We’re excited to share that Rutherford Arts Alliance has received a Tennessee Arts Commission Arts Build Communities grant for 2026-27, supporting another year of The Art of Unburdening workshops!
Art of Unburdening is a free creative workshop series designed to give caregivers space for respite, reflection, connection, and self-expression through the arts.
Last year, we welcomed 44 caregivers across seven free workshops, culminating in a community showcase that reached 137 people in person and more than 1,200 virtually.
This year, we’re excited to grow the program even further with eight workshops offered across two locations in Murfreesboro and Smyrna, along with a few virtual workshops to make participation more accessible. We’re also exploring monthly virtual meetups to help caregivers stay connected with one another between sessions.
We’re grateful to be working alongside community partners including Alive and We Remember You caregiver support as we continue expanding this work, with First United Methodist Church in Murfreesboro and Trellis & Vine Art Gallery & Studios providing workshop space. At First United Methodist, adult day care with Mindful Care is available with pre-arrangement.
How you can get involved
As we begin planning, we’d love to invite more of our community to get involved! Opportunities may include volunteering at a workshop, helping behind the scenes, or facilitating a session. If you’re a volunteer or a teaching artist, art therapist, or creative facilitator interested in leading a workshop, in person or virtually, please reach out to Mai Hamric at maihamric@gmail.com.
Stay tuned for our fall workshop schedule, coming soon, as well as opportunities to donate supplies, support fundraising efforts, and help us continue providing meaningful creative experiences for caregivers in our community. Sign up for our email list below!
We’re looking forward to another year of creating, connecting, and supporting caregivers through the arts.
