Art in the Workplace

The workshop will focus on identity and experimentation of materials. We will be using plastic canvas and thread to create portraits or something that relates to identity. Does not need to be figurative. I have been teaching for 10+ years now, and it’s important to keep a few parameters open for self/artistic discovery.

Notice your inner critic for the silly little monster it is, before it becomes big and scary. Participants are led through a simple painting exercise. No art experience is needed. Unaware of what they are painting until the work is almost complete, they will see they have painted a monster.

Use the mandala format to provide participants with a tailored means of self-expression, creative problem solving, interpersonal communication and collaboration, perspective, and stress relief, within the work environment. Mandalas are circular designs used by people around the globe for healing, wholeness, self-expression, and relaxation.

Enrich your life and experience the joy and relaxation of Ikebana, an ancient Japanese art form which promotes creative expression utilizing a range of plant materials -branches, leaves, grasses, and blooms at all stages of growth. Listen to soothing Japanese music as you are introduced to the techniques in creating an Ikebana arrangement including fundamentals of asymmetry, balance and proportion; and the basic philosophy and principles of Ikebana.

For this program, several large puzzle pieces will be provided by the artist (size and number to be determined by the organization and artist). Each piece will be custom designed and sized to fit the display wall or table. The pieces will be cut from wood, sanded and primed prior to the program by the artist.

Participants will each receive an individual puzzle. They will be presented with various materials for decorating the pieces (acrylic paint, collage supplies, stickers, markers, etc.) and instruction on using them. Participants are encouraged to express themselves and really make their pieces their own. They can decorate the pieces with images, words and phrases that represent them (musical instruments, pets, favorite foods, hobbies, interests, etc.). Their puzzle can have a theme/overall design or they may treat each piece as its own design. Once the pieces are complete and dry, the puzzle will be reassembled. Participants will keep their finished puzzle.

In this unique painting experience, we’ll find inspiration in music and our emotional connection to it. Let go of your reservations and be moved by the beat to dance, paint and create! I’ll provide all the supplies, a variety of music and lead the group in an uplifting Artistic and Musical hour.

We will discuss our Collaborative Painting subject, materials and application. Each participant will be given equal square pieces of paper or small canvases. They will be assigned a specific area to paint that is a piece of the full image. Once everyone has completed their squares, we’ll work together to organize the participants’ creations into the final image. The assembled image can be hung at your company or organization.

The session will begin with an explanation of the exercise and materials. The participants will split into groups of 3. Each group receives one large canvas. They will work together to create a planning sketch for their painting.

Gelli Printing is a popular and intriguing mono-printing process that results in unique, beautiful, hand-printed papers filled with color, texture and layers. No artistic skill or talent is required, just a willingness to experiment!