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.
Mondays, November 4 & 11
Join us for a two-part series to explore our experiences of motherhood while connecting in community. Using simple, easy, and resourceful art techniques, we will share stories and create images based on our own journeys. Mothers over the age of 18 are invited to attend. Led by Alma Molina.
To register for this group, please call 434.328.1800 or email bienestar@thewomensinitiative.org.
Virtual via Zoom
The Women's Initiative invites you to an evening of support and processing surrounding the upcoming election. Gather in this safe, brave, and supportive virtual space to share and connect with others over any difficult emotions related to the current election. Members of the LGBTQ+ community 18 years and older are invited to attend. Facilitated by Elizabeth Cobb, LCSW, and Andrea Fasciano, M.Ed. candidate and counseling intern.
Click here to register.
Biweekly on Wednesdays
We are excited to bring back the Q Social Hour at TWI! Every other week, members of the LGBTQ+ community will gather for queer companionship, connection, and fun. From board games to movie nights and themed conversations, join us as we build community together. Members of the LGBTQ+ community 18 years and up are invited to attend. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose.
Click here to register.
Register once and attend any of the sessions.
Thursdays, November 7–21
Discover artmaking as a coping skill, a means of expressing emotions, and a way to promote creativity and well-being. Join us as we explore themes of play and creativity. No prior artistic experience is necessary. Led by Elizabeth Cobb, LCSW, and H Peterson, MSW.
Click here to register.
Thursdays, November 7–21
Virtually via Zoom
What song brings you healing? Commune with your sisters in the joys and healing powers of music and writing. Each week, participants will select a song to share with other group members, followed by reflective writing in response to the music shared. All writing styles are welcomed, and no previous writing experience is needed to join. Led by Kishara Griffin, MSW.
Click here to register.
Mondays, November 4 & 11
Join us for a two-part series to explore our experiences of motherhood while connecting in community. Using simple, easy, and resourceful art techniques, we will share stories and create images based on our own journeys. Mothers over the age of 18 are invited to attend. Led by Alma Molina.
To register for this group, please call 434.328.1800 or email bienestar@thewomensinitiative.org.
Biweekly on Tuesdays, October 1–December 10
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.
Click here to register.
Thursdays, November 7–21
Discover artmaking as a coping skill, a means of expressing emotions, and a way to promote creativity and well-being. Join us as we explore themes of play and creativity. No prior artistic experience is necessary. Led by Elizabeth Cobb, LCSW, and H Peterson, MSW.
Click here to register.
Thursdays, November 7–21
Virtually via Zoom
What song brings you healing? Commune with your sisters in the joys and healing powers of music and writing. Each week, participants will select a song to share with other group members, followed by reflective writing in response to the music shared. All writing styles are welcomed, and no previous writing experience is needed to join. Led by Kishara Griffin, MSW.
Click here to register.
Biweekly on Fridays, October 4 & 18, November 1 & 15
Join us in creating a vibrant collective space where BIPOC LGBTQ individuals can connect, create, and thrive together. Each week will bring an opportunity to socialize, and learn and connect with community through various activities, such as a BIPOC LGBTQ+ filmmaker showcase, artmaking, and more. Individuals who identify as both BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) are invited to participate.. Led by Latricia Giles.
Click here to register.
Register once and attend any of the sessions.
Biweekly on Wednesdays
We are excited to bring back the Q Social Hour at TWI! Every other week, members of the LGBTQ+ community will gather for queer companionship, connection, and fun. From board games to movie nights and themed conversations, join us as we build community together. Members of the LGBTQ+ community 18 years and up are invited to attend. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose.
Click here to register.
Register once and attend any of the sessions.
Thursdays, November 7–21
Discover artmaking as a coping skill, a means of expressing emotions, and a way to promote creativity and well-being. Join us as we explore themes of play and creativity. No prior artistic experience is necessary. Led by Elizabeth Cobb, LCSW, and H Peterson, MSW.
Click here to register.
Every 4th Thursday, ongoing*
*Adjusted fall meeting schedule: November 21 and December 19.
This group is a safe space for transgender women and transfeminine adult individuals (18 years and older) in Charlottesville, Albemarle, and surrounding areas in Virginia to connect, share, learn from one another, and provide mutual encouragement along our unique, personal journeys. Respecting and maintaining the privacy of individuals and the confidentiality of what is shared in our circle is of utmost importance. Led by Kayla Capps, Ashley Glennon, and members of the TWI Q Staff Alliance.
For more information and to register (preferred names or initials are fine), email cvilletranswomen@gmail.com. Attend any of the sessions.
Thursdays, November 7–21
Virtually via Zoom
What song brings you healing? Commune with your sisters in the joys and healing powers of music and writing. Each week, participants will select a song to share with other group members, followed by reflective writing in response to the music shared. All writing styles are welcomed, and no previous writing experience is needed to join. Led by Kishara Griffin, MSW.
Click here to register.
Biweekly on Tuesdays, October 1–December 10
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.
Click here to register.
Biweekly on Wednesdays
We are excited to bring back the Q Social Hour at TWI! Every other week, members of the LGBTQ+ community will gather for queer companionship, connection, and fun. From board games to movie nights and themed conversations, join us as we build community together. Members of the LGBTQ+ community 18 years and up are invited to attend. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose.
Click here to register.
Register once and attend any of the sessions.
Biweekly on Tuesdays, October 1–December 10
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.
Click here to register.
Biweekly on Wednesdays
We are excited to bring back the Q Social Hour at TWI! Every other week, members of the LGBTQ+ community will gather for queer companionship, connection, and fun. From board games to movie nights and themed conversations, join us as we build community together. Members of the LGBTQ+ community 18 years and up are invited to attend. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose.
Click here to register.
Register once and attend any of the sessions.
Every 4th Thursday, ongoing*
*Adjusted fall meeting schedule: November 21 and December 19.
This group is a safe space for transgender women and transfeminine adult individuals (18 years and older) in Charlottesville, Albemarle, and surrounding areas in Virginia to connect, share, learn from one another, and provide mutual encouragement along our unique, personal journeys. Respecting and maintaining the privacy of individuals and the confidentiality of what is shared in our circle is of utmost importance. Led by Kayla Capps, Ashley Glennon, and members of the TWI Q Staff Alliance.
For more information and to register (preferred names or initials are fine), email cvilletranswomen@gmail.com. Attend any of the sessions.
Participant Testimonial
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“The facilitators were fantastic; I would recommend this group to anyone.”
- Expressive Art Participant
All Upcoming Programs
Have questions?
Get in touch!
We’ll be happy to answer any of your questions about our programs.