Event Name: Art of Healing: A Creative Journey Toward Racial Unity
Event Overview
Join us on January 21, the National Day of Racial Healing, for a transformative afternoon celebrating the power of art to bridge divides, build empathy, and inspire justice. Through creative activities and meaningful dialogue, participants will explore the role of the arts in fostering racial healing and envisioning a more equitable future.
Event Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: KUF
Audience: Open to individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and artistic abilities.

Agenda
12:00 PM – Welcome & Opening Remarks
Introduction to the National Day of Racial Healing.
Reflection on the role of the arts in fostering understanding and justice.
12:15 – 1:00PM – Lunch & Learn – Shared Reflections Art Cards – This interactive "Lunch & Learn" activity combines discussion and art to foster connections and creativity. Participants will engage in guided dialogue about racial healing and then create small, personal art cards using paint markers to express their reflections and aspirations.
1:00 PM – Art Activities (Concurrent Stations)
Participants can rotate between these art-based workshops:
Affirmation Art with Paint Markers
Participants will use paint markers to create vibrant affirmation art on paper or canvas. This activity combines mindfulness with creativity, empowering participants to express their hopes, values, and commitments to racial healing through positive affirmations and visual symbolism.
Guided by a local artist, participants contribute their unique perspectives to the artwork.
Poetry & Spoken Word Corner?
Write and share poetry reflecting personal experiences and hopes for racial healing.
Optional: Perform your piece during the closing session.
Activity name ?
Details here
2:30 PM – Group Reflection & Sharing
Participants share their creations and insights from the activities.
Discussion: How can these artistic expressions inspire action beyond today?
2:50 PM – Closing Ceremony
Final reflections and a communal affirmation for racial healing.



Activity overviews and steps:
Activity: Shared Reflections Art Cards
Overview:
This interactive "Lunch & Learn" activity combines discussion and art to foster connections and creativity. Participants will engage in guided dialogue about racial healing and then create small, personal art cards using paint markers to express their reflections and aspirations.
Steps:
Introduction (5 minutes):
Welcome participants and briefly introduce the purpose of the activity: to explore racial healing through dialogue and creative expression.
Share a quote or prompt related to the theme, such as “Healing begins when we listen to each other’s stories.”
Guided Reflection & Discussion (15 minutes):
Pose a few guiding questions for small group discussions, such as:
What does racial healing mean to you?
Can you share an experience when art helped you understand or connect with others?
Encourage participants to share thoughts or listen actively.
Art Card Creation (20 minutes):
Provide each participant with small cardstock squares or rectangles (5×7 inches).
Using paint markers, participants will design art cards that reflect their discussion insights or personal thoughts about healing.
Suggestions for designs: symbols of unity, quotes, or abstract representations of emotions.
Sharing & Closing (5-10 minutes):
Invite participants to display their cards and, if comfortable, explain the meaning behind their designs.
Collectively discuss how these reflections can inspire action within their communities.
Why It Works:
This activity is brief enough to fit into a lunch break while offering meaningful engagement. It pairs thoughtful conversation with a creative outlet, leaving participants with a tangible reminder of their commitment to racial healing.
Materials Needed:
Paint markers
Pre-cut cardstock or small canvases
Table coverings for easy cleanup
This activity not only makes lunchtime engaging but also builds community and shared purpose among participants.

Activity: Affirmation Art with Paint Markers
Overview:
Participants will use paint markers to create vibrant affirmation art on paper or canvas. This activity combines mindfulness with creativity, empowering participants to express their hopes, values, and commitments to racial healing through positive affirmations and visual symbolism.
Steps:
Introduction (5 minutes):
Facilitate a brief discussion about the power of affirmations and how positive language fosters change and healing.
Brainstorming (10 minutes):
Have participants reflect on or write down affirmations, quotes, or phrases that resonate with the themes of healing, justice, and unity.
Art Creation (40 minutes):
Using paint markers, participants will design their affirmations on a piece of paper or canvas.
Encourage the incorporation of vibrant colors, patterns, and symbolic imagery (e.g., hearts, intertwined hands, bridges, etc.).
Sharing (15 minutes):
Create a "gallery walk" where participants can view and discuss each other's creations.
Encourage those who feel comfortable to share the meaning behind their designs.
Why It Works:
This activity promotes self-expression while connecting participants to a larger purpose. It fosters creativity and introspection, helping individuals articulate their vision for a healed and just society. The use of paint markers ensures accessibility and simplicity while allowing for bold and colorful designs.
Materials Needed:
Paint markers (variety of colors)
Heavyweight paper or small canvases
Optional: stencils for shapes or designs
This activity is a creative, hands-on way to engage participants while emphasizing themes of racial healing and connection.