Everyone. Specifically for those people who are noticing the impact of the Covid-era on their mental health, social outlook and general reframing of what a New Normal might be. The culture of the sessions is absolutely inclusive, supportive, respectful, tolerant and open. The space will be safe for LGBTQ+ community members, individuals of all races, ethnicities, abilities and religious backgrounds.

Both. Participants can expect to use art tools and techniques, but no artexperience is needed. Participants can expect to be oriented to mental-health techniques, influenced by mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy, but these are not formal group therapy sessions. Rather the sessions are a place to address topics that may be emotionally complex, culturally sensitive, and personally challenging. Participation in discussion is voluntary, but a willingness to identify patterns and emotional responses will greatly impact how the sessions are structured. Come with a willingness to feel and to be open.

Sessions will be divided into a more structured discussion component (teaching new coping skills, sharing with other participants, etc.) and a less structured creative component (learning new art techniques, being introduced to the assignment/focus of the session, and spending time making.) The sessions will close with a brief reconnection to content introduced at the beginning and to give participants the option to share their work and ideas with others.

Sargasso Session 1 will be held Saturday, 6 November 2021 from 11 - 1 pm Mountain Time at Modern West Fine Art, 412 S. 7th W., Salt Lake City, UT. In keeping with best practices regarding Covid-19 safety protocols the event will endeavor to be hosted outside. In the case of inclement weather the workshop will be moved inside, with adequate space between work tables, room to afford proper social distancing and a mask requirement. Workshop fee (including material fee) is $60.

The Sargasso sea, much like our collective consciousness, is a place in the ocean where detritus gathers. The objects and seaweed that show up in the Sargasso Sea fluctuate, but at times there is enough mass to provide footing for plants to grow and birds to land. As we process our pandemic experiences we encounter both terrible and wondrous things. It is the goal of the Sargasso Sessions to reinterpret the collective chaos of these as fertile ground on which to build.

**These sessions are not formal therapy. They are not authorized to supply CEUs or to provide documentation for court mandated mental health attendance.