Dear Creative Friends,

This week we continued to cultivate the seeds under the surface as we tended to healing and repair of various kinds. In our practices, we each spent time listening and noticing even small shifts. Simple practices like Authentic Movement, brief art journal entries, short writings, and nature witnessing offered support. It can be surprising how little time it takes to tune in and find an image, word, or movement that feels just right - just what you need. 

Having a regular expressive arts practice gives us the tools we need to take care of ourselves in times of stress when we feel challenged. It's like building creative muscles that we can rely on when we need extra strength or just need a place to turn to, a soft place to land. 

Sometimes we simply sit with our art supplies out and see what happens without any idea or place to start. We often say "just make a mark, and then another mark". When we use art modalities, we might take for granted the things we know about them. In visual art and movement, for instance, we have line, shape, size, rythym, pattern. The two modalities - visual art and movement - can be reflected in one another. 

Just for fun, try this: Stand in a comfortable position and tune into your body. Begin to make some shapes with your arms, legs, hands, hips, feet. Experiment with different ways to move - fast or slow and repeat movements that are curvy, zigzag, or straight. As you move around notice if you see any images in your mind. Can you imagine the lines or shapes? How does the pattern feel and look? Play around with your movements and then sit down and let them make marks on the paper to express their elements just to see what happens. Take your time and add on anything that you like. Then, let it speak and tell its story - "I am..." 

We invite you to play this week with your practice. Allow it to be fun and open. Just see where it takes you. Allow your practice to support you. 

If you need some new ideas or easy-to-go-to processes our featured self-study might help. We would love to have you share in the Facebook group if you would like to be witnessed by others. 

We hope to see you in the circle soon.

In gratitude, 

Tamara, Kathleen, and the EAFI Team

What is In Person Open Studio? In Person Open Studio is just what it sounds like! It's a time for us to come together and create in community. We have some supplies but you are also welcome to bring your own. You can come for the whole time or for some of it. This is a donation based offering. 

All Self-Study Courses contain detailed, yet approachable instructions, videos, and meditations facilitated by Kathleen & Tamara. The imagery and guidance from this work can assist you, whether dipping your toes into expressive arts or seeking a deeper connection. 

*All courses come with lifetime access so you can refer back to them at any time!

*No previous art experience is necessary!

10 Steps Expressive Arts Practice

In this 10 week self-study course you will awaken the power of your own creative wisdom. 

Each week you will be guided through a different theme or arts modality to give you a variety of tools to use in your own personal practice.

Interested in several self-study courses? Our self-study bundle includes the following 4 courses at a discounted rate! 

 Save 20% by purchasing all 4. 

Allow yourself to be guided through an expressive arts process in this 1.5 hour live online workshop! Register at the link below.

Bring something you're already working on or start something new! We begin with a guided meditation, and then the time is yours for whatever creative work you choose. We come back together for the last half hour for witnessing and sharing. 

NEW SoulCollage® Workshop!!

Join us for this 3 hour SoulCollage® workshop led by Diane Lampitt and learn how to create collage cards to connect with your inner wisdom and intuition. No experience necessary! Registration closes on Tuesday, February 27th.

Never done SoulCollage®? Watch this video by Seena Frost, the creator of SoulCollage®!

Looking to start your expressive arts training? 

 Our Certificate Training Program in Intermodal Expressive Arts is IEATA (International Expressive Arts Therapy) compliant and provides you with the 200 training hours necessary to pursue professional registration in expressive arts. It is a hybrid model and admissions are on a rolling basis.

Our next start date is April 2, 2024

*If you are interested in applying for our program, please fill out the "Intent to Apply" form below.

CREATIVE WISDOM: Introductory Online Training in Expressive Arts 

This is an 8-week introductory training into the field of expressive arts and the pre-requisite for our Certificate Training Program. You will learn a basic overview of expressive arts, what it is, theories, approaches, applications etc and how to apply this work into your personal and professional life. Each lesson includes both informational and experiential process.