Dear Creative Friend,

This week we gathered with alumni of our certificate program, continued with internships, and released the new lesson in Mindful Art Play - Levels and Layers. As I (Tamara)  reflect,  I think it is sort of a funny name for a lesson but it seemed to fit in many ways and one of them is the amazing work that our students and graduates are sharing expressive arts in their communities. It feels like layers to me, or ripples perhaps! 

As I painted and drew with my new favorite acrylic markers, I explored layering paint on top of paint, pen below or on top of paint, pen on top of marker on top of paint, etc. What I noticed as I painted layers upon layers was that I entered my interior on a deeper and deeper level with each layer. Sometimes we say "expressive arts can take us to deep places" and this is what we mean. Each layer of paint or each transfer to another modality, opens up our awareness to more of our inner experience. We become increasingly sensitive to what our inner experience is and develop a direct pathway to colors, movements, lines, shapes, words to express our experience externally. 

Developing the capacity for increased sensitivity to the nuances of our inner experiences is what allows us to know what we need and ask for it. We call this interoception - perception of the interior. This term is used in the medical field to refer to awareness of the body's signals such as hunger and thirst and to describe the mind-body connection. 

Through expressive arts practice, when we are in tune with our inner life, we are better able to communicate authentically and honestly with others, build connection, and enter the world around us with clarity and confidence. As our dexterity grows, so do other things like self-trust and self-efficacy and our mental health improves. 

There is so much to share about this topic, but I wanted to offer you the invitation to explore your own levels and layers. You might do that through the MAP lesson this month, or you might start making marks with paint or pens and see what happens. Make one layer, then put something on top of that, then again and again. As you continue adding layers, notice how you might slow down and become more focused inwardly or what awareness emerges as you continue to enter different levels of awareness within. Continue until it feels complete or satisfying to you. Write about what you notice. 

If you would like to be witnessed, you can share in our private FB group, here. 

Also, waitlists for the following courses are now available:

• Creative Parts Work: Integrating Expressive Arts Therapy & Internal Family Systems - This course is now full but we will offer it again. Please add your name to the waitlist if you're interested.
• Heart of the Elder - Kathleen will be offering these courses again. Add your name to the waitlist here.

In case you missed it, tomorrow is the last day to get the Art Bundles for Good #10 collection! Get over 100 art classes valued at more than $5,000, all for one low price in support of a great charity. 

You’ll get inspiring courses on watercolor painting, art journaling, sketching, mixed media, drawing, abstract art, acrylics, collage, pastel pencils, and much more. Everything you need to spark your creativity and grow your skills.

Tomorrow is the last day this specific bundle of art classes will be offered and the sale ends tomorrow (Monday) at midnight (New York time).
 

Click the link below to see a list of classes offered & to purchase.

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.

Featured Self-Study Course

Art as a Healing Practice

 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!