Art Classes & Workshops
The Expressive Arts (ExA)
Expressive Arts (ExA) are for everyone. We are all born with an innate human capacity to be creative. Expressive arts is about working with the creative process and following its threads through different art modalities. It has been defined as a process of self-discovery that relies on artistic self-expression as a way to achieve emotional release.
Expressive arts is an integrative, multimodal approach that utilizes a variety of creative methods including writing, music, visual arts, drama, and dance to help people achieve personal growth. We offer both group and private sessions and workshops for individuals new to and experienced in the expressive arts.
While participating in expressive arts is therapeutic – it is healing and helps people improve creativity, gain clarity, and sometimes achieve deep healing – it is not therapy. It is intuitive, fun and rewarding and you don’t have to be good at the art form you are focusing on during your sessions. The goal of this process is not what you are creating; it is the process of creating the art that matters. Your focus isn’t on learning artistic techniques, but on the inner emotional experience as you engage in the artistic process, either in a receptive (such as listening to music) or creative (such as making art) manner.
There are things in life that go beyond what words can express, and sometimes it just helps to get out of our own heads for a while and into a more playful space. ~Annalise Hammerlund
Explore our Expressive Arts Experiences
“Sasha is an amazing art teacher. I began taking watercolor painting classes from her and this process transformed my life. She helped me see myself as an artist, which boosted my self-esteem and confidence. “
Maike Walbrecht, Former Director of ESL, UNCW