A.D Herzel Creative Art Online Workshops for Gide Foundation Accomplished artist will provide free, weekly online workshops in meditative art July 27, Oregon City, OR – The Gide Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization specializing in adoptee education and mental health, today announced the offering of free online workshops by Korean American Adoptee A.D. Herzel. The weekly videos, “In the Moment with A.D. Herzel”, will cover basic drawing and relaxation techniques. Ms. Herzel holds a Masters Degree in Art Education, and has exhibited work for the past 20 years. She has been published in the Manifest’s International Drawing Annual ,INDA 8, and her work has also been acquired by the Beth Rudin DeWoody collection. She has been recognized by curators from the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, the Kimbell Art Museum, and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Currently, her work is being included in the Circle exhibition at the CICA museum in Korea. She has actively participated in the Roanoke Valley Arts community and is a current member of the Open Studios Botetourt Tour. “What many people and Korean Adoptees (KAD) may not know, is the immense therapeutic benefit of art and meditation, said Derek Fisher, Co-founder of Gide Foundation. “Herzel's sessions offer methods of managing our feelings around adoption using these two mediums. We are very excited to see the impact and healing that occurs through programs like this toward the KAD community.” “As an artist, I have often been asked if I could teach my process,” said A.D. Herzel. “I have great hope that my workshops will teach adoptees how to creatively self-manage their stress and isolation, while connecting them to a supportive virtual community.” The workshop for “In the Moment with A.D. Herzel” will start on August 2, 2020, and continue each Sunday at 4pm EST. Below is a link to sign up and follow. https://www.facebook.com/events/3425423910821829 The Gide Foundation continues to move forward with the Korean American Adoptee handbook, A Handbook for Birth Family Reunions, which expects a September 2020 release. This handbook is intended to be free to KADs on the precipice to meet with biological family for the first time. The handbook includes an array of different KAD reunion stories, with varying outcomes. Also in the works, is an online platform which provides a safe place for KADs to explore their culture, connect with other KADs, and receive mental health support. As these projects are in production, the assembly and organization of Gide leaders and volunteers continue to evolve. Media interviews available upon request. ABOUT THE GIDE FOUNDATION The Gide Foundation is a non-profit organization (501(c)3 status) composed of Korean American Adoptees who are committed to serving the KAD community and the broader intercountry/transracial adoptee community. The organization’s mission is to address mental health issues and adoptee education. The Gide Foundation’s goals include providing resources to encourage greater connectivity and to reduce the staggeringly high suicide rate found in this demographic. Information on current and future projects and how to become more involved can be found at www.gidefoundation.org Media Contact: Chris Cook chris@gidefoundation.org