Dare County Arts Council is embarking on a new project called “Expressions of Hope and Healing” with help from a Community Benefit Grant from the Outer Banks Hospital.

The new program provides free art workshops and artistic resources to community members who have been affected by cancer.

The next Expressions workshop with Fay Davis Edwards will be held at Dare County Arts Council in Manteo on Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 2 to 5 p.m. The free, open workshops will be every Tuesday from 2 to 5 p.m. at DCAC through Dec. 17.

Creative director Fay Davis Edwards and program coordinator Susan Lawrence are working together to invite those who have been touched by cancer in any capacity (cancer patients, their family members/friends, caretakers, cancer survivors and our local oncology healthcare professionals) to share their journey and experiences through the arts.

“We are aware that you might be undergoing treatment and are available to facilitate anything you may need to participate in this program,” said Lawrence, herself a cancer survivor. “Our goal is to remove obstacles that may prevent you from creating art. We are happy to help coordinate transportation, schedule a private lesson, and/or deliver art supplies to your home so you can create at your own pace.”

A number of Outer Banks artists will help lead these workshops, which will include silk scarf painting, writing exercises, weaving, painting and other media.

“While I have planned for projects for each workshop, I allow the participants to steer the creative wheel as to what they would like to do,” said artist and instructor Edwards. “Sometimes it has been full-on art making and other occasions have seen simple color play while talking about their experiences. Both types of sessions are valid and useful.”

Individuals interested in the Expressions program, either as a participant or an art instructor, should contact Edwards directly at faydavisedwards@gmail.com. Private instruction is also available to those who are unable to attend group workshops.

In addition to the art classes, Expressions will also be offering free Creative Companion bags to those affected by cancer. The Creative Companion bags will include art supplies such as a watercolor set, paper, brushes, markers, zen-style coloring pages and other easy, mess-free items that can be used during treatment or at home when needing a creative outlet.

For more information, visit DareArts.org/EXPRESSIONS or call 252-473-5558.

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