
Art RAGEous
Just about everyone I know is feeling a great deal of uncertainty and disequilibrium these days, what Buddhist teacher Pema Chodron calls “the groundlessness of being”. And that disquiet has largely been sparked by the ongoing upheavals of topsy-turvy world events,
Groundlessness is the profound awareness of how everything is rapidly changing and in ways that are often disturbing. And this awareness makes it incredibly difficult to rest and relax and to feel any sense of security and belonging. We don’t RECOGNIZE the world anymore and can’t find our place in it. Many familiar structures, mores and belief systems in our personal, professional and political lives are crumbling to pieces and breaking apart.
Now, a lot of what is being shaken up, NEEDS to be shaken up… For example, I’m grateful beyond words that the terrifying societal systems of white supremacy and misogynistic patriarchal culture are coming apart at the seams… that women, and LBGQT folks and people of color are feeling much more empowered to claim their voice and speak their truth… but that doesn’t make this process of disintegration any more comfortable or easy.
It can feel confusing, overwhelming, isolating and even shameful to be feeling so deeply affected by everything that’s happening on the political, social and environmental fronts. We need some help on the psychological, emotional and spiritual levels to process these feelings and to develop some tools for integrating the impact of these massive changes that are affecting us in our day to day lives.
And one of the best and most effective ways I know of dealing with over the top, life changing, transformational events is to meet them head on through the creative process.
Community…
I also know how incredibly empowering it is to make art while being in community. How deeply healing it is to engage in sacred ritual as part of a sacred circle. And how wonderfully effective re-committing to our creative practices can be in bringing us back home to our essential sense of well-being and grounding us in the core of our deep wisdom and inner knowing.
So I’ve created this one day event that I’m calling ArtRAGEous where you will be invited and encouraged into a process of self exploration and self expression using the magic of creativity to turn some of your feelings of anguish for our world, overwhelm and fear, grief, anger and bewilderment, rage and pain into art using the creative modalities of movement, writing, ritual and painting in a creative circle of support and love.
My wish for the day is that we will have the safe and BRAVE space in which to speak and be heard, to create from the truth of our hearts, and to reaffirm our vision as well as be supported in our actions in creating the world of justice, equality and love we all want to live in.
Lunch
An incredibly healthy AND delicious gourmet lunch is included in the cost of the workshop. Breakfast and dinner are not provided but there are many fabulous cafes and dining options within walking distance of the studio. If you have any food allergies or special food requests that the chefs need to be aware of please fill out the form and let us know when you register.
Supplies
All paint, brushes, and paper will be supplied and there’s tons of it so you can use as much as you want. We also provide smocks and aprons. The paint is water based non-toxic paint and will wash out of clothing. However, some of the colors can lightly stain some fabrics so please wear clothes that you feel comfortable getting messy.
Details
Policies, Disclaimers, and Agreements
Cancellation Policy
All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you have chosen to register with a deposit, an electronic invoice will be sent to you to be paid 60 days prior to the event. If you cancel before 60 days of the start of the event we will refund any amount you have paid in excess of the deposit minus a $25 processing fee. If you cancel within 60 days of an event, full payment of any and all remaining costs for the workshop, lodging, meals, taxes, and other fees will be due immediately. All payments are non-transferrable to other services, events, or workshops. Note that some of the retreat centers we work with may have additional cancellation policies that you will need to abide by.
Accommodations
Lodging is offered for some but not all of our events depending on the type of event and venue so please check the event details for lodging options and specifics. For those events where lodging is offered there are limited lodging options so we strongly encourage you to choose something that you feel meets your needs for comfort as well as expense for the entire event as you will not be able to change your lodging during the event.
We try to make sure that all amounts for lodging, taxes, and fees are accurate when you register. However, a venue may change their prices without notice and you will be required to pay the full amount to the venue for lodging, taxes, or fees that may change after you register.
Food
Vegetarian, dairy free, and gluten free meal options are generally available at our events upon request with at least 30 day advanced notice. Other dietary concerns or issues may be accommodated for an extra fee and at least 30 day advanced notice. We cannot not guarantee that every food issue can be accommodated so please contact us regarding your specific concerns.
We try to make sure that all amounts for meals, taxes, and fees are accurate when you register. However, meal prices are subject to change without notice and you will be required to pay the full amount for meals, taxes, or fees that may change after you register.
Art Supplies
Unless otherwise noted, all necessary art supplies will be provided at our live in-person events. We provide non-toxic water soluble paints and paper. The materials that we supply are chosen to enhance the intuitive process and your direct experience of creativity instead of emphasizing the outcome or product. You may bring your own additional water soluble non-toxic personal supplies such as brushes, colored pencils, or chalk pastels if you choose. However, please note that we do not allow oil paints, acrylic paints, spray paint, solvents or any toxic or permanent materials at any of our events. In addition, we do not allow loose glitter at any of our events due to the work and expense involved in clean up. If you plan on bringing additional art supplies not listed above please contact us before registering.
Alcohol & Drug Policy
All of our events, trainings, and workshops are intended to be healing experiences. Your successful participation in any of our events requires that you show up fully to yourself, your feelings, your creative process, your inner life and other members of the circle in a respectful and meaningful way. As a result we do not tolerate the use of alcohol or recreational drugs during the event. Our expectation is that you will not drink alcohol or use any other kind of recreational drug during the time that we are together so that we can all be focused on healing, learning and growing. If it comes to our attention that you are abusing alcohol or drugs during one of our events you will be asked to leave immediately without a refund or credit.
Non-participants and Pets
We do not allow pets, friends, relatives, or other people to stay with you during our time together as they can be a distraction for you and other attendees that will keep you from focusing and participating fully in the event.
Health and Wellness Issues
We support and will accommodate those with special needs to the degree that we are able. However, you must fully disclose any health or mental health related issues that might interfere with your attendance or participation at any of our events. We expect that you will be able to take full responsibility for yourself and will follow any and all doctor's recommendations regarding medications, treatment plans, or other health guidance. Failure to do so in a way that puts yourself or others at risk will result in you being asked to leave the event immediately without a refund or credit. We do not provide nursing or psychiatric care services at our events. Please communicate all of your relevant health needs with us before registering.
Fragrances and Scents
Our events are not strictly fragrance free. However, for the comfort and health of ourselves and of all of our attendees, we request that you don’t wear perfumes or use other heavily scented products. If you have any concerns about scents or fragrances please contact us before registering.
Agreement
By registering and attending one of our events you agree to abide by all of these policies.