Get in on the Ground Floor: How to Be More Involved with Groundswell in '26
- sharee allen
- Dec 31
- 4 min read
The first half of 2026 brings a variety of arts workshops, therapeutic groups, and events designed to support personal growth, mental health, and community connection in the Cincinnati area.
Whether you're looking to develop new skills, find emotional support, or engage with others facing similar challenges, this guide outlines key offerings available from January through June, helping you plan things to look forward to. So save the dates, venture out, and make the most of these resources.
Winter Workshops to Build Connections and Center You
Several upcoming workshops will focus on judgment-free creativity and emotional well-being. These FREE sessions provide hands-on learning in supportive environments that encourage experimenting.
Bookbinding for Beginners
When: January 15, 4-6:00pm
Where: Contemporary Arts Center
What: We'll lead all attendees in making their own sketchbook or planner for the new year using the most basic bookbinding techniques! Supplies and snacks will be provided by the CAC.
Who should attend: Not just for young adults! All ages are welcome.
Containing: Safe Space Collage Boxes
When: January 29, 4-6:00pm
Where: Contemporary Arts Center
What: We'll discuss metaphorical containing, then use collage materials to create our literal safe space boxes. Supplies and snacks will be provided by the CAC. Artists will be on hand to assist.
Note: This workshop may provide insight into a greater desire for regular therapy.
Embodied Book Club and Release Ritual
When: February 1, 3-4:30pm
Where: The Well
What: Join us for this Snow Moon release ritual which coincides with the full moon, and draws from Carl Jung-Based Shadow Work: Journal and Workbook for Deep Healing by Adeleine Voss,
Ideal for: Anyone and everyone who feels there's something holding them back.
Abstract Portraiture Painting
When: February 12, 4-6:00pm
Where: Contemporary Arts Center
What: Bring a buddy (or allow us to match you up with a new friend) for this light-hearted arts lab. Use your non-dominant hand to draw abstract portraits of each other and paint backgrounds.
Who should attend: Individuals, partners, families, including chosen family!
Meet People: Collaborative Offerings in the Spring
In addition to our 6-month partnership with the CAC's Young Adult Lab and our work with The Well, we are thrilled to announce new collabs with The Ridge Ohio (closed groups) and Firefly Art Therapy.
Mini Steampunk Sculptures from Found Objects
When: March 12, 4-6:00pm
Where: Contemporary Arts Center
What: We'll guide attendees in making their own mini steampunk sculptures using found objects recycled materials, and various adhesives. Supplies & snacks will be provided by the CAC.
Who should attend: Anyone with a junk drawer. (Feel free to bring random objects too.)
Gear & Gather: A Community Adventure Sampler
When: March 28, 2-6:00pm
Where: Community Happens Here hosted by Arrow Adventure
What: In addition to an outdoor adventure info sesh, there will be games, giveaways, gear swap, tasty treats, beverages, and a crew of friendly folks gathering around a bonfire.
Note: We're not officially affiliated with Community Happens Here...yet. We have a friend crush!
Create a Logo Identity Stencil
When: April 9, 4-6:00pm
Where: Contemporary Arts Center
What: Claim your space by crafting your own identity stencil! We'll each design a personal logo, cut it out and then get the chance to spray paint it onto a surface to take home.
Recommended to bring: A notebook, binder, water bottle, or other item to spray paint on.
DIY Natural Garden Lanterns
When: April 23, 4-6:00pm
Where: Contemporary Arts Center
What: In the spirit of rebirth, we'll use eco-dyes to repurpose mason jars into garden lanterns. Supplies and snacks will be provided by the CAC. Artists will be on hand to assist.
Ideal for: Anyone who wants to reconnect with the earth.
Touch Grass! Summer Will Come Again Eventually
Please note: there are no Groundswell workshops in May, as Sharee will be teaching in Africa again.
Lo-Fi Photography and Magnet-Making
When: June 11, 4-6:00pm
Where: Contemporary Arts Center
What: Photographers will lead you on a stroll around the CAC to find or take the perfect lo-fi photos, which we'll then retro-fit with magnets to make sure they're easy to post up at home.
Recommended to bring: Any old pictures you have, as long as you don't mind altering them.
Community Group Cyanotype Banners
When: June 25, 4-6:00pm
Where: Contemporary Arts Center
What: Cyanotype utilizes sun printing and natural objects to create beautiful images through a simple development process. Stitch yours together with your friends' to create party banners!
Who should attend: Anyone. (All of these workshops, if you haven't noticed, are inclusive.)
How to Register and Prepare
These sessions don't require advance registration, although The Well encourages it for February 1. Here are a few tips for maximizing your experience:
Goal-set for NYE: Choose events that align with your personal needs, like finding community.
Prep for participation: Some workshops may ask you to bring specific items like old photos.
Create habits: Attend workshops on a regular basis to build trust and deepen learning.
Stay open to sharing, listening, and getting outside of your comfort zone in group settings.
Go further: Connect with facilitators after the events for additional support or referrals.
Remain curious: Reflect afterward, and try to apply new skills and insights in your daily life.
Groundswell Clients - New Therapy Hours of Operation
Sharee may have mentioned this to you already in session. Starting January 1, availability will be:
Monday mornings: 9:30-11:30 am
Monday afternoon/evenings: 4:00-6:00pm
Tuesday mornings: 9:30-11:30am
Wednesday afternoon/evenings: 1:00-7:00pm
Virtual or flexible clients: Please try to leave Wednesday slots open whenever possible. The schedule will likely shift again this summer as we continue to expand the practice.
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