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Dear Creative Friend, Have you heard of the term 'third place'? It is a term that was coined by Ray Oldenbrug in 1989 to refer to a place that is not our home, which is the 'first' place or our work place which is the 'second.' It is a third place that "is like home, but almost better" because it offers us a place to " put aside worries and concerns and
simply enjoy the company and conversation around them. gather in community, form connections". (Ray Oldenburg. RSS. (n.d.). https://www.pps.org/article/roldenburg) We began Open Studio many years ago (12?) by opening our doors every Wednesday morning when we (three co-founders and owners) met to make art. Every week people came and made art along with us. For years. Then the pandemic started and we gathered online. Since 2022 we have been gathering again every month together and although it is not home and technically it is my (Tamara) work, it feels more like
a home and certainly not like work! It is an amazing place to be with others who are playing around with art materials, catching up on current life events, and discovering what is unfolding within. It is a place of psyhological safety, care, and common interest in feeling seen and heard. It is the birthplace of new ideas born out of exploration, imagination, and encouragement. This is the type of place we all need - a place to gather and grow together. Although I know many of you are not here in our town, my hope is that every circle we open feels welcoming and supportive to you - online or in person. Expressive arts has its own way of holding us, too, and there is something remarkable that happens when we allow ourselves to engage in it with others. I invite you to find a friend or family member (or two) to gather with this week and make art. What happens when you take your practice to others and share time with them engaged in a creative process? Maybe you do something collaborative, or maybe you each do your own thing but together in one place. Notice what arrives for you -maybe something a little "extra". We also have an online gathering Wedesday if you would like to join us. Wherever you gather, may it feel like home to your soul and bring you peace and joy. I grow, twist, elongate, sway intertwine, curve, undulate Surrounded by lush forest mystery containing warmth I am cellular sinuous organic evolution |
Here's what's coming right up! Whether you're looking to deepen your practice, learn new skills or stay connected in community, we have something for you. Guided Meditation in Expressive Arts Practice (live online) with Kathleen Horne, LMHC, REACE, REAT & Tamara Knapp, MA, NCC, LMHC, REACE - June 26, 2026 | 12:00-5:00 pm ET - Discover how to use guided
meditation as an entryway into the expressive arts process. In this 5 hour workshop you will learn the basics of creating a guided meditation, you'll create your own scripts, lear how to integrate somatic awareness and be given time to practice with others. 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. Imagining the Sacred - Deep Calls to Deep: Exploring Longing (live online mini retreat) with Tamara Knapp, MA, NCC, LMHC, REACE & Renee Bhatia, MDIV - June 17, 2026 | 6:00-9:00pm ET - In this workshop, you will deepen your understanding of the relationship between creativity and spirituality. Through guided meditation,
artmaking, movement, and sound exploration, we will explore how the expressive arts can open us to deeper connection; with ourselves, with our longings, and with the sacred presence that calls us toward greater awareness, meaning, and aliveness. *This course is the first in a 3-part series. You can purchase all 3 courses at a discounted rate by clicking here. 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. |
Featured Self-Study Course |
Cultivating Self-Compassion Through expressive arts practice, discover a creative approach to cultivate self-compassion. Consult your own inner knowing as you move through a simple, nourishing experience that will include nature-witnessing, guided meditation, visual art, movement, sound, writing, as well as powerful forms of witnessing. *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! |
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, Tamara, Kathleen, and the Expressive Arts Florida Institute Team |
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