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Dear Creative Friend, There is a question from Connie Zweig that is working within me. What is possible in late life? Not what is
possible despite aging—what is possible because of it? —from The Inner Work of Age: Shifting from Role to Soul It’s a subtle but profound turning. Rather than seeing
aging as something to resist, or just put up with, this question invites us to consider it as a condition of possibility. What becomes available because of the years we have lived? In the recent work with The
Heart of the Elder in expressive arts, I (Kathleen) see something ripening that cannot be rushed. Roles loosen. The need to perform softens. There can be a deeper listening—an openness to ambiguity and the imaginal. This is not to idealize aging. Not at all. Loss and change are real companions. And yet there can also be a widening—a capacity to hold grief and gratitude,
endings and beginnings, at once. Expressive arts offers a way to meet this threshold through creative engagement. We begin to sense what is emerging—not something to force, but something already forming. The “heart of the elder” is not
defined by age alone. It is a quality of presence—a way of being in relationship to time and the unknown. It asks less, Who have I been? and more, What is asking to live through me now? Over the past four months, I have created and facilitated seven Heart of the Elder workshops —four online and three in person.
The response has been deeply affirming, pointing clearly to the need for this work. I am now gathering feedback from participants to help shape the next phase of this offering. If you would like to be notified as it emerges, you are warmly invited to join the list here. You are also welcome to follow Image as Wisdom Path, my ongoing self-inquiry on Substack, where my personal expressive
arts practice continues to guide me as I navigate my own elder years.
Intuitive Navigation Image in progress A simple practice (no matter what your age): Set aside 10–15 minutes. Sit with a blank page or take a contemplative walk. Ask
yourself: What is possible in my life now—because of my years, not in spite of them? Respond with words, image, gesture, or color. Let it be enough. If it feels right, also ask: What wants to be expressed now, from the heart of my experience? Stay with what arises, even if it is quiet uncertain, or incomplete. This is how the path reveals itself—not all at once, but in moments of listening, responding, and creating. And perhaps, over time, we begin to discover that aging is not only a passage of loss, but also an initiation into a different kind of presence—one that carries its own wisdom, its own creativity, and its own generative power.
In case you missed the announcement on social media last week, we have teamed up with Art Bundles for Good again and the giveaway is now open! Click the link below and signup for your chance to win over $5000 in art courses. The sale will start
Thursday!
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Also, we are so excited to offer the following brand new events! Whether you're looking to deepen your practice, learn new skills or stay connected in community, we have something for you.
Removing Blocks, Creating New Paths (live online training) with Anin Utigaard MFT, REAT® - May 30, 2026 | 12:00-5:30 pm ET - In this experiential training, you'll explore how expressive arts practices can help reveal, understand, and transform the obstacles that keep us from moving forward. CEU's and Expressive Arts training
hours.
A Moment to Breathe: Tending Your Heart with Art, Meditation and Nature (live online mini retreat) with Kathleen Horne, LMHC, REACE, REAT - June 14, 2026 | 12:00-4:00pm ET - Join us Live online for this gentle, reflective mini-retreat to help you slow down, listen inwardly, and nurture your
heart through creative practice. This experience weaves together art-making, meditation, and nature-based exploration to support emotional well-being and soulful presence.
If you feel called to explore things more deeply, we invite you to join us in one of the upcoming offerings below. |
NEW!!! Save the Date for the following events! Take a look at what's coming up for the rest of 2026! Registration
will open soon for these training workshops.
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Featured Self-Study Course
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Art as a Healing
Practice Transform Your Life through your Own Creative Wisdom "Art as a Healing Practice" is a self-paced, nine-week journey designed to help you connect with your creativity, experience deep personal
growth, and embrace your own creative wisdom. - Certificate of completion
- 12 CEU’s for LMHC, LCSW or LMFT
*No previous art experience
necessary
All self-study courses contain 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!
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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 [email protected]
With gratitude and love, Kathleen, Tamara, and the Expressive Arts Florida Institute Team
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