Hello Creative Friend,

We wish each of you a smooth transition into 2026, however you have chose to usher in the New Year. We hope that you will make space in your life for your own unique creative practice, for the pursuit and realization of your meaning and purpose, and for the gifts of your imagination. 

I (Kathleen) have intended, for some time, to become more consistent, accountable, and intentional in my personal expressive arts practice. I also want to share more widely with others how an arts practice can reveal our inner wisdom and offer guidance and support on our deep questions and life journeys. To that end, in November I began an intentional arts-based inquiry which I am sharing Image as Wisdom Path on Substack. Although it is stretching me to put myself out there like this,  after a few months of consideration, it felt like a definite 'yes' to take that step. My overall inquiry question is how to best navigate this phase of my aging process. If you would like to witness my process, you are invited to follow me here. Here is a collection of the images so far. Each one has a powerful message for me. The larger mandala had this to say:

There are always new delights, fresh perspectives, creative projects - closer to your heart than ever before - arriving in the open space that something old has left behind. Celebrate them.

Over the past several months, I have experienced a strong pull to bring together an exploration how to navigate aging (my biggest question) and expressive arts (my greatest strength). In addition to "image as wisdom path"  I have created the Heart of the Elder workshops, which began with the first deep and nourishing workshop yesterday. I am pretty open to wherever the energy of all this takes me. There are so many of us - women in elderhood finding our way through outworn stereotypes and outdated expectations, changing the narrative and living as empowered, truth-telling  elders. 

I know that there is quite a group of you on the waiting list to get into these online sessions. I ask for your patience.  I will be announcing additional dates, as the interest is there. If you would like to be notified of openings, new dates, or registration for the in-person sessions beginning in February, please scroll down to use the appropriate links.

Do you have an intention to guide you into 2026? Our online workshop is on Thursday!                                        If you can't attend, here is a simplified version.

Create the image. Hear the message. Claim the intention for 2026

• Contemplate the terrain of your life in 2025
• Ground yourself firmly in the present, with an awareness of where you have been, and a sense of where you are going.
• Imagine shooting an arrow forward into the upcoming year. It carries your desires, goals, dreams.
• Go to your art materials and create a spontaneous image.
• Give your image a voice, and do some free writing.
• From the writing, craft an intention. Use present tense, active voice, such as "I embody, I embrace, I claim". Distill your intention down to a sentence, Put it in a prominent place and keep it in your mind and heart.

We’re offering 40% off our self-study course Art as a Healing Practice, plus special pricing on our two brand new mini retreats: A Moment to Breathe and Harvesting Gratitude!

See all our upcoming offerings here!

 Each course contains 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!

Featured Self-Study Course

Mandala: Universal Symbol of Transformation