For the complete Schedule of Events for Day of Belonging on our website, click here.
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Poetry Circle with Laura Van Prooyen
LOCATION: Brooke Hall
SCHEDULED TIME: 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM
Step into a welcoming space where poetry comes alive with poet and writer Laura Van Prooyen. In this circle, participants can share their own work, listen to others, and explore the power of words together. Whether they write, read, or simply enjoy hearing poems, this is a chance to connect, inspire, and be inspired by a supportive community. If you’re interested in sharing, don’t forget to bring a piece of work to share with the community.
Intro to Ukulele with Wytold
LOCATION: Caughey
SCHEDULED TIME: 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM
Come enjoy an introduction to playing music with cellist and composer, Wytold! In this session, participants will explore the basics of how string instruments work, try out a few tunes on the ukulele, and enjoy the simple joy of making music together. Ukuleles will be provided and no experience is needed.
Photography with Valerie Acosta
LOCATION: Salomon
SCHEDULED TIMES: 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM and 1:45 PM to 2:45 PM
Join Veteran Artist Valerie Acosta for a two-part photography workshop!
- Morning Session: We will be photographing outdoors in the gardens. We will talk about composition, lighting, and adjusting our shooting in natural light conditions.
- Afternoon Session: We will be photographing indoors in a designated area. We will practice shooting a still life scene, playing with focus and lighting/shadows, and learning how to use photography as a reference for artwork.
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Requirements:
- Understanding of the exposure triangle, depth of field, and your own camera settings (we will be shooting in manual mode)
- Know how to transfer images from your camera for critique
- Equipment:
- Digital camera
- 1 or 2 lenses (we will shoot in low light and harsh light, fast lenses preferred)
- Cellphone camera (be familiar with how to adjust exposure and depth of field in camera)
Woodcarving with Steve McCombs
LOCATION: Hoover
SCHEDULED TIMES: 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM and 1:45 PM to 2:45 PM
A woodcarving session with Veteran Artist Steve McCombs that turns a piece of reclaimed wood into a work of art!
Bookbinding with Nerissa Alford
LOCATION: Hoover
SCHEDULED TIMES: 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM and 1:45 PM to 2:45 PM
In this class, you will stitch your own hand bound journal. Whether you want to tuck it into your planner, use it as a travel book, or make a journal to commemorate “A Day of Belonging”, the possibilities are endless! Students are encouraged to bring materials to personalize their journals. Get creative with items like photos, stickers, maps, and tickets. By the end of the class, everyone will have their own unique and customized journal to fill up!
Drawing and Painting with Eli Wright and Joe Merritt
LOCATION: Salomon
SCHEDULED TIMES: 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM and 1:45 PM to 2:45 PM
Join artists Eli Wright and Joe Merritt for a visual art activity using handmade paper crafted from military uniforms. Participants can choose from a variety of supplies—ink, watercolor pencils, charcoal, and graphite—to create their own drawings and paintings.
Art Store and Activity with Plaza Art of Rockville
LOCATION: Hoover
SCHEDULED TIMES: 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM and 1:45 PM to 2:45 PM
An art making activity led by Plaza Art of Rockville. Participants will also be able to purchase Art Supplies from Plaza’s pop-up shop!
Improv with Amelia Bane
LOCATION: Brooke Hall
SCHEDULED TIME: 1:45 PM to 2:45 PM
Join comedian Amelia Bane for an afternoon of laughter and creativity! In this lively improv workshop, participants will dive into theater games and playful exercises designed to spark their imagination. Improv offers a welcoming, supportive space where they can be silly, spontaneous, and inventive.
Songwriting with Kevin Basl
LOCATION: Caughey
SCHEDULED TIME: 1:45 PM to 2:45 PM
Join writer Kevin Basl in this relaxed, beginner-friendly songwriting workshop. Participants will have space to play with ideas, share in the moment, and discover the joy of turning thoughts into music. By the end, they will leave feeling inspired and ready to keep creating. No musical experience required.
CBAW Marketing & Communications Manager
Rob Haney is an artist, writer, and graphic designer with a passion for making slick-looking and fun images that catch the eye and draw viewers in. Rob worked for over 10 years in retail banking and management in their previous life, before returning to school and earning an Associates of Arts with Honors from Rock Valley College in 2012. An early addict to Twitter, Rob enjoys liking and resharing cool stuff and interacting with people who hold similar interests on the internet. When not online, Rob writes and reads poetry, creates both physical and digital artwork, and watches British mystery shows.