Meet Shannon Lipan a 2022 graduate of our Certificate Training Program. 

We are excited to feature her as our monthly Alumni Spotlight! 

We think you will be inspired by her work as an Early Childhood Educator, Expressive Arts Facilitator and owner of The Wonder Studio!

Shannon Lipan

B.A.E, M.Ed

St. Petersburg, FL

https://the-wonder-studio.com

Shannon Booth Lipan, based in St. Petersburg, Florida, is passionate about Early Childhood Education and Expressive Arts Education. She founded The Wonder Studio 15 years ago, a small business that offers parent/child arts and science classes for children aged 18 months and older, as well as expressive arts classes for adults.

Shannon, what drew you to the field of Expressive Arts, or motivated you to get Expressive Arts training?

The original mission of The Wonder Studio for the first 8 or so years was to provide play based arts/sciencing classes for young children in a carefully prepared environment that stimulates and provokes the child's innate curiosity. The role of the adults at Wonder Studio was to support and empower the child(ren) to follow their curiosity and make meaning from it and learn from it. 

Often, the feedback from the adult caregivers revolved around them wanting a class like Wonder Studio for themselves (without bringing the children). So, I started looking into what sort of options were out there that involved the same principles I was using in teaching young children. Principles like: empowering the student, freedom, independence, learning through play, process based, mindfulness, etc...I first came upon Touch Drawing with Deborah Koff-Chapin. After attending 2 amazing retreats, I learned about the field of Expressive Arts and specifically about The Expressive Arts Florida Institute suggested by Deborah as a resource for me due to my close proximity. Shortly after, it was Covid. I had to shut down Wonder Studio physically for about 6 mos. I knew I wanted to be immersed in professional development and since EAFI was offering all their teachings with an online Cohort - it felt like the timing was perfect!
 

My EAFI "Ideal Client" collage image

As you began to immerse yourself in this work, were there any unexpected gifts or surprises?

Yes, so many gifts and surprises. New friendships as well as partnerships with other members of my cohort. I loved all the workshops and a myriad of teachers and styles of teaching expressive arts. Simultaneously, while earning my EAFI certificate - my mother’s life was coming to an end. Expressive Arts was a huge gift to me during one of the most difficult times in my life. During my EAFI internship, my mother went on Hospice and died shortly after. My own teaching as well as my personal expressive arts practice kept me afloat during this time. It also provides a visual and written record of this time which I still find so valuable. 

How are you currently implementing expressive arts in your personal and/or professional life?

Currently, I teach once a month Expressive Arts classes at The Wonder Studio. I love offering these groups as it benefits myself as well as my community. The classes are held in person at The Wonder Studio and are open to all. This past year (2024) - I was also able to collaborate with a fellow Expressive Arts professional in offering a healing class for the hurricane victims. One of the highlights of my year. 
 

Wonder Studio - Caregiver with Child

What are your goals in this work, or how do you envision your involvement with EXA unfolding in the future?

My goals include working towards the REACE certificate. I also hope to add in more classes for both Parents and older children at The Wonder Studio. Currently, I only have one space to offer classes at Wonder Studio so it’s difficult to change the environment and create an EXA physical space for adults. I am looking for partnerships with other businesses where I could use their space to teach EXA. 

How has EXA enriched or expanded your career path (if applicable)?

For me, EXA is part of the ways I offer an “Island of Sanity” to the world. I believe adults need a safe place and time to be creative and make meaning from that creativity. It has also helped me to understand the power of expressing oneself at every age. This has expanded Wonder Studio in being able to offer expression to ALL AGES!
 

My Self portrait through Tamalpa life/art process

What is your current personal practice and how does it enrich your life?

My current practice is a daily practice of Meditation and Journaling. When possible, I add in visual arts and movement. I keep a nature journal as well as a watercolor sketchbook. My personal EXA practices are the backbone of how I feel the energy of this life and move through it with joy and intention. Each day - I have so many resources that I can pull from to help me meet my day and my life with courage and confidence. I am so thankful for EXA and how it has enriched my life.

What do you wish you could tell the world about Expressive Arts?

That Art is for Everyone - learning to fall in love with your creative expressions is learning to accept yourself and value what you bring to the energy of life. 
Expressive Arts is a process that truly heals and helps you to see your own wholeness.

Your images and your creations are one of the best ways to learn about who you are and love who you are.
 

A wonder studio Expressive Arts student

What are you currently offering, and what are the ways that people can work with you?

I offer Parent/Caregiver/Child classes at The Wonder Studio for children 18 mos. and Up. I also offer Expressive Arts classes upon request online or in person.

Anything else you would like to say? 

I am so thankful for the EAFI community - the teachers and the fellow alumni. I feel so lucky to be a part of this important work in the world. 

Professional links - Learn more about Shannon

 Website: 

https://the-wonder-studio.com

Instagram:

@thewonderstudio
 

Facebook:

@TheWonderStudio

Email:
tot.wonder.arts@gmail.com 

Phone:

727-667-4090

Watch for our Alumni Spotlight on the 15th of each month. We feature graduates of our Certificate Training Program - Expressive Arts Facilitators, Therapists, and Educators. We hope this series will inspire you, help spread the work of our alumni, and demonstrate the scope of practice of the expressive arts field. 

To see past Alumni Spotlight features & our Alumni Directory visit the link below.

www.expressiveartsflorida.com/art-professional-links

For more information about our Certificate Training Program, Professional Development, and Workshops - both online and in-person, visit us at www.expressiveartsflorida.com

Tamara Teeter Knapp 

MA, NCC, LMHC, REACE®

Kathleen Horne 

MA, LMHC(S), REACE®, REAT®