Family First: Map of Joy

In this uplifting hands-on activity, participants will create their own 3D “Map of Joy” art piece that highlights the wins, connections, and cherished moments that shaped their past year. Using paint markers, photos, fabrics, magazines, and other textured materials, participants will design a vibrant collage celebrating the experiences that brought joy, pride, and growth into their lives.

This creative experience not only honors the beauty of the past year but also helps prepare for what is ahead in 2026. By recognizing moments of joy and gratitude, participants can build a positive foundation, mindset, and intention for the new year. Everyone will leave with a personalized piece of artwork that celebrates where they’ve been and inspires where they’re going.

Family First is presented by Novant Health

Shane Manier is a creative coach, visual artist, live event painter, TEDx and keynote speaker, trauma-informed care instructor, poetry mentor, and national spoken word poet based in the Charlotte metro region of North Carolina. She is the founder of The National Poetry Month Summit, an online summit that connects and supports poets across the US, and the founder of Guerilla Poets, a nonprofit art collective with branches in the US and UK.

As a poet and artist, she has been featured at many shows and venues all across the US while completing many outreach programs as an activist and is a published author with three books, three spoken word albums and has poems published in numerous anthologies.