JOIN US FOR A TRANSFORMATIVE EXPERIENCE IN "THE ART OF LIVING" WORKSHOP, LED BY ANGELA BRAXTON-JOHNSON AND SUNSHINE DIXON.

In this creative journey, we'll explore the harmony of art and life through a unique blend of meditation, music, the power of words, and the enchantment of watercolors. This workshop is designed with one simple principle in mind: there is a place for everyone here.

You need not be an artist, and there's no pressure to produce artwork. Instead, we invite you to use artistry as a means of personal expression and self-discovery. All backgrounds and all skill levels are not only welcomed but celebrated in this inclusive space. Your individuality is your greatest asset, and your perspective is your masterpiece. Together, we'll embrace the beauty of imperfection, the magic of improvisation, and the cathartic release that comes from simply being yourself. "The Art of Living" is an open canvas where your journey becomes the art, and your story takes center stage.

Are you ready to unlock your inner artist and experience life in a whole new light? We're saving a spot just for you. Join us in this inspiring workshop and embark on a creative adventure like no other.

This event is FREE and is intended exclusively for Black, Brown and Indigenous Folx. (Please do not attempt to sign up if you do not represent these groups). Our hope is to provide a safe space to connect, strengthen, and be.

Please REGISTER HERE to reserve your spot.

MEET YOUR ART OF LIVING WORKSHOP INSTRUCTORS

ANGELA BRAXTON-JOHNSON

Angela Braxton-Johnson is a creative artist who loves the arts, music, writing poetry and one of her favorite sayings is that she’s “always got ‘knit’ to do!” A craft she learned from her second grade teacher. Angela graduated from Jefferson High School of Performing Arts where she studied music and continued her education at Howard University, majoring in music therapy. She founded Poetically Inspiring Change LLC, in 2011 and in November 2024 launched a new Poetically Inspiring Change podcast (currently on YouTube & Spotify), using poetry, faith and stories teach and to inspire intersectional healing and diet culture recovery.

Angela is a public speaker and published author of several books: two poetry collections, Black Fury, Fierce Recovery (a book filled with liberation poetry and visual art), and Hearts Holding Happiness, Hope and Hardness (visual art and poems about the highs and lows of marriage). She also wrote an ebook about Body Acceptance called Abundant Fatness, with journaling prompts and visual art included. Finally, Who's Watchin' Me? - Season One, is a poetic stoetry novel that tells of a little girl's experiences with Black girlhood, intersectionality, resilience and faith as she deals with life, trauma, abuse and bullying. All of her books can be purchased on her website at angelabraxtonjohnson.com/buythebooks

Angela is an out-of-the-box woman of faith, who loves to lead healing groups for women, creative meditation, performing arts activities and Grateful Moves (TM), a class she teaches to help people to move in ways that honors their bodies. She also loves to facilitate Vision & Dream Board activities. She’s been married to her husband Alvin for 38 years, has three children (from oldest to youngest: Aléa Lorén, Alvin Jr. and

Alexander/AJ); six grands and two mini poodles. Check her out on social media @poetically_inspiring_change.

SUNSHINE DIXON

Sunshine Dixon is an artist, business coach, community connector, and engagement specialist who lives creatively and works diligently behind the scenes to bring hope to others through artistic endeavors. She grew up in Portland Oregon in a household of artists—both parents, who were artists and possibility thinkers, were always actively engaged in the community—Dixon now carries the same mantle. Art and possibilities thinking have allowed Sunshine to work as a thought partner and creative solutionist in a variety of environments with a vast number of local and national leaders to bring hope and effect change. Her early work included painting, writing poetry, and performing spoken word. Her continued growth bloomed into her becoming an author of No Illusions (a book of poetry) and a playwright of numerous theatrical works, including C-Student, a “philthanro-play” and DOA among several others. Sunshine paired possibility with experiential design and storyboarding to craft ideas and develop virtual galleries such as her showing of two local youth artists during the pandemic. In 2013 and 2016 she helped to plan, design, and promote two Portland RedHead Events (attempts to beat the Guinness World’s record for the largest gathering of natural redheads), in partnership with OHSU, which allowed her to help develop the media to promote the Mole Mapper app to track skin cancer. Years before, Sunshine started a street art project in SW Portland which shifted from the streets to the nearby United Way Building becoming the Art of Change Gallery which received an award from the City of Portland in 2006. Through her work at the Art of Change Gallery planned joint art events at City Hall for United Way and Urban League. As a result of this work she also began working with the Oregon Disability Chamber. Later she supported the statue project at the June Key Delta Community Center along with one of her teammates Alisa Looney—the statue stands in front of the Center today. During the pandemic Sunshine began supporting Angela Braxton-Johnson with “Sista Say That Sundays” which encouraged busy women and femme to pause, breathe, and create using poetry. In late 2021 Dixon linked up with Darryl Grant to support his Soul Restoration Project housed in the former Albina Arts Center. This led to Sunshine becoming the Art Community Connector/Creative Strategist with I Am M.O.R.E. after Grant completed his residency there. Since working with I Am M.O.R.E., Sunshine has contributed to countless outreach efforts and community endeavors centered on healing and joy. Sunshine has been doing Rest Deck activities and wellness check-ins with community elders and as well as conducting Wisdom Walks with local corporate coaches and business leaders.

Having been a caregiver to both of her parents who worked in education (her father also went on to work as a mental health professional), Sunshine understands the load many teachers carry. She is excited to be part of this gathering because Sunshine understands the need for healers to find healing.

Sankofa Counseling is hosting free gatherings throughout the to build community, celebrate culture & address the unique needs of our Black and Brown communities. All events offer spaces of affinity where you can connect, grow, and focus on your health and wellness. Learn more about Sankofa at www.SankofaCounseling.org or Instagram @SankofaCounseling