Rare Disease Day by Laura
TED Therapeutic Art with Sophie*
Wednesday, May 6th 2026
1pm PT * 3pm CT * 4pm ET
1 hour
RSVP to Jacque art@tedcommunity.org
Art Prompt: Island of Belonging
In this group, we will utilize the skill of “radical imagination” to create an imaginary island that challenges our current reality. In creating this place, we can dream of a place where we feel we belong, our needs are met, and people with TED and other chronic or rare illnesses are supported in ways that are missing in our current society and systems. Would there be a support group that meets on the beach at sunset every evening? Would you stop by the ice cream parlor next door every morning just because it makes you happy? The possibilities are endless on your imaginary island!
Suggested Art Materials: The art materials for this prompt are open-ended. Your island can be 3D (using clay or recycled objects) or 2D (using markers, colored pencils, paint, etc.). Consider how much detail you’d like to include. You might build details directly into the island using finer materials or create a more fluid design and add details to the side in a key, journal entry, or artist statement.
Zoom Credentials:
Contact Jacque: art@tedcommunity.org
*Sophie Restall is an Art Therapist (ATR-P) and an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) with a passion for using creative expression to help people flourish.
Rare Connection by Chesna
TED ART & Creative Studio with JACQUE*
Saturday, May 16th
1pm PST, 3pm CST, 4pm EST
2 hours
RSVP directly to Jacque for Zoom Log In: art@tedcommunity.org
Theme: Springing into Summer
This month’s theme is “Springing into Summer” — a celebration of longer days, fresh energy, color, connection, and the shift into summer.
Create something that feels meaningful, interesting, comforting, or joyful to you. Maybe that’s a landscape, garden, water scene, family gathering, favorite summer memory, floral piece, or simply colors and textures that remind you of this season.
Symbolism:
- Spring = healing, renewal, growth, transition, new beginnings
- Summer = warmth, confidence, joy, connection, freedom, brighter days
Things to Think About for Inspiration
- Flowers, leaves, sunshine, butterflies, and birds
- Water and summer elements (pools, lakes, beach, waves, sand, shells, or water reflections)
- Tissue paper or handmade paper flowers
- Magazine images or meaningful words that reflect summer, connection, or joy to you
- Umbrellas, sunglasses, hats, and water-inspired items
- Symbols of connection (family, friends, gatherings, outdoor meals, or picnics)
- Skies, clouds, stars, sunsets, and summer colors
Suggested Art Supplies:
- Acrylic or watercolor paints, paint pens, markers, colored pencils
- Metallic paints or textured mediums
- Canvas, mixed media paper, watercolor paper, cardstock, or paper plates
- Tissue paper, fabric scraps, textured materials, or magazine clippings
- Glue, scissors, tape, ribbon, or decorative embellishments
- Flowers, leaves, stones, or found natural objects
- Brushes, sponges, stamps, or stencils
Or use anything that inspires you and helps you see brighter days!
Most of all, enjoy the process and create something that feels meaningful to you.
*Jacque Boogher is the Director of TED ART & Creative Studio, a TED patient, and the highly talented leader of our monthly TED ART sessions as well as our special projects.