Strathmore and Community Building Art Works Present
A DAY OF BELONGING
Celebrating the power of the arts as we bring Veterans & civilians from different backgrounds together.
A Day of Belonging 2024 took place on September 14th.
Use the button below to watch recordings of our opening and closing performances!
CBAW’s 2nd Annual community gathering, A Day of Belonging, will provide Veterans, Active Duty Military, their spouses and caregivers, and community members with a day of professionally-facilitated expressive arts workshops, as well as performances and readings showcasing the work and talent of artists from the military and Veteran communities. Please join us to connect authentically and explore your own voice through creative writing, improv, and visual art.
Workshops will include demonstrations of sample pieces from the artistic discipline, group discussion facilitated by the workshop leader, and time for participants to create and, if desired, share work in a low-pressure, positive feedback environment. The event will conclude with a special musical guest performance.
There is a $5 registration fee for this event. This event is open to individuals aged 16 and older. Donations are accepted and will go towards offsetting travel costs for facilitators and Veteran participants.
CBAW will also be holding a special United Against Silence community showcase at The Writer’s Center in Bethesda, MD. This evening of poetry & music will be hosted by Hari Alluri & Seema Reza, and feature readings by Tarfia Faizullah, Jillian Danback-McGhan, and more. Refreshments generously provided by Bethesda Urban Partnership. Special separate registration is required. Click here.
Featuring…
Jillian Danback-McGhan
Keynote Speaker
US Navy Veteran & Author
About Jillian
Jillian Danback-McGhan is a writer, Navy veteran, and the author of Midwatch (Split/Lip Press, 2024), her debut collection of short fiction.
Jillian’s work has appeared in Military Experience and the Arts, storySouth, Proud to Be: Writing from America’s Warriors (Missouri Humanities and Southeast Missouri State Press), The Wrath-Bearing Tree, Line of Advance, Minerva Rising, and the anthology Our Best War Stories (Middle West Press, 2020). She is the winner of the 2020 Col. Darron L. Wright Memorial Writing Awards and her work has been supported by the Fine Arts Work Center, Community Building Art Works, and Missouri Humanities.
Jillian holds degrees from the U.S. Naval Academy, George Mason University, and Georgetown University and was a literature instructor at the United States Naval Academy. She resides in Annapolis, Maryland with her family.
John Gossart
Special Musical Guest
US Army Veteran & Musician
About John
John Gossart is a Washington, DC musician, writer, veteran and entrepreneur living in Old Town Alexandria. Formerly fronting Stone Driver (City Paper’s Best DC Original Band in 2018) and now as a solo artist, he has played his indie-alt brand of music on renowned stages big and small including 9:30 Club, Black Cat, Union Stage, DC9, Metro Stage and Rock and Roll Hotel. He is currently recording his first full length solo LP, “Thief on the Left”, to be released in early 2025. Find John on the web at johngossart.com.
Kofi Dennis
Special Musical Guest
Acclaimed Storyteller & Drummer
About Kofi
Kofi Dennis is a master drummer and an Early Childhood Arts-Integration Specialist who has been presenting Family Involvement Workshops and Professional Development Workshops for Arts Professionals and Educators, as well as Residencies in schools and libraries all over the country.
As a Wolf Trap master teaching artist, Kofi has also been leading New Artists Training since 2005.
He’s a well known Storyteller and Musician frequently performs in museums, libraries and schools.
Kofi is a graduate of the School of Performing Arts at the University of Ghana, and also studied Early Childhood Education at Komenda College, University of Cape Coast.
Community Film Screening
We Carry On
About The Film
In July 2022, Wounded Warrior Project and Community Building Art Works brought together 12 caregivers of severely wounded veterans through a six-week virtual poetry workshop that culminated in an on-stage performance in Washington, D.C. “We Carry On” follows the caregivers as they prepare to take the stage, perform their collaborative poem, and reflect on the shared experience. Directed by Sareen Hairabedian.
Winner | GI Film Festival San Diego – Best Documentary Short
Winner | GI Film Festival San Diego – Women’s Voice Award
Activities Include…
Visual Art Experience
Embark on a creative journey led by Veteran Artists Joe Merritt, Kevin Basl, Eli Wright, Steve McCombs, Valerie Acosta, Shaun Smith, and Leslie Renn. Activities include papermaking, woodcarving, print making, charcoal & pastel drawing, as well as an activity from Plaza Art, and a collaborative weaving activity that results in a communal tapestry.
Writing with Seema
A transformative creative writing workshop led by CBAW founder and CEO, Seema Reza. This engaging session will demonstrate that anyone can write, as long as they show up and think. During the workshop, participants will explore writing as a powerful tool for communication, self-expression, and finding solace in the act of letting go. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned writer or a complete beginner—no prior experience is necessary!
A transformative creative writing workshop led by CBAW founder and CEO, Seema Reza. This engaging session will demonstrate that anyone can write, as long as they show up and think. During the workshop, participants will explore writing as a powerful tool for communication, self-expression, and finding solace in the act of letting go. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned writer or a complete beginner—no prior experience is necessary!
Improv with Amelia
Join us for an afternoon of Improv with Comedian, Amelia Bane. Participants will learn simple (but fun!) theater games and exercises that stimulate your imagination and exercise your creativity in a supportive atmosphere. Improv offers an opportunity to practice communication and surprise yourself.
Poetry Salon with Ben & Laura
Facilitated by poets Ben Weakley and Laura Van Prooyen, sign up for an intimate opportunity to share and hear new work and experience the joy of live, affirmative creative exchange. Limited spots.
Facilitated by poets Ben Weakley and Laura Van Prooyen, sign up for an intimate opportunity to share and hear new work and experience the joy of live, affirmative creative exchange. Limited spots.
Mindfulness & iRest Meditation with Alli
Join us for a serene journey into mindfulness and relaxation with Alli Houseworth, a seasoned yoga therapist and meditation instructor. Alli will guide participants through a series of gentle activities designed to calm the mind and soothe the spirit. Drawing from her extensive experience and heartfelt dedication to the military community, Alli’s session promises to be an oasis of peace in the midst of life’s challenges. Embrace this opportunity to unwind and reconnect with your inner tranquility under Alli’s expert leadership.
Attending The Event
Click the headings below to view.
Hotel
If you are traveling to A Day of Belonging from out of town and interested in staying on our hotel block, details are below. There are a limited number of rooms, so please book as soon as possible. The hotel is approximately 1.4 miles or 1 metro stop away from Strathmore Mansion.
Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center
5701 Marinelli Road
North Bethesda, MD 20852
Directions: Google Maps | Apple Maps
CBAW Event Room Block
Start Date: Friday, September 13, 2024
End Date: Sunday, September 15, 2024
Special Group Rate for $209 per night
Click here to book your group rate for CBAW Event Room Block
Event Location
The Mansion at the Strathmore
10701 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20852
Directions: Google Maps | Apple Maps
Event Parking
Parking is available at the Mansion. Check Strathmore’s parking page for details.
Breakfast
Participants will check in from 9 AM to 10 AM and have an opportunity to enjoy breakfast donated by Dog Tag Bakery.
Lunch
Lunch will also be provided from 12:15 PM to 1:15 PM.
Event Sponsors
Our gratitude to…
Champion Sponsors
Advocate Sponsors
Special thanks to the following for their in-kind donations of giveaway items and services…
Maryland’s Commitment to Veterans
…and to Stephen McCombs
Funding and assistance also provided by
Mission Belonging
Mission Belonging is funded in part by Creative Forces®: NEA Military Healing Arts Network, an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the U.S. Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs that seeks to improve the health, well-being, and quality of life for military and veteran populations exposed to trauma, as well as their families and caregivers. Creative Forces is managed in partnership with Civic Arts, the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, and Mid-America Arts Alliance.
Community Building Art Works is supported in part by funding from the Montgomery County Government and the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County.
Art Saves Lives. Your support provides everyday heroes with access to the expressive arts in a safe, welcoming community.
