Drawing Clarity: Reflect and Envision Through Mind Mapping

"Drawing Clarity: Reflect and Envision Through Mind Mapping" is part of a series of workshops and events that focus on mental health in Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities, sponsored by the Queens College AANAPISI Project (QCAP).

In many cultures, autumn is a time for harvest. In the academic year, the fall also signifies many new beginnings. As we orient ourselves during this time, there can be many thoughts and anxieties that float to the top. It is a time to check in with ourselves and each other, harvesting what we achieved but also take care of our needs.

This workshop will focus on using graphic techniques for orienting our thoughts, gaining clarity and joy as a field of harvest appears before us. With visual mind maps, we will reflect on the year together and gently envision our hopes for the future.

Join us on Wednesday, September 25, at 12:00pm, for our next QCAP Mental Health Workshop where award-winning artist/cartoonist Yao Xiao returns to teach us to draw as a method for reflection, create a personal narrative using a mind map, and use color and shapes instead of words to describe our feelings.

Drawing experience is not required for attending the workshop. All skill levels are welcome!

Snacks will be provided!

Masks are encouraged but not required. Visitors to Queens College may be required to present a valid state-issued ID for campus access. See the Queens College website for directions and a campus map.

About QCAP

The Queens College AANAPISI Project (QCAP) aims to support the academic success, mental health, and community engagement of QC’s diverse and underserved Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students. Funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) Program, QCAP addresses the specific needs of our AAPI students via a range of programs. To learn more, visit our website and follow us on Instagram @qcap.queens.

Speaker Bio

Yao Xiao is an award-winning author, cartoonist and illustrator. She is a MacDowell Fellow, Lambda Literary Award Finalist, Ignatz Award Nominee, and author of graphic novel . She is the creator of Baopu, a cartoon column on Autostraddle running in its 10th year and is a cartoon contributor to The New Yorker. A prolific illustrator for clients such as the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and TIME Magazine, her work has been supported by Define American, Think Chinatown, the Peter Bullough Foundation, and has received recognition from the Society of Illustrators. Yao Xiao currently teaches at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City where she lives and creates.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Faculty & Staff Club (in the Student Union) at Queens College, CUNY, 65-30 Kissena Boulevard, Flushing, United States