Hello Creative Friend,

This week we’re preparing for students to arrive in person for our next course entitled Scope of Expressive Arts. While sorting through some things with my mom, we found this little magnifying glass that looks like a scope. It’s a tiny little device that can be screwed up or down to focus in different ways on something very small. It allows for a very specific view and to move in and out in order to bring it into focus.

In essence, this is how we approach the work in this course because expressive arts can be focused in different ways. We can focus on our own individual process, we can facilitate a process for someone individually, we can provide an experience to build the relationships between two people or a group of people. We can even engage a community to build connection and foster positive change. We have been honored to be part of the Expressive Arts Egypt Festival that culminates today and have been able to witness how expressive arts has evolved over the last few decades in the US and all over the world. What we take away from this experience is how we can collectively focus on what connects us rather than divides us, we can lift each other up, and encourage one another. In this way, our lens is foucsed on what we can do, rather than on what feels impossible.We inspire hope. 

In open studio on Friday this image arrived and looking at it now it feels as if the image provided a portal or a lens through which I could see something that feels expansive and hopeful. I’d invite you to consider how you might clear a space and change your own view of a particular issue or theme in your life. What would happen if you looked at the theme from different perspectives? Maybe moving the magnifying glass in a little closer and then moving it out for a broader view. Playing around with how you focus on it and from what perspective you look at it brings new awareness which can help guide your way. Notice what the image wants to tell you - what message does it have for you? If you would like to share with us, you can do that in our private Facebook group here. 

With gratitude, 

Tamara, Kathleen, and the Expressive Arts Florida Institute Team

This Thursday is the final day to register for our newest SoulCollage® Seeking Wisdom workshop! Discover your own inner wisdom through a series of guided questions and creation of your own collage cards.

The next two weeks we'll be immersed in teaching both new and returning students with EAFI 130 and EAFI 210.

The final week of October, however, is full of live workshops and events!

On Monday, October 27th 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.

On the 28th 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!

Closing out the month 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.

Scroll down to see our upcoming events, trainings, workshops and more! Or 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