GirlSmarts
GirlSmarts is a series of workshops and retreats for teenage girls who want to use two- and three-dimensional artwork, improvisational movement, creative writing, storytelling, drama and other arts-based activities to discover and affirm your own beliefs and abilities.
Created in 1997 by Rhonda Morton, GirlSmarts uses the arts as a means of self-discovery and self-expression. Because if you know who you are and can express what you want, then you'll feel in control of your life.
Posing at the end of a weekend retreat
And if you have a vision of what you want to do with it, then as you make choices, you'll be able to ask yourself: "Does this get me closer to my life's vision or does this have the potential to screw it all up?"
GirlSmarts isn't about making your decisions for you. It's about making sure you are making them for yourself. It's so easy to lose your bearings with all the social pressures at school—to be cool or popular or even to belong to some group of un-cool/un-popular misfits.
And then there's your love interest, your parents, your teachers, your coach, your play director—everybody is telling you how to think and be and dress and …. UGH! That's when it's really nice to have a GirlSmarts workshop or retreat to give you time and tools for figuring out what you REALLY want.
Why do we use the arts?
Well, besides the fact that they're fun, the arts get you into the intuitive, imaginative, creative right side of your brain, rather than the logical, analytical, rational left side that's usually worn out in school settings.
By playing and experimenting and saying "what if" through a painting or a movement exercise or something like that, you are more likely to come up with a new approach to an old problem. And, it will stick with you more than if you just read something or hear something.
GirlSmarts definitely is not about being good in art. The goal isn't to make something you'll hang on the refrigerator—it's to make something to hang onto in your mind after GirlSmarts is over.
What are the groups like?
We meet in small groups, typically for a series of two-hour workshops that culminate in an overnight retreat. But we can do other kinds of set-ups—each series is custom-designed for the girls involved.
Girls can be from groups that already meet on a regular basis, or we can get a group together where no one knows anyone else. GirlSmarts works best for girls 14-19 years old. You just have to be open to learning about yourself and willing to explore the unknown.
A group of girls at an afternoon workshop
See what other girls say about GirlSmarts. Read a message from Rhonda, the woman who runs the groups. And then contact us if you have any questions or comments or want to sign up for a session.