Creative expression. Mental health awareness. Community connection.
Expressions of Healing is a year‑long community initiative through Durham Middlefield Youth & Family Services (DMYFS) that invites people of all ages to explore mental health, addiction and, wellness through art. Our workshops offer welcoming, low‑pressure spaces to create, reflect, and connect. No prior artistic experience required!
About the Workshops
Each Expressions of Healing workshop is facilitated by an artist and/or clinician and centers on a different creative medium. Participants are encouraged to use art as a way to process emotions, explore identity, tell their stories, and connect with others in the community. Workshops stand alone, so you can attend one or all.
These workshops are not therapy, but they are trauma‑informed, supportive, and grounded in mental health awareness. Resources and referrals are available for anyone who would like additional support.
These workshops are not therapy, but they are trauma‑informed, supportive, and grounded in mental health awareness. Resources and referrals are available for anyone who would like additional support.
Durham Middlefield Youth & Family Services extends our sincere gratitude to the CVEF Grants Committee for awarding DMYFS a $2,000 grant to support the 2026–2027 Expressions of Healing workshops. This generous funding helps make creative wellness programming accessible to our community by supporting opportunities for participants to explore mental health, healing, and self-expression through art, poetry, music, and sculpture. We are deeply appreciative of CVEF's investment in the well-being of our youth and community and for helping bring this important initiative to life.
Host a Workshop
Are you an artist, facilitator, clinician, or community organization interested in hosting or leading an Expressions of Healing workshop? We are always excited to collaborate with individuals and groups who share our commitment to mental health, creativity, and community connection.
If you’re interested in learning more about hosting a workshop or proposing an idea, please email Jade Adalbert at [email protected]
If you’re interested in learning more about hosting a workshop or proposing an idea, please email Jade Adalbert at [email protected]
Past Workshops
Durham Middlefield Youth & Family Services extends our sincere gratitude to the American Savings Foundation for awarding DMYFS a $3,000 grant to support the 2026 Expressions of Healing workshops. These workshops use creative expression as a pathway to mental wellness, giving individuals opportunities to explore healing, build resilience, and connect with others through art, poetry, music, and sculpture. This support helps make mental health education and creative wellness accessible to all members of our community.
Feb. 12, 2026- Mixed Media and Storytelling
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In this hands-on, creative workshop, participants will explore techniques for using visual art to convey deep emotions and personal narratives. Guided by the creative father-daughter duo, Ryan and Anna Bothamley, artists of all levels will be encouraged to reflect, express, and create. Within the Coginchaug High School art studio, Ryan and Anna will lead participants through the process of ideation, goal setting, and creating an original, small-scale mixed-media art piece that tells their unique story.
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Feb. 18, 2026- Quilting, Coffee, and Connection
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After senior lunch, we invite you to gather over coffee and pastries to create a quilt square sharing a personal message of hope, one they wish to pass on or once needed themselves. Each square will become part of a collective story quilt honoring wisdom, resilience, and life’s lessons.
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Feb. 28, 2026- Word Collage Poetry
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Join us in this workshop where we create a collage poem using found words to express what inspires, motivates, and supports your wellbeing. We will utilize watercolor and mixed media to reflect on what nourishes you, and what you may be ready to let go of. Connect with others, explore your creativity, and make meaningful art in a relaxed, accessible space designed to support mindful self-expression.
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Mar. 5, 2026- Pottery and Kintsugi
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Roll up your sleeves and get ready to create! In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore the art of pottery and the Japanese technique of Kintsugi, repairing broken pottery with gold to celebrate imperfection and resilience. No experience is needed; this workshop is about creativity, reflection, and trying something new.
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