Dear Creative Friends,

"Our art is ahead of us" - this is a phrase that you will often hear in our circles.

Last week, Tamara wrote about 'listening to our art'. This week I (Kathleen) 

am following that up with a reminder that the arts often beckon us forward to our growing edge, providing us with a kind of knowing that is just beyond what we may be conscious of. We make images, (or images 'arrive' spontaneously on our page) and we may not understand them. That is usually a good thing, as it means the image is offering us into a deeper kind of knowing, or a wisdom that has not yet made itself conscious. 

It is not our job to 'figure out' what the image means; our task is to be with the image, to interact with it - perhaps through movement, sound, or rhythm - to dialogue with it, and really listen, to enter its mystery and allow messages to be revealed.

And sometimes, it remains a mystery for awhile longer. That is OK too. Don't be tempted to stash the image away somewhere.  Keep it around, where you can stay in relationship with it, and trust that the 'simmering time' is a part of the process. It's message, or gift, will come to you when you are ready, and it might just amaze you with its illumination and relevance. It's worth the wait, and there is no doubt  about 

its truth and authenticity. 

This week, we had the opportunity to make art in community 4 times - Online Open Studio, Expressive Arts Discovery,  In-Person Open Studio, and the first Zoom session for Art as a Healing Practice. Our sketchbooks are brimming with  fresh, new images - some that have already given us precious gifts, and others that are still percolating in the mystery. We have been deeply moved by the images that others have created and shared. Witnessing people showing their images and reading their words is like being showered with deep and diverse poetic wisdom. We come away from these circles enriched, inspired, and in awe. 

Do you have an image that mystifies you? It might be one you made awhile ago. Here are some ways to approach it.

• Let go of trying to figure it out or make sense of it.
• Sit or stand in front of it, and notice what emotions or sensations it evokes in your body. 
• Pay attention to any movement impulses and allow your body to move.
• Let sounds emerge from your movements.
• Explore its rhythm with a drum or other percussive instrument.
• Give it a voice and write down what is says. Ask it: what are you feeling? what do you need?  Write down its answers. Its OK if they don't make sense.
• Create another image in response to it. 
• Prop it up somewhere where you will see it everyday. Keep your curiosity alive and stay with its mystery. 
• Trust that it will reveal itself to you in perfect timing. 

Come to our private FB group to be witnessed and share.  If you are not a member, just answer the qualifying questions and agree to the group rules, and we will welcome you.

With gratitude,

Tamara, Kathleen, and the Expressive Arts Florida Team

We still have a few spots available in our EAFI 110 Dive Into Expressive Arts course! This course is an excellent starting point for your expressive arts journey. It is a core course for our certificate stduents, and we are also offering it as a stand alone workshop for anyone interested in learning more about expressive arts but are not sure you are ready for the whole program.

There are two new in-person workshops coming up, and one of them is an introduction to Playback Theater!

This week we do not have any live in person or online courses as we prepare for next week's Level 1 Certificate Training Program course, EAFI 110 Dive into Expressive Arts.

If you are looking to connect with some creative spirits, we encourage you to take a look at our Alumni Directory! Perhaps someone is close to you that you could reach out to and share in creative space. 

If not, we always have our Facebook group and social media communities to connect with others. 

Alumni Directory

Facebook group 

Instagram

Facebook 

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!

Expressive Arts Discovery Self-study Course

Do you want to connect with the power of your creativity but are reluctant to join a live group until you know what it’s all about?

Experience the power of this Expressive Arts Workshop without having to go anywhere or be live online. You can watch the video, see the demos, and listen to the meditation, all on your own, in your own time.

We have adapted this live workshop for you, so that you can do it whenever you want, wherever you are. You can do it as many times as you like and every time you'll have a brand new experience.

No art or expressive arts experience is necessary!

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. 

NEW!! 

We have 2 brand new workshops coming up! 

We hope you'll join us!

Playback Theater Workshop: Immerse Your Story

Thursday, April 11, 2024

5:00 - 8:00pm edt

In Person

Sarasota, FL

Learn the benefits of Playback Theater in this 3 hour workshop led by Olga Sanachina, accredited trainer of Playback Theater!

In this workshop, you will be introduced to Playback Theater as a tool of social, psychological, and theatrical work. You'll also learn by participating in 1-2 playback theater forms that can be utilized in a professional setting.

Soul-Tending: A SoulCollage® Afternoon Gathering

Friday, May 17, 2024

2:00-5:00pm edt

In Person

Sarasota, FL

Immerse yourself in an oasis of images and discover your intuition and insight! Join us for a grace-filled afternoon of card-making and card-reading in a small community of kindred spirits. Find your own creative calm as your energy magically shifts away from the chaos of your thinking brain, into alignment with the clarity of your Soul's Essence.

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. 

Join us for in person open studio! Bring something you are working on or start something new! In open studio, we gather together in community and create whatever we feel called to create.

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.