"To Be Seen" - A Generative Writing Workshop Series

Second Wednesday of Each Month, October 2024 - February 2025

3pm PT / 4pm MT / 5pm CT / 6pm ET
10/9/24, 11/13/24, 12/11/24, 1/8/25, 2/12/25

Duration: 60 minutes

"To Be Seen" is more than just a workshop—it's a fat community where your voice truly matters. Facilitated by Vanessa Chica Ferreira (she/her), this generative writing space invites participants to explore a variety of prompts, poetry, and photographs, guiding you to create original pieces that reflect your unique perspectives and explore the experience of living in a larger body. Whether you're an experienced writer or new to the craft, this workshop offers you a soft landing place. It's a supportive environment where you can freely express yourself, connect with others, and let your voice be heard.

In order to build a sense of community, we ask that participants commit to at least three of the five scheduled workshops. At the end of the series, we will work collaboratively on compiling and editing our work into a chapbook which will be distributed to NAAFA donors during April 2025 in honor of National Poetry Month.

"To Be Seen" is presented in English with auto-captions by Otter.ai. Registration is required, and space is limited. Participants must have a valid email address to register and must be 18 years of age or older.

Image Description: Headshot of Vanessa Chica Ferreira

GUEST BIO:

Vanessa Chica Ferreira (she/her) is a multifaceted force in the cultural landscape of New York City.  As an educator, poet, playwright, and fat activist, she crafts works that challenge societal norms and invite deep vulnerability. Vanessa co-wrote the play "Live Big Girl," which captivated audiences at renowned venues such as The National Black Theatre, The Tank, and BAAD, with its bold exploration of body positivity and fat activism. The play’s powerful message resonated through sold-out performances.  Vanessa and her co-writer Rebeca Lois Lucret were awarded the prestigious 2023 Bronx Cultural Visions Grant, supported by the Howard Gilman Foundation. This grant enabled the creation of their second poetic play, “Live Big Girl: A Chair That Fits,” which debuted in April 2024 at Lehman College. Her written work reflects her dedication to exploring the human experience and has been featured in various publications, including *Snapdragon: A Journal of Art and Healing*, *Essential Voices: A COVID-19 Anthology*, *The Acentos Review*, and *Great Weather for Media*. Discover more of Vanessa Chica’s impactful work at VanessaChica.com

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