Our small group wound through narrow cobbled pathways, across colorful plazas, and over many arched canal bridges, following our hosts with excited anticipation. For me, this was a dream I had held onto for years… the chance to visit Venice’s Piazza San Marco. When we stepped through the final archway into the sunlight, I burst into […]

We’ve made it through the Holiday Season!And 2020! Whew.I’m celebrating that, but just yesterday I heard a family member say they were sad the holidays were over. It’s winter grey and we’d love some light right now.Here’s one solution that’s been proven by science: the act of engaging in a creative endeavor can lift your […]

We are all creative beings—this is something that I firmly believe in. As children, we created without inhibition, whether it was coloring a picture on paper, making a mud pie, or maybe we were the child offering some “home renovations” by taking a crayon to the wall… much to our parent’s disapproval!But as we grow up […]

Nature inspires us. Have you noticed how your mood can shift when taking a walk through the woods, or sitting beside a lake shore, or even just admiring a beautiful landscape photograph? There is something about nature that soothes the soul, calms the mind, and cultivates our creativity. I believe that God, “The Master Artist,” created in us […]

What does it take to be an artist? Have you ever wondered that? First, let me say this: we are all creative. Yes, that means YOU! Our souls were made to create. For some of us, that means combining flavors to make a delicious meal for the people we love. For others, that means arranging the decor of a room […]

Art can reduce stress—and science says so. As a long-time art instructor, I can tell you firsthand how engaging in any sort of art-making, whether you are experienced or just a beginner, can lead to decreased stress levels and a welcome distraction from whatever worries you might have. In fact, a study from Drexel University found reduced […]

There’s a thought I have about working with different art materials: Some of them just make your heart beat a little bit faster. When you try them for the first time, it’s almost like falling in love. When I was a very little girl, I got my “start in art” quite by accident. I learned that the […]