Hello Creative Friend,

This past week, we gathered with thirteen students for Foundations of Expressive Arts, a 25-hour training that explores the intersection of our personal creative paths with the history and principles of the expressive arts field. As with last week’s intensive, I (Kathleen) am basking in the fullness and depth of the experience—the kindness and connection that blossomed within our carefully held container, and the hope for the world that arises from such authentic, heartfelt creative community.

What is the creative path that has led you to your connection with the expressive arts? You might enjoy exploring this more deeply by writing a list of your own creative steppingstones, as our students did this week. (If you have the Art as a Healing Practice workshop, you’ll find an entire lesson devoted to this reflection.)

We encourage each of our students to discover their own authentic approach to the expressive arts—one that grows from their unique creative history and passions, while being grounded in the foundational principles and practices of the field.

We are continually inspired by our students. Each person arrived with full presence and openness, engaging wholeheartedly in deep personal exploration and in a sequence of expressive processes drawn from the teachings of Natalie Rogers, Shaun McNiff, Daria Halprin, Markus Scott-Alexander and other beloved pioneers. Together, we also shared and facilitated our own approach, weaving these traditions into an experience that was both personal and collective. There is such beauty is witnessing the threads of wisdom that are continually being woven through generations of practitioners, creating a tapestry of love and belonging, and creating the ground for new innovative practices to emerge. 

I am filled with gratitude for our teaching team and community! Alongside Tamara and I, Julie Collura, LCSW, REAT, of CreativeChangeWorks in Portland, OR. was our Assistant Faculty.  Marién Peña, PhD, REACE, of HeartCentered in Sanford, FL,  joined us as our studio assistant. Both Julie and Marién are EAFI alumni—Julie also serves as a mentor for our students—and each brings a rich blend of creative history, passion, and specialized training to their work. Click their links to learn more about each of them.

As you reflect on your own journey, consider these questions: What do you bring to your expressive arts practice? How has your own creative history unfolded up until now? What have you received / are receiving / will receive  from your teachers? How do these threads intersect and shape your path? Take these reflections into your art, and gently witness what arises.

If you would like to share with us, you can do that in our private Facebook group here. 

Our next in-person expressive arts intensive - Expressive Arts as a Wisdom Path: A Journey of Creative Transformation will be in April. Details will be available soon. Our next online intensive - Expressive Arts for Body Mind Spirit - is in January. Let us know if you would like to learn more. 

Honoring your path and grateful for your presence, 

Kathleen, Tamara,  and the Expressive Arts Florida Institute Team

In case you missed it, we have a brand new Expressive Writing series starting in just 2 weeks on November 10th! This is a 5 week series following the Amherst Writers and Artists method taught by Anne Hofland. Join us and discover the art of writing as a timeless path to self-expression, healing and creative transformation.

We have just a few spots left for our Sand, Soul and Metaphor online training happening November 15th. This training integrates Expressive Arts Therapy, Play Therapy, and Sand Therapy into an immersive experience, offering innovative and creative ways to support your clients’ growth and healing.

Tomorrow is 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.

This Tuesday 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