Arts & Connection Programs
Supporting mental health and building resilience through artistic expression and social connection
Please see descriptions for details and how to register. All programs are offered free of charge.
Join us for our quarterly Queer Theory Book Club! This session will focus on Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza by Gloria AnzaldΓΊa. Together, we will explore influential works of queer theory and reflect on how these ideas shape queer identity and community today. Each gathering offers lively discussion in a space that encourages curiosity, learning, and meaningful connection. Plain-language summaries of the text will be shared with registrants ahead of time, and a limited number of books will be available to borrow from the front desk. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose.
Click here to register.
Biweekly on Tuesdays
Explore and celebrate the diverse tapestry of queer history with Queer History Club, a biweekly program dedicated to delving into significant moments and figures from queer history around the world. Each session will feature a discussion of a different type of media, including podcasts, book chapters, and documentaries, to cater to different learning styles and deepen our collective understanding. Our discussions will span every continent and various time periods, providing a rich, global perspective on queer history. This group welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and levels of knowledge to join in the conversation, reflect on the past, and connect with the broader queer community. Members of the LGBTQ+ community 18 years old and up are invited to attend. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose and Alethea Burns.
Click here to register.
Biweekly on Tuesdays, beginning April 7, not meeting June 16
Every other week, we will gather at TWI for queer companionship, connection, and fun. Each session features a different type of βparallel playβ to facilitate easy socializing and learn new creative skills. Past sessions have featured adult coloring, game night, art night, and a journaling night. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose and Laura Haney.
Click here to register.
Biweekly on Tuesdays
Explore and celebrate the diverse tapestry of queer history with Queer History Club, a biweekly program dedicated to delving into significant moments and figures from queer history around the world. Each session will feature a discussion of a different type of media, including podcasts, book chapters, and documentaries, to cater to different learning styles and deepen our collective understanding. Our discussions will span every continent and various time periods, providing a rich, global perspective on queer history. This group welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and levels of knowledge to join in the conversation, reflect on the past, and connect with the broader queer community. Members of the LGBTQ+ community 18 years old and up are invited to attend. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose and Alethea Burns.
Click here to register.
Biweekly on Tuesdays, beginning July 14
Every other week, we will gather at TWI for queer companionship, connection, and fun. Each session features a different type of βparallel playβ to facilitate easy socializing and learn new creative skills. Past sessions have featured adult coloring, game night, art night, and a journaling night. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose and H Peterson.
Click here to register.
Biweekly on Tuesdays
Explore and celebrate the diverse tapestry of queer history with Queer History Club, a biweekly program dedicated to delving into significant moments and figures from queer history around the world. Each session will feature a discussion of a different type of media, including podcasts, book chapters, and documentaries, to cater to different learning styles and deepen our collective understanding. Our discussions will span every continent and various time periods, providing a rich, global perspective on queer history. This group welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and levels of knowledge to join in the conversation, reflect on the past, and connect with the broader queer community. Members of the LGBTQ+ community 18 years old and up are invited to attend. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose and Alethea Burns.
Click here to register.
Biweekly on Tuesdays, beginning July 14
Every other week, we will gather at TWI for queer companionship, connection, and fun. Each session features a different type of βparallel playβ to facilitate easy socializing and learn new creative skills. Past sessions have featured adult coloring, game night, art night, and a journaling night. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose and H Peterson.
Click here to register.
Thursdays, July 30 and September 24
Your community sustains you. Your community heals you. Your community is medicine. Bienestar invites you to a space of connection, creativity, and community. In this monthly women's circle, we will share stories, create art, and participate in other fun activities, with the common goal of connecting through our culture. We are not alone; we are together. This will be a bilingual space. Spanish-speaking and English-speaking Latinas are welcome to attend.Facilitated by Karina Monroy, ATR-P, Resident in Counseling.
To register for this group, email bienestar@thewomensinitiative.org.
Biweekly on Tuesdays, beginning July 7
Explore and celebrate the diverse tapestry of queer history with Queer History Club, a biweekly program dedicated to delving into significant moments and figures from queer history around the world. Each session will feature a discussion of a different type of media, including podcasts, book chapters, and documentaries, to cater to different learning styles and deepen our collective understanding. Our discussions will span every continent and various time periods, providing a rich, global perspective on queer history. This group welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and levels of knowledge to join in the conversation, reflect on the past, and connect with the broader queer community. Members of the LGBTQ+ community 18 years old and up are invited to attend. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose and Alethea Burns.
Click here to register.
Biweekly on Tuesdays, beginning July 14
Every other week, we will gather at TWI for queer companionship, connection, and fun. Each session features a different type of βparallel playβ to facilitate easy socializing and learn new creative skills. Past sessions have featured adult coloring, game night, art night, and a journaling night. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose and H Peterson.
Click here to register.
Biweekly on Tuesdays
Explore and celebrate the diverse tapestry of queer history with Queer History Club, a biweekly program dedicated to delving into significant moments and figures from queer history around the world. Each session will feature a discussion of a different type of media, including podcasts, book chapters, and documentaries, to cater to different learning styles and deepen our collective understanding. Our discussions will span every continent and various time periods, providing a rich, global perspective on queer history. This group welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and levels of knowledge to join in the conversation, reflect on the past, and connect with the broader queer community. Members of the LGBTQ+ community 18 years old and up are invited to attend. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose and Alethea Burns.
Click here to register.
Biweekly on Tuesdays, beginning July 14
Every other week, we will gather at TWI for queer companionship, connection, and fun. Each session features a different type of βparallel playβ to facilitate easy socializing and learn new creative skills. Past sessions have featured adult coloring, game night, art night, and a journaling night. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose and H Peterson.
Click here to register.
Biweekly on Tuesdays
Explore and celebrate the diverse tapestry of queer history with Queer History Club, a biweekly program dedicated to delving into significant moments and figures from queer history around the world. Each session will feature a discussion of a different type of media, including podcasts, book chapters, and documentaries, to cater to different learning styles and deepen our collective understanding. Our discussions will span every continent and various time periods, providing a rich, global perspective on queer history. This group welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and levels of knowledge to join in the conversation, reflect on the past, and connect with the broader queer community. Members of the LGBTQ+ community 18 years old and up are invited to attend. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose and Alethea Burns.
Click here to register.
Biweekly on Tuesdays, beginning July 14
Every other week, we will gather at TWI for queer companionship, connection, and fun. Each session features a different type of βparallel playβ to facilitate easy socializing and learn new creative skills. Past sessions have featured adult coloring, game night, art night, and a journaling night. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose and H Peterson.
Click here to register.
Biweekly on Tuesdays
Explore and celebrate the diverse tapestry of queer history with Queer History Club, a biweekly program dedicated to delving into significant moments and figures from queer history around the world. Each session will feature a discussion of a different type of media, including podcasts, book chapters, and documentaries, to cater to different learning styles and deepen our collective understanding. Our discussions will span every continent and various time periods, providing a rich, global perspective on queer history. This group welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and levels of knowledge to join in the conversation, reflect on the past, and connect with the broader queer community. Members of the LGBTQ+ community 18 years old and up are invited to attend. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose and Alethea Burns.
Click here to register.
Join us in the garden to discover or rediscover the healing power of planting and harvesting. Weβll make connections between gardening, our mental health, and the health of our community. Women who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) 18 and older are invited to attend. Led by Tianna Jordan, MS and Cultivate Charlottesville.
Click here to register.
Biweekly on Tuesdays, beginning July 14
Every other week, we will gather at TWI for queer companionship, connection, and fun. Each session features a different type of βparallel playβ to facilitate easy socializing and learn new creative skills. Past sessions have featured adult coloring, game night, art night, and a journaling night. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose and H Peterson.
Click here to register.
Thursdays, July 30 and September 24
Your community sustains you. Your community heals you. Your community is medicine. Bienestar invites you to a space of connection, creativity, and community. In this monthly women's circle, we will share stories, create art, and participate in other fun activities, with the common goal of connecting through our culture. We are not alone; we are together. This will be a bilingual space. Spanish-speaking and English-speaking Latinas are welcome to attend.Facilitated by Karina Monroy, ATR-P, Resident in Counseling.
To register for this group, email bienestar@thewomensinitiative.org.
Join us for our quarterly Queer Theory Book Club! This session will focus on The Queer Art of Failure by Jack Halberstam. Together, we will explore influential works of queer theory and reflect on how these ideas shape queer identity and community today. Each gathering offers lively discussion in a space that encourages curiosity, learning, and meaningful connection. Plain-language summaries of the text will be shared with registrants ahead of time, and a limited number of books will be available to borrow from the front desk. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose.
Click here to register.
Participant Testimonial
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βThe facilitators were fantastic; I would recommend this group to anyone.β
- Expressive Art Participant
All Upcoming Programs
Have questions?
Get in touch!
Weβll be happy to answer any of your questions about our programs.