Cultivating Calm through Creativity - Open Studio

Join us for weekly evenings of stress reduction and mindfulness through artful expression. We will embrace the present moment through art.

If you are looking for more time for yourself, this open studio group will be an opportunity for you to de-stress, ground yourself and find quiet, all within the fun and joy of artistic expression.

You will be invited to use simple art materials to help you get away from your stresses and come to a place of feeling grounded and calm. We’ll be creating a virtual safe space that will be your sanctuary for peaceful self-expression.

Each virtual session is facilitated by graduate level student art therapists – light-hearted leaders with professional therapeutic skills – guiding you in your personal self-care journey.

We will offer self-care themed prompts each session. Each session will also offer time for optional sharing and reflecting on your creations.

Please be aware this is not a therapy group. We are happy to provide referrals for low-fee art psychotherapy if required.

The studio is run by the Virtual Art Therapy Clinic. Our graduate level students lead the studios in order to gain experience.

- The virtual open studio is FREE to anyone over the age of 16 who wishes to join.

- Come for one session or attend all (no limit, however we ask that you attend sessions that you sign up for through Eventbrite).

- No previous art experience is necessary!

- Any art supplies, crafts, recycled materials, photography etc., are welcome.

- Begin a new piece each time or work on pieces in progress.

What to expect in your 2 hour session:

- The first 10-15 minutes of each session will be a time to "gather."

- Prompt(s): provided for those who wish to follow it, though you may also work on other art and disregard the prompt. Art-making and writing prompts may be included.

- Closure: Typically the last 20-30 minutes are reserved for building community, discourse, Q&A, and feedback. Participants may share what they made if they wish.

- There will be an opportunity to provide anonymous feedback following the session.

Some ground rules:

- When entering the meeting, please have the name you used to register displayed on your screen.

- Some form of participation is requested. We expect cameras to be on to support community building and a sense of safety.

- We aim for a barrier-free environment and request that you do not use substances during the open studio.

- Disrespectful comments or actions are not acceptable.

*NOTE: Once you register, you will receive an email about 24 hours before the event to access the Zoom meeting.*

If you have any questions, please connect with us at the Virtual Art Therapy Clinic at clinic@ciiat.org.