Hello Creative Friend,

Our Certificate Training Program began in 2011. In 2012, we offered the first Level 2 course entitled Expressive Arts in the World. Every year since then we have offered this course and welcomed presenters from around the world to share the powerful, healing work they are doing through expressive arts. This week we will offer this course again and welcome ten colleagues who support and inspire their own communities, both locally and globally, as expressive arts practitioners, therapists, educators, facilitators. It is an honor to host them and to include them in the circle with our students who in turn are also bringing healing, hope, and connection to those they serve. 

As we begin the fall season of classes and consider the circles that will form, we are reminded of how long we have been doing this together, how we have formed relationships with other expressive arts practitioners over the years and have witnessed the work grow in a mulititude of ways. On Friday last week, I (Tamara) attended a NOAH event at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. The Arts in Medicine program there is based on an expressive arts model. It is a thriving program that began 27 years ago with a mission of "Nurturing the spirit, Offering comfort and Inspiring hope through the Expressive Arts". It is an amazing program serving patients and families moving through a cancer journey and living with chronic illness.  I toured the facility, heard powerful presentations, and engaged in processes led by the artists-in-residence. I was struck by the many layers of support they offer one another and they provide their patients and families. It was a vibrant web of heartcentered support. I also reflected on the layers of connection I have to people who have served as artists-in-residence there as well as people attending the event. What I felt was a profound sense of gratitude for ALL of the people in my world and the larger world who offer their heartfelt, compassionate, skillful, soulful healing work to others.  

In a world filled with struggle, pain, difficulties, and conflict there are people like you and me gathering, sharing, and rising up with hope for one another. We connect and offer transformation through engagement in the arts and remind one another of our shared humanity. We build resilience, strength, and hope with and for one another. 

I created this image with layers of colorful tissue paper. I was inspired by the collaborative art pieces hanging in the Healing Arts Gallery at Moffitt.  I invite you to try it. Consider something you would like to reflect on, then begin layering colorful tissue using matte medium or glue. Brush glue on the paper, then put tissue down, then brush glue on the top of the tissue. Just listen within and keep going until you feel satisfied. Each layer affects the next one. Each layer adds depth. Each layer supports the one that is placed on top, offering more of a foundation to build on. It can be endless, but you will know when your image is ready. This one says - 

Bright world of wonder

All elements are welcome

Connecting with hope

If you decide to try it and you want to share with us, you can do that in our FB group.  We always love to witness your process. 

We are currently enrolling for our next in person training course EAFI 130: Scope of Expressive Arts - Individual, Group & Community. We have a few spots available for those who would like to take this course as a stand alone workshop. It is in person, in Sarasota, FL, October 14-17. All participants will receive a certificate of completion. LCSW, LMHC & LMFT can submit for CEUs.

Our next In Person Open Studio is Friday, September 19th! Join us and create in community. Supplies and light refreshments are provided.

If you can't make if for the In Person Open Studio we will have Online Open Studio the following Tuesday from 1-4pm.

Monday, September 22nd, is our next Expressive Arts Discovery!  This is a guided expressive arts workshop for self-discovery; helping you connect with your intuition through guided meditation, artmaking, writing and more.

On Monday, September 29th, we have our next Mindful Art Play Live session! These are monthly live sessions for all Mindful Art Play members. We had such a fun time at the last one and I'm looking forward to creating with you all again! If you aren't yet a member, you can still join! Click the button below for more info.

Also, in case you missed it, we rescheduled Sand, Soul & Metaphor: An Intermodal Expressive Arts Journey for Saturday, November 15th! This will now be a single day training rather than a 2 day training. We hope you will join us! CEUs will be offered.

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