Growth and Gratitude As the Executive Director of Northwest Creative & Expressive Arts Institute, one of the things that I am most grateful for is the opportunity to work with an organization that promotes the arts as a fundamental part of life. Art is truly for everyone. This is a core value held by NWCEAI […]
Author Archives: admin
aesthetics, art and healing, arts and health, creative arts, creative process, creativity, mindfulness, neuroaesthetics
Musings on Neuroaesthetics, Creativity, and the Poetry of Being
09
Feb
Feb
By, Suzan Alparslan, MFA Poetry is: words that are empowered to make your hair stand on end, that you realize instantly as being some form of subjective truth that has an objective reality to it, because somebody has realized it. Then you call it poetry later. ~ Allen Ginsberg It has been long established by […]
Art & Social Justice “Artists are here to disturb the peace. They have to disturb the peace. Otherwise, chaos.” James Baldwin As we have watched unprecedented events unfold throughout our country, we are reminded of the transformative power of art. Art and social justice are deeply connected. Speaking truth though art has a long and mighty […]
art and healing, Art Therapy, creative arts, creative process, creativity, drama therapy, expressive arts therapy
Reflections from a Graduate of Our Training Program
03
Jun
Jun
“As we tap into the deep sources of bodily wisdom through creative art expression, we dance the renewal, recreation, and healing of ourselves and our world.” This quote by Anna Halprin illustrates how creative expression not only helps to strengthen the body-mind connection but also aids in the process of our healing as individuals andas […]
art and healing, creative arts, creative process, creativity, narrative, Seattle Artist, storytelling
Local Artist Spotlight: Rae Akino
13
Oct
Oct
Local Artist Spotlight: Rae Akino Our intern, Sophia Maggio, recently interviewed local Seattle Artist, Rae Akino, who tells stories through her art, and has found healing along the way. SM: What brought you to art? RA: As a child I displayed interest as talent in drawing and crafts but was told that could never be […]
Art Therapy, art trauma, creative arts, creative process, creativity, drama therapy, expressive arts therapy, journal writing
To Make Art is Human, To Create Divine.
01
Oct
Oct
I am privileged to work with so many wonderful people who come to the institute for workshops and trainings. They come because they are drawn to the concept and practice of using the expressive arts for healing, but not everyone starts out being comfortable engaging in the arts experiences. Offering a safe space to explore […]
art kit, Art Therapy, creativity, expressive arts therapy
Have Art Supplies, Will Travel: The Making of a Mobile Expressive Arts Kit
09
Jul
Jul
An Interview with Courtney Taylor, LMHC Recent NWCEAI Graduate Meet Courtney Taylor, a counselor and recent graduate of the professional certificate program at NWCEAI. Courtney uses a unique traveling art kit to bring creativity to her clients. This week, we asked her about her therapeutic process, creativity, and recommendations for other therapists. What is your […]
13
Jun
Jun
By Sophia Maggio For clients who completely lack an artistic background, the process of rekindling your childlike creativity can be equal parts frustrating and enlightening. Childhood memories of Elmer’s glue, finger paint, and spontaneous collage creations are accessible to most clients, but preconceived notions about our artistic abilities can induce anxiety and self-doubt in the […]