Climate Zine Storytelling
Climate Zine Storytelling Workshop
Transforming Heat Experiences into Community Wisdom Through Art & Action
Living in Houston, particularly in Third and Fifth Ward, means knowing the weight of summer heat in ways that statistics can't capture. When your neighborhood consistently runs 5-10 degrees hotter than other parts of the city, when cooling costs force impossible choices between electricity and groceries, when heat-related illness becomes a real concern for your family – these experiences matter, and they deserve to be heard.
Join us for a FREE 3-hour workshop where your story becomes part of building community resilience.
What We'll Do Together:
Share personal experiences with heat in a supportive, trauma-informed environment.
Create individual art pieces expressing your relationship with heat and cooling.
Collaborate on practical "Community Cooling Strategies" based on lived experience.
Co-create a community zine that validates our experiences while sharing solutions.
Connect with resources for heat safety, energy assistance, and community organizing.
Community Engaged Research - This is both an art program AND a research study focused on co-designing and co-creation of research and art for fostering resilient communities while building innovative solutions despite structural barriers.
What You'll Receive:
All creative materials and supplies (no cost)
Refreshments and hydration throughout the workshop
Professional, culturally responsive facilitation
Take-home heat safety and resource guide
Connection to ongoing monthly programming and mutual aid networks
Who This Workshop Serves: This space is designed for youth ages 14+ and adults who are ready to engage honestly with both the challenges and strengths in our community. We welcome longtime residents with decades of heat survival knowledge and newer community members seeking connection. Families with teens are encouraged to attend together.
We recognize that talking about heat, health, and neighborhood conditions can bring up difficult emotions. Our lead facilitator is trained in trauma-informed practices and will create brave space for authentic sharing while respecting everyone's comfort levels and boundaries.
What makes this workshop unique?
- This is workshop is part of an art program AND a research study focused on co-designing and co-creation of research and art for fostering resilient communities while building innovative solutions despite structural barriers.
- Participants, who opt in, will be a part of a community-engaged research program. Research participants will be provided with consent and survey forms at the beginning and the end of the workshop.
- Participants do not have to contribute to the research to participate in the workshop.
When & Where: Saturday, September 27th, from 1:00-4:00 PM CST, The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, 2334 Gulf Terminal Drive, Houston TX 77023.
Who's Making This Possible:
Program Leadership: Art for Climate Resilience is created by Ryn Delpapa, an interdisciplinary artist with a global health background specializing in arts-in-health, climate storytelling, and mindfulness practices. They are passionate about supporting communities in building resilience and hope in the face of environmental challenges.
About Our Community Partners
The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art - Venue partnership and community outreach
Zine Fest Houston - Programming and resource connections
Funding Partners: This workshop is offered with a sliding scale thanks to partnerships. The overall program, Art for Climate Resilience, is funded in part by the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance.
Important Notes:
Content will address systemic inequities and may discuss health impacts of heat exposure
We'll be exploring both individual experiences and broader structural issues
This is a brave space where difficult truths about our community's conditions will be acknowledged
All sharing is voluntary, and participants can engage at their comfort level
Follow-up resources will be provided for anyone who wants continued support
Reserve Your Space: Limited to 40 participants to ensure meaningful connection and individual attention. Please indicate any accessibility needs or concerns when registering.
This workshop focuses on wellness and community building. If you're experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact (713) 970-4483 NAMI Greater Houston or seek immediate professional support.