Nurture Your Creative Soul
Upcoming Events
Pre-registration is required for all events to access our studio as we are in a secure building.
If finances are preventing you from joining us, a scholarship may be available.
Gathering Treasures from Your Imagination (3-Week Class Series — Starts 1/12/25)
DATES: Sundays, 1/12, 1/19, 1/26
TIME: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
FACILITATOR: Lauren Pokras
Journey through your inner landscape with facilitator Lauren Pokras to gather the riches revealed for you in the multi-sensory artmaking series. Activate your imagination through the practices of intuitive collage and dynamic painting. Feel your way with pattern, color, texture, and imagery to create a unique visual “map” that will unfold truth and inspiration for your everyday life.
How it works: We begin by setting intentions and embodying them with heart-centered movement and relaxation. We infuse the soul with poetry using a sacred listening practice. Then it’s off to the canvas with artist materials. We close each session with a sharing circle. This time is about you…your imagination, inspiration, and your unique voice.
No special background or skills necessary—your life experience and a willing and open heart are all you need! All supplies are included.
In the event of bad weather, a class make-up day will be scheduled.
Deadline to register is 1/5. Limited to 8 participants.
Light & Shadow in Watercolor (4-Week Class — Starts 1/15/25)
Wednesdays, 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
What is the color of shadow? How can I keep sunlit areas from looking dull and bleached out? Why do my shadows seem lifeless? These are questions artist, Gabrielle Sivitz, often hears from students, so she created this 4 week class where you’ll explore how light and shadow affects color and experiment with some different techniques for filling your paintings with life.
Open to advanced beginner students (some experience with watercolor) through intermediate students.
In the event of bad weather, class will be held on Zoom that day.
Deadline to register is 1/8. Limited to 12 participants.
Intro to Watercolor (4-Week Class — Starts 1/16/25)
Thursdays, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
If you’ve been curious about trying watercolor, but don’t know where to start, this four week class with Gabrielle Sivitz is for you! Learn the basics of this versatile medium through fun exercises & projects with step-by-step instruction in a relaxed atmosphere. You’ll be creating paintings in watercolor in no time.
No experience needed. All supplies provided with a $6 supply fee payable to instructor.
In the event of bad weather, class will be held on Zoom that day.
Deadline to register is 1/9. Limited to 12 participants.
Gel Plate Printing
DATE: Friday, 1/31
TIME: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
FACITITATOR: Lauren Pokras
Practice letting go of overthinking and become present so you can experience a natural creative flow from within. Spend the morning in the studio with Lauren Pokras where you will be instantly gratified by making decorative papers using stencils and textured objects on a soft surface of paint. Surprising and lovely designs will be revealed when you press paper on top then pull them off—like magic! Paper prints can be used as is or made into cards, collage, artist books, or anything else you may want. No special background or skills necessary.
For added enchantment, this class is also being offered as part of The “Magic” Wow Sampler. Join us for the 3-Week Series if you are able.
In the event of bad weather, a class make-up day will be scheduled.
Deadline to register is 1/24. Limited to 8 participants.
The Magic “WOW” Sampler (3-Week Series Special — Starts 1/31/25)
DATE: Fridays, 1/31, 2/7, 2/14
TIME: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
FACILITATOR: Lauren Pokras
Practice letting go of overthinking and become present so you can experience a natural creative flow from within. The “MAGIC WOW” Series allows you to engage in 3 different techniques that give instant “wow” results. This winter, treat yourself to spending 3 playful Friday mornings in the studio with Lauren Pokras and let your inner artist shine!
Gel Plate Printing (Mono-Printing): You will be making decorative papers using stencils and textured objects on a soft surface of paint. Surprising and lovely designs will be revealed when you press paper on top then pull them off—like magic! Paper prints can be used as is or made into cards, collage, artist books, or anything else you may want.
Water Marbling: You will be exploring this ancient mono-printing process and learning the basics of water marbling using simple tools and a lot of color. Lauren will demonstrate basic techniques of manipulating colored ink on the surface of a water bath before the group dives into experimenting. She’ll introduce how to use the various tools to produce classic and dynamic patters and colorful marbling combinations. Each participant will have their own marbling bath and time to practice learned techniques and color combinations before transferring their designs to paper. There will be plenty of studio time so you can create bold and beautiful paintings of your own! Watch the magic of the floating colors. Let go of control. Relax into movement. Be carried by the fluidity of design. Find your pace and tempo. Breathe in natural rhythm.
Intuitive Scrap Collage Book: You will be playing with collage and mark making in a relaxed way. Together you will explore how to use color, a blast of painted papers, and simple marks to create something that you will really like. This project is about exercising the skills of seeing what we each like and making decisions on what to do next. This process helps us grow in confidence and develop our styles as artmakers. Lauren will next show you how to create a concertina book from paper collage and scraps using a super simple design. Excitingly, it shows how easy it is to not get stuck on one page, but to open it up and follow where your focus and energy wants to go in the moment.
No special background or skills necessary.
In the event of bad weather, a class make-up day will be scheduled.
Deadline to register is 1/24. Limited to 8 participants.
Light & Love Alcohol Ink Workshop
Local artist, Lori Crook, will guide you in making your own beautiful ornaments with alcohol ink - a vibrant, fluid and fun medium that allows anyone to be an artist.
Deadline to register is 12/10. Limited to 8 participants.
All supplies included. No experience necessary.
Intuitive Scrap Collage Book
DATE: Friday, 2/14
TIME: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
FACILITATOR: Lauren Pokras
Practice letting go of overthinking and become present so you can experience a natural creative flow from within. Spend the morning in the studio with Lauren Pokras where you will be playing with collage and mark making in a relaxed way. Together you will explore how to use color, a blast of painted papers, and simple marks to create something that you will really like. This project is about exercising the skills of seeing what we each like and making decisions on what to do next. This process helps us grow in confidence and develop our styles as artmakers.
Lauren will show you how to create a concertina book from paper collage and scraps using a super simple design. Excitingly, it shows how easy it is to not get stuck on one page, but to open it up and follow where your focus and energy wants to go in the moment. No special background or skills necessary.
For added enchantment, this class is also being offered as part of The “Magic” Wow Sampler. Join us for the 3-Week Series if you are able.
In the event of bad weather, a class make-up day will be scheduled.
Deadline to register is 2/7. Limited to 8 participants.
Spontaneous Watercolor Landscapes (4-Week Class — Starts 2/19/25)
Shake off the winter blues and give your creativity and imagination a boost with this fun, experimental, four week class. Using “planned spontaneity”, the interactions between water, paper, and pigment can create luminous watercolor landscapes from your imagination. Artist Gabrielle Sivitz takes you step-by-step through the process, using methods she developed in her daily painting practice. During the four week class, you will create a number of paintings, learning and experimenting with these techniques.
Open to participants with at least some basic watercolor experience.
In the event of bad weather, class will be held on Zoom that day.
Deadline to register is 2/12. Limited to 12 participants.
Exploring Watercolor (4-Week Class — Starts 2/20/25)
DATES: Thursdays, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6, 3/13
TIME: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
FACILITATOR: Gabrielle Sivitz
You’ve dabbled with watercolor paints or taken a beginning class - now what? Take the next step in building your watercolor skills! This class is designed for people who have learned the basics and would like to continue their exploration of watercolor in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Artist Gabrielle Sivitz will cover various subjects such as landscape, florals, still life and animals, as well as experiments with abstract design.
In the event of bad weather, class will be held on Zoom that day.
Deadline to register is 2/13. Limited to 12 participants.
Open to advanced beginner students (some experience with watercolor) through intermediate students.
Calling All Angels
Calling All Angels because a Hallmark Christmas is not one you can relate to, especially if you have experienced a loss of any kind around the holidays, making them feel hard instead of happy. Choose your own medium to create angel-inspired artwork or make a unique piece that memorializes a good memory, perhaps transforming grief into gratitude. Feel free to bring copies of photographs or objects that you may want to include in your piece. Opportunity for supportive conversation if you feel comfortable sharing. No art or crafting experience needed.
Open Studio Crafternoon
Open Studio / Crafternoon time and space for handmaking gifts or giving yourself a break from the stress of the season. Bring your own project or get inspired by the supplies and other makers in the studio. A great time to put finishing touches on unfinished projects while getting into the holiday spirit (or escape the hustle & bustle) with others in our community.
Unique Upcycled Thrift Gifts
Come make Unique Upcycled Thrift Gifts as a greener approach to gift giving. Lessen your impact on the environment and make one-of-a-kind gifts that are affordable and feel sophisticated. Bring in your found objects or use some from our stash. No experience needed.
Alcohol Ink Ornaments Workshop
Local artist, Lori Crook, will guide you in making your own beautiful ornaments with alcohol ink - a vibrant, fluid and fun medium that allows anyone to be an artist.
Deadline to register is 12/10. Limited to 8 participants.
All supplies included. No experience necessary.
Crafting Winter Terrariums
Crafting Winter Terrariums because making mini ecosystems inspires hope and gives off healing vibes. Complete step-by-step guidance, all the materials you need, and comprehensive care instructions. No experience necessary.
Open Studio Crafternoon
Open Studio / Crafternoon time and space for handmaking gifts or giving yourself a break from the stress of the season. Bring your own project or get inspired by the supplies and other makers in the studio. Great way to meet kindred spirits in our community.
Open Studio Crafternoon
Open Studio / Crafternoon time and space for handmaking gifts or giving yourself a break from the stress of the season. Bring your own project or get inspired by the supplies and other makers in the studio. Great way to ease into a creative self-care practice.
Pour Paint Ornaments
Make Pour Paint Ornaments, perfect for gift giving or to simply get into the holiday spirit and discover the magical power of creativity for well-being. All supplies provided. No experience required; willingness to participate is the only soft skill necessary.
Studio "Soft Opening" Celebration
Blooming Peace Studio “Soft Opening” Celebration in conjunction with the Parishioners Art Show reception in the upstairs Gallery. Come check out the studio space, learn more about the Blooming Peace mission, meet some of the facilitators, and more.
FAQs
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Not at all! At Blooming Peace, our intention is focused on the benefits of the creative process, not the final product.
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Out of respect for our facilitators, we do not issue refunds for missed classes as a result of illness, personal emergencies, or any other event beyond our control. However, you are welcome to “gift” your class to someone else if you are unable to attend. To do so, please notify us hereand include your recipient’s name and contact info.
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In case of inclement weather, classes may be held online via Zoom or rescheduled. Notifications will be sent to registrants via email.
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We are located in a secure building, therefore contact with us is required in order to gain access to the studio. Pre-registration through the website is required for all classes and workshops.
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We only offer classes for adults, ages 18 and above. None of our classes are specifically designed for children. Children under the age of 18 are welcome to come to the studio only if they are accompanied and supervised by an adult.
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Our studio space is located on the lower level in the building and only accessible by way of stairs. We apologize for any inconvenience.