New York Expressive Arts newsletter: August 2008
monthly updates on NYEA HAPPENINGS

Quote of the Month

Let the beauty we love be what we do.
There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.

— Rumi

Message from Denie

Hello everyone,

First, a word of congratulations is in order for Susanna Armbruster (whom many of you know from past Harvest Symposia, workshops and teaching at our Albany studio) and her husband, Greg. The pair have just returned from the European Graduate School in Switzerland, where they presented a gift of song: an entire concert dedicated to poet Elizabeth McKim in honor of her birthday. Greg’s original music accompanied Susanna, as she sang the words of Elizabeth's poetry. It was a beautiful birthday gift — one that had been in the making by Susanna and Greg for a whole year.

I have just returned from a week-long Expressive Arts workshop at the Women’s Writing Retreat in the Adirondacks. While I no longer am surprised by the power of expressive arts work, I can still be amazed by its ability to inspire, unite and change lives. It does seem as if the work truly attracts open-hearted people willing to dig inside, and, as Mary Oliver puts it, "to pay attention, be astonished and tell about it."

We met every morning in a large, airy, light-filled boathouse on the edge of the lake, with loons calling in the distance. Over the course of five days — through the magic of creating together, moving together, writing, painting and shaping papier-mache — we explored the beauty of our individual voices in the nurturing atmosphere of a like-minded, like-hearted community. If ever I needed evidence that expressing our deepest thoughts and feelings is in our DNA, like a gift from the gods to be unwrapped at our pleasure, this week with this extraordinary group of women would satisfy that need. We all are changed after this week of art making.

Hope everyone is enjoying the summer,

Denie

Happenings in and around the Studio

On the radio!
Tune in to hear Denie broadcasting from the College of Saint Rose radio station on Wednesday, Aug. 6. She'll be joined by Jelane Kennedy of the counseling department, Joan Horgan of the Campus Ministry and discussion leader Mary O’Brien. They'll talk informally about the field of expressive arts and NYEA's new partnership with the college.

Plus, you can have a listen to Denie’s first program, "What is the healing potential of the Expressive Arts?" by clicking here, and then on the link listed within the Contemporary Health and Well Being Series section.

Introductory Expressive Arts Workshop
Thursday, Aug. 21, 6 to 9 p.m.
Our final free, introductory workshop of the summer is right around the corner. Join us to learn about the life-changing methods of expressive arts as embodied in the Expressive Arts training program at NYEA, now in partnership with the College of Saint Rose. We’ll make some art together using the low skill/high sensitivity approach of expressive arts, host a question-and-answer session about the program and share some simple snacks and drinks in case you didn’t have time for supper.
To register: Call the Studio at (518) 434-2412 or Denie at (518) 768-2708.

Training program begins September 2008
New students are now entering our Expressive Arts training program. It's not too late to join them! For more information on our ExA training programs including dates, times, and a sample curriculum, visit our Training page, or call the studio at (518) 434-2412 to make an appointment for an interview or just to have a chat with Denie. If you've ever thought about enrolling for our program, the time is now!

Expressive Arts Painting
August session: Wednesday, Aug. 13, 7 to 9:30 p.m.
A real body-centered experience is what we are after in the expressive painting classes at New York Expressive Arts. We pair practical instruction and guidance with suggested themes for personal exploration, and give time for reflection and non-judgmental response to our work.
Fee: $20 per class, or $150 for 10 classes. All materials provided.

From Playback to Psychodrama with Yaacov Naor
Friday, October 3, 3:30 to 9:30 p.m. (includes short supper break on-site)
Mark your calendars, everyone…Yaacov will be back in town! This is the only opportunity this year to work with one of the most dynamic trainers in the expressive arts world.
Fee: $75 (sliding scale available)
To register: Call the Studio at (518) 434-2412 to reserve your space. Spaces will fill up fast!

Want more?

Be sure to check out our Bulletin page for news from related programs…places to go, things to do…all with our blessing in Expressive Arts!