|
|
May the frames of your belonging be large enough for the dreams of your soul. John
O'Donohue Dear Creative Friend, This morning I am thinking about community and belonging. Do you have an expressive arts community? Or do you feel like you are doing this work in isolation? If you are new to the field, do you
wonder how to explain it to others who don't know what it is? Many of us have had the experience of participating in a workshop, or completing a training, and then wondering: And now what? How do I extend this feeling of deep connection, shared language and experience, when no one else in my immediate circle practices, or even understands, expressive arts process? To this day, some of my very closest friends are those I met in the training program I attended. "What we belong to belongs to us" James Conlon Upon completion of my first summer of expressive arts training in 1996, I was
encouraged by one of my teachers to join the recently formed International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA). I did, and attended my first conference a few months later. Over
all the years between then and now, I have maintained my membership, attended almost all of the conferences, and presented at most. I was asked to join the board in 2007, as REACE Co-Chair, and I maintained that position for several years. After that, I was invited to become a Board Advisor, and in 2023-24 I was deeply honored to be selected as the Shining Star Award recipient. Back in 1996, I didn't know anyone else in my local area practicing expressive arts. and IEATA was my container and my
community. All these years later, it still is, even though I have a rich and diverse community of colleagues. I look at our EAFI circle as held by the IEATA circle. Yesterday was our IEATA Board Meeting. Tamara and I are both Board members. Being with all these beautiful people from around the globe, and witnessing the passion and creativity of this almost-all volunteer organization opens my heart. Within this group photo of radiant faces,
there lives so much dedication to sharing the gifts of the expressive arts with the world. Supportive community and circles of belonging are so essential to our wellbeing, and even more so in times of global divisiveness and unrest. This is true in both our personal and professional lives. I encourage you to consider joining IEATA, if you are not already a member, and
increasing your involvement if you are. Connect with others who speak your heart's language. Attend the monthly member forums, the regional gatherings, the Creative Imaginings book club, and the conferences. Find a mentor, start an online discussion, join a committee, or consider becoming a board member, and get active in shaping and guiding the field. Passport to Transformation: The Expressive Arts as Doorways to Healing, June 20-22, is our upcoming in-person conference at Endicott College in Beverly, MA, USA. and the virtual conference is Aug. 1-2. Tamara and I are presenting, as are several of our EAFI
community members. We would love to see you! A true sense of belonging should allow us to become free and creative, and inhabit the silent depth within us. John O'Donohue Try this: Consider what communities you have in your life. In what ways do they serve you? Where do you
experience the most belonging? What are you longing for? Make an image, move your body, use vocal sound or rhythm. Try one or more modalities. Do some writing. What is the message you receive from this exploration? How might this message guide you? If you would you like to share, you can do that in our private Facebook group. It is a sanctuary for witnessing one another. (If you are a new member, please be sure to answer the questions and agree to the rules. That helps us to hold a safe and welcoming
space.) |
Thank you for reading our newsletter. We hope that by sharing some of our experiences, you will receive something meaningful, whether you are learning about the field, or have been engaged with it for a long time. With love and gratitude, Kathleen, Tamara, and the Expressive Arts Florida
team Note: John O'Donohue quotes are from Eternal Echoes: Celtic Reflections on Our Yearning to Belong, Harper Collins, 1999 James Conlon quote is from At the
Edge of Our Longing, Novalis, 2004
|
We are excited to welcome our students for this week's 4-day training! Registration is closed for this course, but we invite you to take a look at some of our other Certificate Training Program courses happening
later this year! Click here to learn more!
|
|
|
Mark your calendar for these upcoming classes & workshops! Registration is open for all events unless otherwise noted. To see a schedule of all upcoming events, courses and workshops visit our calendar of events here. If you have questions about an upcoming course or event, please email us at admin@expressiveartsflorida.com.
Join Kathleen and our wonderful online creative community to connect and engage, explore, and witness. Click here to learn more!
|
|
Join us for In Person Open Studio and work on a creative project! We have basic art supplies, tea and light snacks. 1031 S. Euclid Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237 Room 9 Click here to sign up!
|
|
|
|
Join Diane Lampitt live online for this 3 hour SoulCollage® workshop where you'll access your intuition and inner wisdom through the creation of collage cards. No previous SoulCollage® experience necessary! Click here to learn more!
|
|
|
|
Thursday, April 17th 7-8:30pm Live Online Expressive Arts Discovery monthly sessions are back! Move through guided meditation, artmaking, writing and witnessing in this 90 minute
workshop. Click here to learn more!
|
|
|
|
|
Self-Study
Bundle
Four Expressive Arts Modules for Creativity and Personal Growth
Discover your own creative wisdom! Dive into our exclusive Expressive Arts Florida Institute Self-Study Bundle and explore FOUR new immersive workshops designed to ignite your creativity, self-expression, and personal growth!
*No prior art or expressive arts experience is necessary. |
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! |
Tamara is accepting new expressive arts therapy clients seeking support using to heal and grow. Using her expertise in expressive arts and a compassionate approach, she helps clients access their inner strengths and create the change they need in their
lives. To inquire about services, you can go HERE,
call/text 941-444-9585 or email tknappcounseling@gmail.com ~Tamara and Kathleen Tamara Teeter Knapp MA, NCC, LMHC, REACE® Kathleen Horne MA, LMHC(S), REACE®, REAT® www.expressiveartsflorida.com |
|
|
|
|
