I am a writer/photographer who has taught in homeless shelters, cultural and educational institutions in Toronto and NYC.
A Toronto native now based in NYC, I was the recipient of the Canadian National Magazine Awards Silver Prize in “Words and Pictures” for my project in partnership with the Toronto Meeting Place Drop-In Shelter. During my tenure as Coordinator of Community Programs at the International Center of Photography (ICP), I developed and implemented life skills curricula working directly with teens from underserved communities at The Point, youth transitioning from incarceration at Friends of Island Academy, and youth living with HIV at Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center – each program using writing and photography as a vehicle for self-expression and self-esteem. Also, at ICP, I managed a series of storytelling workshops with NYC Public Schools. I proudly served on a faculty of award-winning writers to teach in the prestigious PEN America Writers in Schools program. Currently, I direct programs as an Activity Specialist in Photography for the YMCA of Greater New York.
I believe that creative expression can open portals through time, space, and memory, allowing us to travel back and forth through the many dimensions and layers of our experiences with presence and awareness. By giving voice to our innermost selves through words, pictures, paintings, dance, songs, or even a scream, we can come to a deeper understanding of ourselves and our desires. The key is to let go and stay in the process of releasing so that we can return with a greater level of awareness.
Now, I want to put back into the world everything I’ve learned about creating (1) writing practice, (2)overcoming writer’s block, and (3) editing work.
I offer a new mentoring program to help others in their journey, just as my mentor helped me. This is how I honor my mentor by giving everything she taught me to you –starting you on your journey that honors you, your work, and all that flows from your “Creative Experiencing.”
Please reach out to alex@alexandragratsas.com with any inquiries.