Hello Creative Friend,

I’m excited to share a brand new program I’m developing: The Heart of the Elder – An Expressive Arts Journey for Women. This offering is truly a labor of love—something I’ve been considering and shaping for quite some time—and I’m delighted to be bringing forward its first phase now.

This idea began germinating about a year ago. I noticed how many of my conversations—with friends, family, colleagues, students, and people I meet here and there—had turned to the subject of aging. Now in my late 70s, I’m also increasingly aware of how my own decisions are shaped by the questions and uncertainties that accompany growing older. I find myself encountering the stereotypes and ageism present in our culture, and of course, also within myself. I seek to fully embrace myself as an elder, and I notice the challenges—external and internal—to staying rooted in that perspective and living my life accordingly.

Being a baby boomer, I’ve been aware for decades that the percentage of older adults in our population would rise significantly as my generation aged. And here we are. Yet our culture still lacks roadmaps and role models for how to be an elder. Too often, older women become “invisible,” or are seen only through the lens of decline rather than honored for our wisdom, perspective, and lived experience.

It’s clear that we need more supportive resources to help us meet and navigate the aging process. And because aging is a lifelong journey, this conversation has relevance for people of any age. Younger generations in Western culture often lack access to the wisdom of elders, and few collective practices support older people in becoming contributing, valued, wise elders. This is, thankfully, shifting as the baby boom generation reaches elderhood, and practices of conscious aging are gaining momentum.

For me, my expressive arts practice has been integral in navigating the health and life challenges that have appeared—sometimes suddenly, sometimes gradually—over the past couple of years. My practice is how I process change and uncertainty, and how I celebrate the freedom and perspective of this time of life. I want to be intentional about this exploration, to come together with others drawn to the inquiry, and to create a structure and container for this work to unfold. I feel called to bring expressive arts (one of my greatest gifts) into my own ongoing journey into elderhood (one of my greatest challenges). I think many others may feel that same call. 

After running a couple of pilot groups and receiving invaluable feedback, I’m ready to step into the first phase of this new program with an open mind and heart, allowing it to evolve organically. It is clear that there is energy, interest, and need. The spark in my own heart is burning brightly, and I am ready to call us together in a spirit of discovery.

The Heart of the Elder: An Expressive Arts Journey for Women is a supportive and creative space to explore what it means to age with meaning, vitality, and authenticity. Here, we honor aging not as diminishment, but as a time of becoming—an opportunity to embrace the essence of who we truly are. Through expressive arts practices—visual art, writing, movement, and nature-based inquiry—we will engage with the full spectrum of the aging journey: grief and loss, shifting identities, physical changes, and uncertainty, as well as renewal, creativity, purpose, and the deep wisdom that comes from lived experience. Together, we will create, reflect, and connect, supporting one another in embracing our own elderhood with consciousness and creativity.

The first step in this unfolding journey will be four live Zoom sessions. If this calls to you, I warmly invite you to join me. I imagine these first four gatherings will reveal what wants to come next— more live sessions, perhaps a self-study component, or even a retreat. I am also planning some in-person sessions in Sarasota.

We’ll begin our journey together in January, gathering once a month. You can join for any single session, or dive into the full series at a reduced rate. Tiered pricing will be available; I don't want anyone to be turned away because of inability to pay. Registration will open soon, and if this speaks to you, I invite you to add your name to the interest list using the button below.

Here are some reflections on the journey of aging, for you to consider, if you wish:

• What does the word 'elderly' conjure up for you? 
• What about the word 'elder'?
• Who were/are the 'wise elders' in your life, and why?
• Whatever your current age, how do you view the aging journey? What are you looking forward to? What do you fear? What do you miss?
• Consider something from the natural world that you consider an elder. A tree? A mountain? Something else? What qualities make them an elder? What can you learn from them?

Respond in writing, visual art, movement, sand tray, or whatever way is meaningful to you. If you would like to share with us, you can do that in our private Facebook group here. 

In other news, our next in-person expressive arts training intensive - Expressive Arts as a Wisdom Path: A Journey of Creative Transformation  is April 14-17, 2026.  

Registration is open for  Expressive Arts for Body Mind Spirit -  January 13-16. And Creative Presence: Expressive Arts for Individuals is happening Feb. 6 and 20.  Let us know if you would like to learn more. 

We also have a brand new in-person SoulCollage® workshop coming up in December! SoulCollage® and the Labyrinth: Celebrating the Winter Solstice will be on Friday, December 12th after In Person Open Studio. Come celebrate the Winter Solstice with us through deep stillness, reflection and renewal.

Tomorrow the 17th, we have our favorite guided workshop, Expressive Arts Discovery! Through guided meditation, artmaking, writing and more you'll discover what's waiting just below the surface to be discovered. 

On Tuesday, the 18th we have our next Online Open Studio with Kathleen. This event is donation based and a wonderful way to create in community from the comfort of wherever you are!

And on the 24th we have our next live Mindful Art Play workshop with Tamara. This is a time for MAP members to come together and practice what they've learned in the membership.

Our annual Intention Setting - in person in Sarasota is scheduled for Friday Dec. 19, 10-12:30 a.m. and registration is open.

Scroll down to see our upcoming events, trainings, workshops and more! Or visit our calendar of events here.

With gratitude for your presence, 

Kathleen, Tamara,  and the Expressive Arts Florida Institute Team

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