Hello Creative Friend,

This weekend was the IEATA Virtual Conference, a follow up to the recent in-person conference in Beverly, MA. We are filled with so much amazement and gratitude for the scope of this expressive arts work in the world. Each of you who read our newsletter are part of this work, each in your own unique way, whether you are a seasoned practitioner or someone just discovering this field, or somewhere in between. And we want to thank you - for your work, your dedication, or your interest. There is room here for each of you.

"I am a balanced evolutionary moment." said this image created during the keynote delivered by Varvara Sidorova entitled "Wholeness, Unity, and Diversity".

Expressive Arts is a core body of work and a strong voice in the world, celebrating diversity and unity, doing its best to come from a global perspective, and honoring the human and more-than-human world. There are many theoretical and practical approaches to the work, all sharing a common core. There is space for each practitioner’s unique voice and perspective, and we encourage each of you to keep developing your own as we collectively contribute to the greater good. 

In the final keynote of the conference, with Markus Scott-Alexander, these images and words were inspired by the question, "how do we move forward?"

I can take time, be mindful, hold warmth.

I can remember that the path is circular, not linear. I can be kind, to myself and others.

What do you love? Working with groups or individuals? Focusing on healing, or personal growth, mindfulness, or connecting with your creativity? Or are you drawn to community building or social action? Are you a therapist doing deep healing work or a facilitator who wants to provide experiences to enhance wellness and personal growth? Or do you see expressive arts as a mindfulness practice that you love sharing with others? Are you perhaps incorporating expressive arts into another profession, such as spiritual direction or classroom teaching, or hospice work?

One of our greatest joys as teachers is to witness our alumni developing their own approaches, and offering their unique workshops, classes or individual sessions that uphold the core principles we have taught them, enhanced by their own unique ideas.

And together we can do so much in the world. 

This past week we had our first live Mindful Art Play Members Club session. Thank you to all who joined us. The new lesson is available now and we look forward to exploring together at the end of the month in the next live! See below for more information. 

We are excited to announce we have a new online SoulCollage® workshop featuring Diane Lampitt on August 20th! In SoulCollage® Playing with a Full Deck we'll find clarity and meaning in our lives through the creation of collage cards while also discussing how a full deck can mirror wholeness and balance. 

Our next in person event is In Person Open Studio on Friday, August 8th! Come join us in person and work on a creative project. We will have supplies and light refreshments available.

On Tuesday (August 19th), we have our next Online Open Studio. Bring a creative project and join us online!

In case you missed it, we have decided to reschedule Sand, Soul and Metaphor: An Expressive Arts Therapy Journey and offer it as a single day training. We are looking at dates now so stay tuned!

If you would like to share any part of your creative practice, we invite you to do so in our private Facebook group.

To see a schedule of all upcoming events, courses and workshops visit our calendar of events here.

Therapy Services

Tamara is accepting new clients in Florida seeking therapy services and support using expressive arts to heal and grow. Using her years of creative practice and a compassionate approach, she is able to help clients access their inner strengths and create the change they most want in their lives. To inquire about services, you can go HERE, call/text 941-444-9585 

or email tknappcounseling@gmail.com

Tamara Teeter Knapp

MA, NCC, LMHC, REACE®

Kathleen Horne

MA, LMHC(S), REACE®, REAT®

www.expressiveartsflorida.com