Women's Empowerment Art Therapy Workshops

Led by Visual AIDS Artist Member and activist, Shirlene Cooper, the monthly Women's Empowerment Art Therapy Workshops use the power of art-making to reduce stigma, build community, and empower women living with HIV. The first hour of each workshop includes shared discussions of success and stresses, shared affirmations, and a presentation by an expert in fields such as nutrition, housing, and activism. The second hour features an art making project. Some projects have included painting on canvas, mask making, stained glass window design, cyanotype photographs, and hand painted t-shirts and tote bags. Participants at all levels are welcome - from those who are making art for the first time, to those who may already enjoy making or studying art.

Since the start of COVID-19 the workshops have all taken place over Zoom. Since artmaking is more difficult in this context many of the recent groups have focused on looking at and discussing artworks together. There have been some opportunities for artmaking, as we've sent supplies to group members to make work at home. We will return to in-person workshops once it becomes safe to do so again.

Workshops take place in New York City at partner organization and agency spaces as well as art museums. Partner spaces have included Iris House, GMHC, CAMBA, the NYC Department of Health, Baruch College, Queens Museum, Bronx Museum, and Brooklyn Museum.

If you are a woman living with HIV and are interested in learning more about and/or participating in a workshop, please contact Shirlene at [email protected].

The monthly Women's Empowerment Art Therapy Workshops are funded in-part by The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. Additional support is provided by Blick Art Materials and Tish & Snooky's Manic Panic NYC.