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xMinds Logo - the word xMinds in teal and dark blue where the X looks like a person with an orange head; followed by the words Partnership for Extraordinary MindsImproving education for autistic students in Montgomery County, MD

Creative Space: Character Design Series

  • 24 Oct 2026
  • 12 Dec 2026
  • 3 sessions
  • 24 Oct 2026, 2:00 PM 3:30 PM (EDT)
  • 21 Nov 2026, 2:00 PM 3:30 PM (EST)
  • 12 Dec 2026, 3:00 PM 4:30 PM (EST)
  • 8800 Garland Ave., Silver Spring, MD, 20901

Registration

  • FREE general admission.
Register

Creative Space for autistic middle and high schoolers (Ages 12 - 22)

Character Design Series

Dates & Times: Three Saturday sessions -

  1. October 24th, 2:00-3:30 p.m.
  2. November 21st, 2:00-3:30 p.m.
  3. December 12th, 3:00-4:30 p.m.

Location: Long Branch Library (2nd floor meeting room), 8800 Garland Ave., Silver Spring, MD, 20901

Registration: Registration is required to attend. Space is limited!

Cost: Free!

This Creative Space Workshop Series will take place over the course of three Saturdays in October and November. We encourage you to plan to attend all three workshops, as the classes will build upon one another. During this workshop, participants will learn to create their very own character through drawing, sculpting, and storytelling.

Schedule Breakdown:

  • Week 1 (10/24): Each participant will receive a sketchbook that we will use throughout the series. We will learn the basics of creating a character and begin sketching our ideas. We will brainstorm who our character is and learn how to draw them in different positions.
  • Week 2 (11/21): Using our illustrations from week 1, we will learn how to create a 3D version of our characters using Model Magic (a soft, clean, air-dry clay).
  • Week 3 (12/12): We will develop a story about our character and learn to create a short comic.

The 10/24 session will be led by local artist and friend of xMinds Ash Ariel, a local neurodivergent artist and founder of NeuroNest, LLC.

A variety of art materials will be available for use so that participants can explore and choose what works best for them (pencils, pens, markers, colored pencils, watercolor pencils, and pastels). We will have light snacks and drinks available to participants, and will have opportunities for breaks throughout each class.

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