The Rutherford Arts Alliance (RAA), in partnership with We Remember You (WRY), Bloom Stage, and Poetry in the Boro, is proud to announce The Art of Unburdening: A Gentle Workshop Series for Caregivers, a six-month series of free, public workshops designed to offer creative and restorative experiences for caregivers in Rutherford County.
Funded in part by an Arts Build Communities (ABC) grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission, this series invites caregivers, particularly those supporting loved ones living with dementia, to set aside the daily weight of responsibility and reconnect with themselves through the healing power of art.
“Caregiving is an act of deep love—but it can also be isolating, exhausting, and emotionally overwhelming,” said Lee Ann Hyatt, RN, BSN, founder of We Remember You caregiver support in Murfreesboro. “We are encouraging caregivers to take advantage of this creative way to take care of themselves by participating.”
Workshops will take place once per month beginning fall 2025 and continuing through spring 2026. Each session will explore a unique form of creative expression—from storytelling and poetry to visual art, movement, and music. Facilitators include professional teaching artists and expressive arts therapists. No prior art experience is required. All materials will be provided, and each workshop will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Adult caregiving will be available on-site, with prior arrangement, thanks to a collaboration between WRY and Mindful Care Adult Day Services.
Highlights of the series include:
Story & Movement with Mark Lamb (October 15, 2025)
Poetry with Julie Sumner (November 12, 2025)
Visual Art & Mixed Media with LeeAnn Love (January & February 2026)
Storytelling with Kara Kemp (March 2026)
Music & Reflection (April 2026)
An extra workshop has been added on Saturday, January 24, at Trellis & Vine gallery in Smyrna.
More info coming soon!
The series will culminate in a community showcase produced by the Bloom Stage in spring 2026, where participants may share collaborative work created during the workshops. Portions of this showcase will also be featured at We Remember You’s annual caregiver conference.
Kory Wells, founder of Poetry in the Boro and co-producer of Bloom Stage, noted: “This isn’t about making perfect art—it’s about honoring the stories and emotions of caregivers through creative practice. We want participants to feel seen, supported, and celebrated.”
“The Rutherford Arts Alliance has a mission of connecting creatives with community,” said RAA Executive Director Jeff Lysyczyn. “This program is the perfect personification of that mission. It has been a privilege to bring this group of caring, talented folks together and watch them bring this important program to life. Art matters. ‘The Art of Unburdening’ is living proof.”
Who Should Attend
The program is open to all caregivers and community members, with special outreach to those caring for individuals living with dementia. The fall sessions are scheduled at First United Methodist Church in Murfreesboro, an ADA-compliant facility.
Community Impact
In Rutherford County alone, nearly 15,000 family members provide care to individuals living with dementia. This workshop series addresses caregiver burnout and isolation by offering free opportunities for connection, mindfulness, and creative renewal.
Event & Registration Details
Dates: October 2025 – April 2026 (monthly workshops)
Location: Murfreesboro, TN (venues announced in advance)
Cost: Free, open to the public, first-come, first-served. Pre-registration required.
Final Showcase: May 7, 2026, at the Walnut House (free & open to the public)
Registration is now open at rutherfordartsalliance.org/care. You can also get on an email list for a reminder as new dates workshop are available.
About the Partners
Rutherford Arts Alliance (RAA)
A nonprofit advocacy group dedicated to connecting creatives and community across Rutherford County, RAA promotes the cultural and economic value of the arts while creating opportunities for collaboration, education, and equity.
We Remember You (WRY)
Founded in 2021, WRY provides holistic support to family caregivers of individuals with dementia-causing diseases through education, support groups, private consultations, and community resources.
Bloom Stage
Founded in 2017, the Bloom Stage is a local storytelling and performance series that celebrates the ability of art to honor both the diversity and commonality of human experience.
Poetry in the Boro (PitB)
A monthly open mic and featured reading series founded in 2016, PitB offers a place for our community’s unique voices and brings inclusive literary arts experiences to the Murfreesboro area.
For more information, contact Jeff Lysyczyn, Executive Director of Rutherford Arts Alliance, jeff@rutherfordartsalliance.org
Banner image credit IskaJoJo Studios on Unsplash
Originally posted September 17, 2025; last updated December 1, 2025
