Wild Heart Expressive Arts Teacher Directory
I began my Wild Heart Expressive Arts Teacher Training Program in 2007 because I had so many folks contacting me from all over the country… and the world… looking for recommendations for intuitive painting teachers. And I knew of a few good people.But there just weren’t enough to meet the growing hunger that I was hearing for this kind of approach to creativity, self expression and self care.
So I started my own program that was designed to teach women how to gain the confidence and the skills to get out there and start offering classes, workshops and retreats that use the expressive arts.
I am really excited and PROUD to announce that I have a new crop of teachers that I trained and can personally recommend as incredibly creative, compassionate and competent at establishing the kind of environment that will allow you and your creative self to grow and shine.
Hopefully one of these fabulous women is somewhere close to you. They have all included contact information with their bios, so don’t hesitate to call or email and find out how you can wok with them to help you to become more of your fabulous creative self !
Teacher Training Spotlight
Wild Heart Teacher Spotlight: Amy Alaman
What I am most excited about is just sharing this process with other women, especially other black women and people who are often left out of wellness and healing practices. This process of reconnecting with self through art has been the greatest gift in my life, and I am just so grateful to get to share it with others. With so much violence and negativity happening in the world, having spaces to just exist with ourselves and be in community with others is more important than ever.
Erin Bartolotta
I kept seeking creativity out because of the freedom and soul it offered me … I majored in art at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL spending my time making crazy sculptures out of clay and painting thickly. I went off to Japan seeking more freedom and play and found myself studying pottery and painting for two years in Fukui Prefecture, Japan. I also was lucky enough to study batik in Indonesia. I came back to the U.S. and designed and taught a course for children entitled “Art Around the World.” Later, I got my Masters in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and I somehow even managed to bring creativity into that experience – my thesis was centered around using art with language learners.
I still play with creativity today … I am experimenting with dying silk scarves with botanicals. In addition, I have always been interested in psychology and personal growth almost as much as I am interested in creativity. I serendipitously found Chris Zydel’s Wild Heart Expressive Art’s Teacher Training program and fell in love with it. I loved the freedom of the intuitive painting I was taught. I completed Chris’s teacher training program with so much gratitude for what I had stumbled into. Here truly was a method of approaching creativity that embraced freedom and play and fostered self awareness! In a big way, I had come home.
Master Facilitator of Intuitive Painting and Expressive Arts
(Wild Heart Expressive Arts Teacher Training Program)
B.A. Studio Art (Augustana College, Rock Island IL)
M.A. TESOL (Monterey Institute of International Studies, Monterey, CA)
Contact Information
- Phone: (630) 888-5358
- Email: karmalotta@hotmail.com
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
Emilie Collins
Since that time, I have converted my garage into an art studio, and not only given myself permission to be creative, but have taught students in my Wednesday night painting groups to open themselves to their own depths and truths.
I have been described by friends and students as a “compassionate person who sees other individual’s light and champions them”.
By being a part of my classes or workshops, you will, hopefully, come away feeling completely safe and cared for, never criticized, and allowed to freely explore and express who you are and your unique gifts. You will create in an atmosphere of fun, light-heartedness (possibly giggling until you sides ache), as well as an environment which honors your deep self.
I trust that you have the wisdom and knowledge of your own truths. In this painting environment you will be allowed and guided, through the creative process, to reveal these truths to yourself. I look forward to sharing this magical art space with you.
Contact Information
- Email: collinsemilie@yahoo.com
- Location: Pottsboro, Texas
Kathy M. Davis
She recently acquired an Expressive Arts Certificate from Chris Zydel’s training program and offers intuitive painting groups and individual creative support in the Bay Area.
She is excited about the possibility of working with you as you delve into the expansive magical journey of your creative Spirit and unique Aliveness.
Contact information
- Phone: (510) 507-1591
- Email: katmd@earthlink.net
- Location: Berkeley, CA
Meg Ellis
She’s partnered over the years with premier coaching and training organizations to help people grow. Two are Executive Edge of Silicon Valley and JDA international. Clients include Morgan Stanley, GE Financial, Apple, Genentech, and many others.
She offers Expressive Arts Process PlayShops™ and attracts others wanting to access talents, to work with emotions, to discover insights for growth, to trust intuitive messages, to explore their creativity, and to manifest their potential.
Meg graduated from Chris Zydel’s Creative Juices Arts’ facilitator training. Meg, who was a participant for years, claims it’s a fun, powerful and satisfying way to grow!
Meg also practices astrology. She has studied with astrologers Rio Olesky, Chris McCrae, Jodie Forrest, and currently with Robert Corre in his 2-year program. She belongs to a monthly astrology group that attracts other respected teachers.
Meg holds a B.S. Mathematics summa cum laude, M.A. Transpersonal Studies, MBTI Master Certified Practitioner, Master Facilitator of Intuitive Painting and the Expressive Arts. She’s attended Newfield Network Coach’s Training programs, Institute of Cultural Affairs 10 day residential program, Aaron Kipnes’ 5-day Gender Diplomacy program, and Stuart Heller’s Walking your Talk programs.
Contact information
- Email: Meg@megellis.com
Lucia Gardner
MILAGRO ARTS AND HEALING STUDIO
*Letting Your Soul Out to Paint
I come to the intuitive painting process with 30 years of training and experience as a healer, midwife, bodyworker, shaman, teacher and artist. I offer to keep you company as you journey deep inside yourself through the rich, colorful, informative and mysterious terrain of your soul.
Intuitive Painting has offered me time to explore my own issues of loss, illness, childhood wounds around expression and creativity, joy, laughter, re-awakening to a new career path and an uncovering of my ceaseless desire for pleasure and fun. Painting with others in the studio, either in weekly classes, day-long or weekend workshops, is supportive and encouraging to each others’ creative discoveries – and it is really fun!! I am excited to offer you full permission to laugh and cry and explore through paint as you connect deeply with yourself and your soul’s longings. Welcome to the Milagro Art Studio where plenty of paint, paper and possibilities await you!
Contact Information
- Phone: (801) 595-6335
- Email: luciawgardner@hotmail.com
- Web: www.milagroartsandhealing.com/
- Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Nadine Hamil
Artful Dreamers Studio
Throughout my life I have been drawn to uncover my creativity and self expression to help build my self esteem and confidence. I have been lead to work with a variety of healing and artistic modalities to encourage and nurture myself and to get in touch with my inner life, shedding what I no longer need.
I believe I am here to help people heal themselves through their intuition and go deeper into the wisdom of their body. I feel myself come alive helping others express themselves through creativity, play, movement, laughter and fun as a way of reaching deeper into themselves and perhaps recovering forgotten parts.
Intuitive Painting is helping me soften the voice of the inner critic and is inspiring me to see the light that I am and accept my whole self. Through trusting my intuition it is becoming easier to be bold, take action, and realize mistakes are creative opportunities for silliness and transforming heaviness to light, lead to gold…alchemy.
Education:
Master Intuitive Painting & Expressive Arts Facilitator
Private Art Instruction for the Young & Young @ Heart
Facilitator for Women’s Workshops
Reiki Master
Montessori Teacher
Contact Information
- Phone: (561) 901-1446
- Email: nadine@artfuldreamers.com
- Web: www.artfuldreamers.com
- Location: Tacoma, Washington
Laura Hansen
Contact Information
- Phone: (619) 223-9600
- Email: laura@artandsoul.us.com
- Web: artandsoul.us.com
- Location: San Diego, California
Breen Jenkins
I am a mother of three grown children and was a dancer and nurse in my past life.I enjoy bringing my life experience to my students and also focusing on the practice of developing presence.
Contact Information
- Email: breenlouise@mac.com
- Location: San Anselmo, California
Linda Kennedy
Intuitive Painting and Expressive Arts Facilitator
Creating things has always been a part of my life. As a young child I drew and painted and played with clay, always encouraged by my parents. In kindergarten, I first learned about creating “the right way”, the inner and outer critic…HOWEVER… this really never stopped me!
While I have had lapses when doing the creative thing was very much in the background, the creative spirit has always been something I have returned to like an old friend. It is my comfort zone.
I studied art in school and became discouraged by the process at some point while getting a degree in teaching. I never envisioned I could actually facilitate and encourage the creative spirit in others, although I knew that is what I truly wanted to do…just had not found the right “vehicle”.
I traveled far and wide as a flight attendant, finally settling down to marry and have a family. I used my role as a mom as an excuse to be silly and creative! This eventually evolved into many creative pursuits from drawing and painting to clay and collage.
And now I have come full circle, back to the original teaching role, facilitating and encouraging creativity as well as immersing myself in the wonderful creative stew.
Education:
B.S, degree Wayne State University Detroit, MI
Master Intuitive/Expressive Arts Facilitator
Wild Heart Expressive Arts Teacher Training Program 2010
Contact Information
- Phone: (912) 663-3373
- Email: l.kennedy@yahoo.com
- Location: Richmond Hills, Georgia
Ellen Morrison
Contact Information
- Web: http://www.soulstudios.org/
- Location: Oakland, California
Corinne Gilman
A sacred space to express yourself freely without judgment from others.
An incubator for you to explore your about ideas yourself and how you would like to be in the world.
A joyful place to express your dreams and ideas through painting, journaling, collage, mixed media, movement and laughter. Lots of laughter!
An expansive space that evolves with you and the others who form this community in a more organic way to meet the creative needs of those who experience Sparkle Days studio.
After 30 years in the marketing/communications industry I longed to re-invigorate my life. I was searching for meaning and a way to move forward in the world through community with like minded people.
I found Chris Zydel and Creative Juices Arts
and haven’t looked back. As a Master Facilitator
of Intuitive Painting and Expressive Arts
(Wild Heart Expressive Arts Teacher Training Program)
I have found my heart, have found my home
and I would love to share it with you.
Won’t you join me on this adventure?
It will be a heart opening ride.
Contact Information
- Phone: 978-807-2733
- Web: www.sparkledaysstudio.com
- Web: www.dosfishes.blogspot.com
Linda Puerner-Fischer
When asked what I wanted to be when I grew up there was never any hesitation. I was going to be an artist. My intention and my heart’s desire were one, but something happened. As the years went by a slow eroding process of inner critic and expectations of adulthood changed my direction. I did go on to school and studied fine art at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design but found that the more education I received the less joy I experienced. My own inner critic was hard at work, the fear of failure too great. I turned my back on my need to create in exchange for more practical pursuits.
I found my way to the field of Nursing out of a desire to help others but lost the most important part of myself, my creative voice.
This is my journey; I know what it feels like to be lost. I know what it feels like to long for something that you believe is beyond your reach.
My life changed when I discovered the healing power of process painting. Process is where it is at for me. I am alive when I am painting with my whole being, engaged with color, shape and image. The freedom that comes with letting go of expectations and outcomes is a learned sensation that now permeates every aspect of my life. I entered into the Wild Hearts Teacher’s Training hoping to reconnect with the joy of my creative nature but received so much more. I have learned to trust myself and navigate from the heart. I now have a clear vision of what I want to create in my life.
Firefly Expressive Arts is an expression of all that I am. I am excited to share the gifts of creative renewal and self-discovery in my own community. Process painting is all about the expression of our lives, deep self-awareness and empowerment. I offer these gifts to you. Come and join me. Dare to be wildly creative and alive. Take a chance. Chase Fireflies……..
Contact Information
- Web: linda@fireflyexpressivearts.com
- Phone: 920-220-1972
- Loction: Fort Atkinson Wisconsin
Damini Celebre
Paint from the HEART- Move from your Soul!
Visionary Arts + Shamanism
I still have my very first oil painting of Snoopy dancing. Looking at that painting brings me such joy, not because of how well it was done, but because of how happy it makes me feel!
Connection with my creative spirit has always been essential for me — it’s what keeps me alive and thriving. Since a very young child I have taken art classes, have a fine arts degree and have joyously explored the range of the creative muse, however she speaks to me.
I have taught at schools, colleges, and community centers over the years. Practice Oriental medicine and Shamanism for almost twenty years.
Creativity, Movement + Spiritual work — I have come to understand we are all the same life-giving creative energy. Reintroducing folks back to their creative energies is what I love to do best!
In 2009 — I was told to “Do painting from the Heart” in a dream. I found Chris Zydel “Painting from the wild heart” and shortly after that I joined her teachers training program.
I have been struggling most of my adult life to be an “Artist” — to live and breathe the creative muse. I have come to realize that I was looking outside of myself all those years. Intuitive painting made me realize over all that time I was just trying to come back to my inner Self — to realign with my soul and infuse with my muse, I am happy to say I have come back home, to my creative intuitive magical integrated Self. You can too!
I am delighted to officially call myself a Master Facilitator of Intuitive Painting and Expressive Arts. Come and paint with me, connect with that vital creative energy in you.
Creativity is OUR birth rite!
It is that energy that allows us to THRIVE.
Know your Heart. Love your Life!
Contact Information
- Web: BrushHeart.com
- Email: damini@BrushHeart.com
- Phone: 610-251-9880
- Location: Philadelphia area
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/BrushHeart
Carolyn Eitel
I am an energy worker, expressive artist, a sometimes actress and a lover of life.
I adore glitter nail polish, being silly and being with good friends.
I believe that life is a joyful journey and that we have the ability to accomplish anything.
That creativity is welling up inside all of us and we need to tap into that source.
Just Paint and Paper
Contact Information
- Web: justpaintandpaper.blogspot.com
- Email: justpaintandpaper@gmail.com
- Phone: 307-267-4329
- Location: 232 East Second Street, Casper WY
Nan Weed
Intuitive Painting is the core – developing creative freedom and discovering the spiritual aspects of creative practice. I integrate movement, meditation, and visualization into the painting practice; each can help the mind and body to come into alignment with our intention to expand creatively.
Connecting to the deeper, illusive places in ourselves can be hard work but also great fun, filled with lightbulb moments, laughter, and reminders to not take ourselves too, too seriously. Working in a group committed to a non-judgmental, open, curious environment energizes the practice.We’re all a hotbed of creative energy; we just don’t always know how to access it.
Training: Master of Expressive Arts and Intuitive Painting granted by the amazingly fabulous Chris Zydel; BFA in drawing and painting; graduate work in art therapy/psychodrama/theatre design; certification from Creativity Coaching Association; creative process training with Eric Maisel and Jill Badonsky; licensed massage therapist; ongoing shamanic study with Hank Wesselman, Jill Kuykendall, and Leia Hart.
When not teaching or creating in my studio, I sail, hike, and always live with animals. I garden and dance, light candles and search out opportunities to be in silence, drum and journey, soak up sun, moon, and starlight, sing daily, and smile in gratitude as much as I can.
Some things I believe:
- we’re all a hotbed of creative energy; we don’t always know how to access it
- movement supports movement
- the body can be a gateway to transformation
- painting can be enormously fun and full of surprises; the fluidity of paint allows for fluidity in self- awareness
- we love to be supported, even if we’re working on doing it alone
- in relation to oneself or another: kindness is never a bad choice & the act of being judgmental closes doors
- intention is powerful; group energy is powerful; silence is powerful; forgiveness is powerful; the inner critic is powerful, but not all-powerful, and doesn’t have the last word
- laughter does a myriad of wonderful things
- everyone has multiple superpowers
- confusion & frustration often precede insight
- Marianne Williamson’s words: “Your playing small does not serve the world.”
Contact Information
- The Painted Self Studio
- Web: http://nanweed.com
- Email: nanweedstudio@gmail.com
- Phone: 541-915-8116
- Location: Eugene, Oregon
Cherol Ockrassa
Fast forward to the second half of my life and a need to break out of what others thought I should be doing and do what I really wanted.
I created Eye Walker Studios as a place to provide and honor a sacred and safe experience for you to paint.
Intuitive painting is unique in what it requires and provides. The benefit is the freedom to draw, paint, shape, and express all by following your instinct and intuition. You are never corrected, graded, or compared, so there is no wrong way to do it. This is a creative and frankly, a playful experience. You already have everything you need to invest in this. You do not need special materials, training, or experience. Just show up with an open mind, desire and in comfortable clothes. I provide the rest.
This has been a truly wonderful adventure for me and I hold this process as an integral part of who I am as a spiritual being, Woman, Mother, Partner, Teacher, Coach and Artist. As this process is at the very core of my existence, I invite you to join my adventure as well and become a valuable member of the Eye Walker Studios family of intuitive artists.
I am a Master Facilitator of Expressive Arts and Intuitive Painting; a Life Coach; a Mother and Grandmother; a member of IEATA; and the Global Network of Expressive Arts Facilitators.
When not teaching or creating in my studio, you can find me listening to my youngest daughter play her cello or guitar, rearranging furniture in my house, gardening, reading, abandoning random small artworks in public places, and enjoying naptime with my grandson.
Contact Information
- Eye Walker Studios
- Web: Eye Walker Studios
- Email: 2sdayafternoon@gmail.com
- Phone: 707.246.8559
- Location: American Canyon, CA.
Linda Bolton
Creatively expressing myself has helped me see that it’s fun to be responsible for my life, and make it what I want it to be. I’ve been able to access, accept, and even love, all parts of me. I’ve opened up to my creativity, and decided to live a bigger life, without really trying. All I had to do was keep painting.
The actions I take when I paint lead me to actions I take in my life, and it keeps getting better. One of those actions has been to open my own studio in Fort Collins, CO, so that other women can experience the joy and power of self-expression.
In addition to my certification by Chris Zydel of Creative Juices Arts as a Master Facilitator of Intuitive Painting and the Expressive Arts, I have an M.Ed. in Human Development Counseling from Vanderbilt University, and a B.A. in Sociology from Wake Forest University. I’m a certified practitioner of Reconnective Healing and the Reconnection. I am dog-mother to Petey (aka Pikachu), a wonderful, joyful, totally accepting beagle who teaches me something every day. He’s a little too vocal to be a studio dog, but he’d be a great one otherwise.
I am so excited to have taken the steps that have allowed me to be able to offer a haven for women to express themselves, be seen, be known…just BE. I offer it with the sincere hope and intent that it will be as meaningful to others as it has been to me. I offer it in the spirit of FUN and ADVENTURE! Because I tell you, you just never know what will come out once you dive in!
Contact Information
- Web: www.Emergingbutterflystudio.com
- Email: linda@emergingbutterflystudio.com
- Phone: (970) 631-3967