A 4-Part Zine Making Workshop for High Schoolers

Tuesdays in June from 10:30-12:30

In our upcoming Zine Making series, “Unfold,” Lisa Garza and Julia Ward will offer high school students a creative space to explore their own ideas, feelings, and innate skills using zines as the medium. The weekly 2-hour sessions will allow for creative exploration as well as social connection! Space is limited to 8 participants. All art materials are included (snacks, too!).

Curious to know more about zines and the intention behind this workshop? Read on!

In an age of immediate gratification, the art of slowing down is powerful.

In an era of over-sharing, mindful communication is revolutionary.

In an era of AI everything, making something by hand is necessary.

Since the commercial availability of paper goods, people have been writing and distributing zines; One sheet of paper, folded and stapled, containing whatever information the art-maker deemed necessary.

Early American zines were part of the amateur press movement of the late 19th century, but really gained popularity in the 1930s - showing up as part of the sci-fi fanzines all the way to the Harlem Renaissance, where independent publishers produced literary magazines of Black authors.

In the 1960s on, the advent of the photocopier meant that printing was democratized, leading the way for political expression; sharing music, art, and ideas of the American subcultures.

Punk and counterculture zines allowed for sharing of loads of information - everything from music reviews, poetry, and DIY guides were published in tons of zines. In the 1990s, Riot Grrls used zines to share postmodern feminist ideas - challenging sexism and sharing art.

Zines have never gone away and we hope to see them further flourish as people examine their social media usage more critically and try to unplug.

We all have ideas, skills, opinions, and feelings to share. Zines can be anonymous, there are no limits to the creative opportunities - besides what can fit on a page. Collage, paint, sewing, drawing, writing - you are limited only by your imagination. This will be a space for self-expression, peer connection, and reflection to support teens in tuning into themselves and sharing their voice in a safe space of creative freedom and exploration.

What to Expect -

Week 1: Intro to Zines and Identity Exploration

Week 2: Storytelling and Self-Expression

Week 3: Embracing Imperfection and Creative Flow

Week 4: Reflection and Field Trip to Austin Public Library Central Branch

We hope you will join us for this workshop series!

Additional Details -

This group is for any high school student (entering 9th-12th grade in Fall ‘25). No art experience is needed. This group welcomes all and is a neuro-affirming and LGBTQIA++ safe place.

When: June 3, 10, 17, & 24; 10:30-12:30

Cost: $275 (all materials included and snacks will be provided); Equity pricing $175

Location: GT Therapy Group offices; 5926 Balcones Drive Suite 218, Austin TX 78731

*NOTE: The group will meet at the Austin Public Library Central Branch on June 24th

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