Creative Mindfulness in Times of Stress- A Virtual Workshop

Have you ever experienced being so immersed in a creative activity that you’ve lost track of time? This happens because creative activities such as art-making, crafting, or gardening ease us into a meditative state by enhancing our capacity for focus, concentration, inner peace, and calm.

Led by Karen Arsenault, Cancer Survivor, and Long-time Healing Garden Client. Karen’s interest in meditative mandalas, her love of watercolors, and a deep belief that true calm comes from immersing one’s self in the creative process have converged into a technique she’ll share with Healing Garden clients during a virtual watercolor workshop.

Participants will need a basic understanding of watercolor painting. We’ll be working with simple shapes and watercolor techniques to create a unique abstract piece.  The project is process-orientated and relaxing!

You will need a quiet place to work free from distractions during the workshop and you’ll need the Zoom app installed on your computer for the interactive sessions.

Supplies* needed for this workshop include:

• An assortment of good quality watercolor paints
• Watercolor brushes in assorted sizes (1” flat, ½” flat, rounds)
• Watercolor paper 140 lb, sized 14 x 14 to 16 x 16 inches square, plus a few scraps
• Permanent black marker (Sharpie, Pigma Micron)
• Permanent white marker (Sharpie)
• One or more of the following to add texture to your work: plastic wrap, waxed paper, or bubble wrap
• Paper towels and a container for water (quart-sized is best)
• Optional: glitter glue for later in the process

* If you don’t have your own supplies at home, there are a limited number of kits available for registered participants to sign out for the month-long program.  The kit includes paint, brushes, markers, and a sheet of watercolor paper.  You can reserve a kit with Kelly when you register.

If you are planning to purchase supplies for yourself, please email Karen Arsenault directly if you have supply questions or need guidance: kfarsenault@gmail.com

Schedule

The workshop is comprised of four modules, to be emailed on Fridays Oct 2, 9, 16, and 23. Each module includes clear instructions with color photos and tips, as well as links to helpful websites.  Participants will work at their own, relaxed pace and on their own schedule between Zoom sessions.

There will be five Zoom sessions, all on Thursdays at 3:00, lasting 30 – 45 minutes each.

• Orientation & Overview: October 1
• Module Follow-up Sessions to ask questions and share: October 8, 15, 22, and 29

To Register email, Kelly.  Please state in the email if you will need to borrow a Healing Garden Art Supply Kit.

More about the Facilitator:  A metastatic cancer survivor since 2011, Karen Arsenault has found the creative process invaluable in navigating the fear and uncertainty of the cancer journey.  Through the many expressive arts workshops she has attended, Karen developed a passion for watercolors and now gives back by facilitating workshops and donating her art in several forms to The Healing Garden.