral history-based docudrama, musical theater, educational theater and mental health advocacy. He has been teaching and performing improvisational comedy for 25 years and is currently on the theater faculty at Drexel University.