Workshops and Programs 2023
Rebecca Lynn Howard
Songwriting
What makes a song a hit song? Learn from a two time GRAMMY Award winning Nashville artist and true East Kentucky Mountain Grrl.
For teenagers and up.
https://rebeccalynnofficial.com/
Sponsored by: Pike County Tourism, Community Trust Bank, Pikeville City Tourism.
Dr. Margaret “Maggie” Moore, Ed.D., Forward Facing ® Health and Wellness Coach, Professional Resilience Consultant, Endorsed Positive Behavior Support Professional
Maggie is the founder of the Center for Human Engagement, whose mission is to teach lifelong creativity, professional resilience and post-traumatic growth in Appalachia and beyond. Dr. Moore has a background in education and teaches music as stress reduction, positive behavior support, trauma-informed practices, peer support, and Forward Facing ® living as part of her work in West Virginia, Kentucky, Colorado, and Canada. She lives with her musical and romantic partner and her two pugs in Huntington, WV. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/humanengagement
Music, The Senses and Post-Traumatic Growth Workshop
Led by a Forward Facing ® Health and Wellness Consultant in post-traumatic growth, this session focuses on how to use the senses to soothe and heal trauma. Post-traumatic growth and the building resilience are included as part of a catalyzed healing process. The presentation provides strategies to build on wellness after adversity and focuses on sensory responses, intentionality, and steps to healing.
Cecilia Wright, MM, MT-BC, Music Therapist-Board Certified Musician and Private Instructor
Cecilia is a cello instructor based in Knoxville, Tennessee who earned a BA in Music at the University of Tennessee and a MM in Music Therapy at the University of Kentucky. Cecilia's graduate research explored LGBTQ advocacy and education in music therapy. In recent years, she has provided contracted music therapy services in the Fayette County public school system, working individually with disabled students (intentional use of identity-first language) to address specific educational goals. She is co-founder of Wildwood Music Therapy, LLC, which is currently owned and operated by Nora Veblen, MM, MT-BC in Lexington, Kentucky. Cecilia performs with her own band “Second Rode” and as an accompanist to Senora May. She was a part of the Grammy-nominated Tyler Childers album “Long Violent History.”
Community Music Therapy Workshop with Cecilia Wright
A board-certified music therapist will lead a group music therapy session that uses engaging music experiences and therapeutic techniques to foster a sense of community, safety, and self-esteem. This session will encourage participants to reflect on their lived experiences, uses of music in their lives, and ways that we can build community, connection, and self-awareness through music. The session will include singing, instrument play, and group discussion. All are welcome regardless of music experience, disability, cultural background, or any other factor.
Workshops sponsored by Healing Appalachia and Hope for the Hills
Liv Taylor
“Just Charcoal!”
Liv Taylor is an Army Veteran from Harlan KY who started her artistic journey to recover from a TBI and PTSD. Art therapy was her solution and her way back to the land of the Living. Through this journey, she created “Land of Liv,” a whole vibe of good thoughts, good friends and being kind. In addition to being a full time artist, Liv teaches Art Therapy at local Rehabilitation facilities in South Eastern Kentucky and photography classes at Kingdom Come State Park. Liv was a featured artist at Mountain Grrl 2021 and 2022. This year, she further shares her art with us with the “Just Charcoal” Art therapy mini sessions. The purpose is to learn how to recognize intrusive thought patterns and how to train the brain to return to the present via visual arts. Delivery Method = Quick 30 min guided charcoal sketches.
Jessica Salyer, Art Positive Project
Paint Slinging!
Sling some paint and have some fun! All day in the City Park. No experience necessary!
Coaltown Dixie
Jump in there and Jam!
Have you been standing in the circle, tapping your foot, maybe humming along, but not gotten your instrument out of the case yet? Well, here’s your chance. Bring an instrument if you have one, or just hang out with the Coaltown Dixie gals as we discuss ways to feel more comfortable in a musical jam situation, jamming etiquette, etc. Learn to play a song with us so we can all jam again together sometime SOON!
Yeehaw!
Kalyn Bradford Bowen
Make a Rhythm Instrument
Kalyn has all the supplies to help you make a Rhythm Musical Instrument. Then you can use it during Melanie Turner’s Rhythm Workshop!!!!! Fun for kids of all ages. First preference given to children.
Shake Shake Shake!
Melanie Turner
Rhythm Fun
Appalachian Teaching Artist and Musician Melanie Turner’s “Rhythm Fun” workshop involves using various rhythm instruments to encourage participants to explore, create, and discover rhythm patterns around us. Participants will play rhythm as well as sing along while being accompanied by banjo and guitar. Rhythm instruments will be provided for up to ~40 students. Or make your own in Kalyn Bradford Bowen’s Workshop! All ages welcome, first preference given to children.
Career Development
Bek Smallwood
Regional Sales Coordinator, AFLAC
Helena Jackson
Owner and CEO at HRJacksonlaw P.L.L.C.
Learn important tools from these professional boss babes! Polish up your interviewing skills, learn what to say and what to wear! Discuss professionalism in the workplace. Learn what it’s like to be a female entrepreneur!
Sponsored by HR Jackson Law Firm
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Zoe Howard
Tie Dye Time!
We all want to look as cool as our :”Appalachian Janis Joplin” Zoe Howard. And now we can by making our own Tie Dye t-shirt!
T-shirts, tie dyes, rubber bands and plastic bags will be provided. Workshop attendees can create a tie dye shirt and place their finished product in a plastic bag to take home to wash! All ages.
Sponsored by the Kent Rose Foundation
Jenn Noble
Learn the art of bracelet making with Jenn! String and beads provided.
Sponsored by Kent Rose Foundation
Sarah Kate Morgan
Folk Arts Director, Hindman Settlement School
Learn to play the Mountain Dulcimer!
This workshop is open to both children and adults. No dulcimer? No problem! We will have 30 dulcimers available for you to practice with during the workshop. This workshop was a huge success at the 2021 Mountain Grrl Experience. Be there early to get your instrument and learn to be a dulcimer rock star!
Tiffany Hall Owen
Basic Flatfooting and Hambone!
Tiffany Hall Owen is the Head Instructor at The Dance Gallery and received an MFA in Dance from Florida State University. In this 30-45 minute class, you will learn the basics of Appalachian Flat Foot Dancing as well as “hambone,” a type of percussion.
30-45 minutes. All ages welcome. Full-soled shoes recommended (not flip flops or sandals)
Ms. Tia Woods
Shine Your Light: Unapologetically Take Up Space The Universe/God/Creator wants us.
The Universe carved out space in this time in this dimension for us to experience. God gave our bodies to us. We only get one trip on this crazy ride (that we know of) and Creator wants us to unapologetically feel and experience all of it in this space we were given. In this workshop, we will discuss and demonstrate our right and duty to “Shine Our Light and Unapologetically Take Up Space.” We are not meant to dull our shine so we can fit into boxes or certain categories. We are supposed to take up space as our full, authentic selves. We are alive during an intense and dynamic time. The Universe/God/Creator wants us to shine our light and radiate towards a future we all desire and deserve.
Enjoy this workshop with Tia that will include music and visuals.
Peach Raines & Chris Gross
Learn to Walk on Stilts!
Learn the mechanics of the stilts, play with some flow toys and see if you can WALK TALL on some kids stilts!
Sponsored by Pikeville Holiday Inn Express
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Kelli Hansel Haywood
Body Reclamation
A discussion, meditation, and short connecting movement practice focused on reframing the way we view our physical body and relearning the language it speaks. Find more information on this process in Kelli’s book Sacred Catharsis. The book will also be available at the workshop.
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Brianna Robinson
Meet and Greet with a Female Race Car Driver!
Brianna Robinson is a 20 year old, East Kentuckian who has been racing for 12 years. Check out her cool car and meet this awesome Mountain Grrl on Friday in the Garfield House parking lot (near the City Park)
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Workshops on 2nd street
Make a Quilt Square or Tote with Bridget!
Friday and Saturday at
11am and 2pm
Stop in at You Me & Pottery for a relaxing experience while creating a masterpiece.
All weekend long!
Meet the QUEEN of Downtown Pikeville, Jasmine Meade
Learn to UPCYCLE a tee shirt into a bag (to carry all that Mountain Grrl Merch)!
Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced welcome
Saturday at 2pm
Free events all weekend long
Fun for little ones!
Gypsy Wings Kids Tent
For dreamers, soul searchers and wanderers…” Make sure the kiddos visit the Sarah Fightmaster’s Gypsy Wings Kid’s Tent where they can learn to make some groovy, free crafts! Sarah has been with us since the 1st Mountain Grrl Experience and is a TRUE Mountain Grrl!
East KY ASD & SPD Sensory Friendly Tent
Games, dance, stepping stones, crash pad, giant grip soccer ball and more!
Sponsored by the Kent Rose Foundation
Peach Rains
and
Chris “Feed the Wooks” Gross
will be walking tall on stilts, twirling who knows what and lighting up the sky with a special surprise! Look for them all over town and in the City Park!
“The Mountain Mama Van”
A safe, clean baby changing and feeding station located on Main Street, in downtown Pikeville.
Courtesy of The Pike County Health Department
Music is Healing for Kids Tent-FRIDAY ONLY!
Board-certified music therapists Cecilia Wright and Maggie Moore will supervise area children with a variety of musical instruments to explore, children’s books, and other materials that facilitate musical exploration and creative expression. The music therapist will facilitate age-appropriate and culturally sensitive activities for children that meet the needs, preferences, and interests of festival participants. The music therapist will facilitate small group activities when possible, such as group drumming, improvisation, and other experiences that promote social/emotional development. The therapist will be sensitive to the needs of children who have been affected by trauma by recognizing and responding to behaviors that indicate a need for additional emotional support. When appropriate, the music therapist will also facilitate activities that promote bonding between the child and their caregiver.
Sponsored by Healing Appalachia and Hope in the Hills
Kid Stuff
We love Mountain KIDS! Did you know that there will be LOTS of FREE kid-friendly stuff going on at Mountain Grrl Experience?
All events are in the City Park unless otherwise noted
FRIDAY
Make a Rhythm Instrument with Kalyn Bowen
Rhythm Fun Workshop with Melanie Turner
Jump Up There and Jam! with Coaltown Dixie
Learn to play the Dulcimer with Sarah Kate Morgan
Meet Race Car Driver Brianna Robinson! (Garfield House Parking Lot)
SATURDAY
Make a Tie Dye T-shirt with Zoe Howard
Make a Bracelet with Jenn Noble
Flatfooting and Hamboning with Tiffany Hall Owen
Pop Up Art Class with Liv Taylor for ages 9 & up
Walk on Stilts with Peach Rains and Chris Gross
Upcycling-Turn a Tee Shirt into a Tote Bag with Jasmine at Appcycled (242 2nd street)
All Weekend (in the City Park unless otherwise noted)
Sensory Friendly Tent (games, dance, stepping stones, crash pad, giant grip soccer ball and more)!
Art Positive Project- Paint Slinging with Jessica Salyer
Gypsy Wings Kids Tent-free craft making with Sarah Fightmaster
Pikeville Public Library–Sign up for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, learn about cool books with Pikeville Librarian Maggie Salisbury! You may even get a free book like “Brilliant Ideas From Wonderful Women!”
Create art and paint a mural in the park with the Pike County Extension Angels, Emily and Kristy!
Instrument Petting Zoo
Music is Healing for Kids Tent with Cecilia and Maggie-explore a variety of musical instruments and children’s books
Make a special craft at You, Me and Pottery (223 2nd Street)
Make a quilt square or tote at Bridget’s Quilting (237 2nd Street)