Class Description

Young children keep an open channel to their deeper selves with play, fantasy, and heart. They do this with seemingly little effort given the materials that help them express themselves. Children make art in a natural mindful state. For adults, making art with words and media can be a minefield. Our distraction with getting it right or making it look good can get in the way of being squarely in the moment with all our senses activated, and our bodies engaged with the materials before us. Collaged creation and writing can tap into our deeper minds, placing us in touch with ourselves and the world around us. By applying our mindful practices to the artful spirit, workshop participants will create a personal collage and explore its symbology with word crafting.  

All materials will be provided and no special art or writing skills are necessary.

Registration:  8:30 - 9:00

Presentation: 9:00 - 12:30

Participants will:

   • Deepen their understanding of the connection between creativity and mindfulnes.

   • Practice playful creation through collage-making, art and writing.

   • Explore symbolism in images for hidden messages to uncover connections, paths and solution;

   • Experience sharing collage art in community with others.

   • Have fun.

“The right side of the brain is associated with creativity, intuition, visualizing, emotions and daydreaming, among other things. Most of us don’t use it enough because we’re socialized to be logical and rational, thinking in terms of rules, goals, planning and structure. But, we can tap into that creative right brain—art is just one of the many ways of doing so.” 

Art and Mindfulness: Art Can Shock Us Into the Present Moment, at www.themindfulword.com 

Presenters:

Anthony Quaglieri, Ph.D., is a licensed mental health counselor, board certified life coach, teacher, writer, and artist.  He has maintained a private psychotherapy practice in Tampa for over 30 years.  He enjoys working with people through a integrative approach employing elements of mindfulness, body/mind awareness, yoga theory and practice, psychodrama and arts therapies.   

Debra Marrs is a creativity and writing coach, an award winning writer, editor and coach for writers with 30 years’ experience as a workshop presenter. A former instructor at the University of South Florida, Debra offers writing courses that open people to their inner creativity through meditative practice combined with experiential learning. Her articles have appeared in many mainstream publications.