​“[Art]roductions and [Art]breakers” is an interactive workshop designed to introduce new methods for cultivating inclusive, creative communities through innovative art and writing activities. Aimed at breaking away from traditional icebreakers, this session will introduce 10–20-minute, fun collaborative art activities that foster peer relationships and risk-taking in both college classrooms and broader community settings. 

Participants will engage in activities using crayons, improv, playdough, and kazoos, allowing them to experience firsthand how art can dissolve barriers to communication and trust. Research supports the cognitive, educational, and communal benefits of “play,” making this workshop both a reflective and actionable opportunity to enrich student engagement.

Facilitated by Jonathan Holland, Department of English Language and Literature.