We all are meant to create, to form new things in our life, and bring new things into the world we are in.  In this workshop we will explore different techniques to break through our artistic blocks, limit our inner critic, and celebrate our authentic artist soul. Creation is moving ourselves out of our logical critical minds into play and imagination. This allows our essence, experiences, and passions to flow into an external form.

In this workshop you will:

- Follow prompts that will lead you to create visual or written expressions.

- Have options to work with mediums of comfort or mediums that stretch    you.

- Exploration of your authentic creative.

- Connect with your child self in artistic play.

- Examine your relationship with colors.

- Discover techniques to get out of your head and into your heart. This 
  workshop is for everyone of all skill levels to explore and reimagine what
  your creative spirit looks like! Even those of you who say, “I’m not            artistic or creative.“ We are all creators!

The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct acting from inner necessity. The creative mind plays with the objects it loves. —C. G. Jung

About Janelle Jay:

Janelle is a lover of art and nature, a curious creator at heart.   Her artistic eye was encouraged early when her artist aunt would ask, “Tell me all the colors you see in the wheat field?”  Observation and exploration are a necessity for her soul.  She loves to discover new things by experimenting with different art mediums, ingredients in the kitchen, and new spiritual practices.  

She is currently an art curator, craft importer, and workshop facilitator at a Denver gallery.   

Janelle’s educational background is in photography.   She pursued this art form because of her desire to capture moments of beauty.   She had limiting beliefs at the time that her painting, sculpting, and sketching skills could not capture those moments.   She moved in a world of her own and world-imposed perfection.   Her inner critic was harsh and eventually limited her ability to create and share any form of art.   This led to crippling depression and almost the death of her soul.  Exploring phycology, spirituality, and rediscovering her authentic artist soul allowed her to begin to heal.   She now embraces that art is not perfection, but the ability to express in some form the beauty and pain of being human.  Some works are shared, and some are just for her.  She now is growing as an artist, painter, designer, and photographer while exploring other mediums and crafts.  

Creating community is a passion of Janelle’s and she enjoys sharing and learning in workshops that she attends or leads.   The artistic communities she has been part of have greatly supported her recovery journey.  

Janelle believes that every human is recovering from something, and that art, mindfulness, curiosity, and creation supports the healing and growth process.   Her intention is to foster a space for all to create and reconnect to their authentic artist soul. 

Improvisation and recovery share many of the same principles and ideals. Consider these: UNITY, TRUST, BOLDNESS, TRUTH, DISCOVERY, and even JOY. 

Improvisation and recovery are unique in that both require a group of people to trust themselves and each other to create a reality from nothing except the willingness to work together and discover something that has never existed before.  This six week course will explore how recovery and improvisation are alike while learning the basics of improvisation.

Absolutely no experience required for this, no pressure class. Join us!

Keith Rains Bio:

Keith has been improvising in Denver for over 24 years. He trained with Theater Sports, Bovine Metropolis Theater, Rise Comedy, and scores of workshops and intensive sessions with artists from around the country. He has coached and instructed at Bovine Metropolis, Rise Comedy, and Boulder Improv Collective.  Keith regularly performs with Makeshift Shakespeare at Chaos Bloom theater, Hit andRun Musical Improv at Rise comedy, and Once upon a Genre at What If Theater in Lakewood.  Keith believes that improvisation is an expressive art that enhances skills that are part of successful recovery. It fosters being present in the moment, open to what is possible, and full cooperation and trust of oneself and other member of an ensemble.

Join Quána Madison for a six-week journey into the world of expressive arts to nourish personal growth.  

This workshop will stimulate your imagination and channel your inner creativity through a combination of drawing/painting, writing/poetry, dance/movement, music, drama/theatre and art-looking activities.

Expressive arts can improve well-being, reduce anxiety and stress, improve self-awareness and self-esteem, increase self-awareness and promote connectedness. You do not need to identify as an artist or have prior experience. 

In this workshop you will:

• Identify and manage your emotions through creative expression
• Reflect on & share your expressive arts responses, reactions, and insights
• Learn expressive arts exercises you can do outside of class to support your well-being
• HAVE FUN!

About Quána:

Quána Madison is an artist, mindfulness teacher, healing arts workshop facilitator and self-leadership coach. She combines inner wellness practices with expressive arts to promote creative expression, community and holistic well-being. A graduate of New York University and Colorado College, Quána holds a MA in Education and a BA in Philosophy. More information is available at www.quanamadison.com