Unlocking Your Passion!

The theme for this month's Art Party was Passion!  Passion to me is something you do for pure joy!  It lifts you up and takes you over.  It's an activity or pursuit where you lose your self and find yourself all at the same time.  Passion could be energizing and exciting or grounding and centering.  It can be a burning desire you feel rising from your core or a sense of joy you feel deep in your heart.  Passion could be your life's work or simply a hobby.  It could be the way you move through life with all your heart or simply standing still and letting love and warmth wash over you.  It's the energy and drive you bring to your life!

We took a look at our passions-- past, present and future and created mixed media collages with "Artful Affirmations for Unlocking Our Passion(s)!"

When you live your life with passion and an open heart, you create joy for yourself and for others! When you are open to possibilities, great and unexpected things tend to happen!  Unlock your passions, follow your heart and see where it leads!

JOURNEY-- begin where you ARE!

My theme for January is JOURNEY.  I love the idea of starting each new year with a clean slate and blank canvas!  It's empowering to know that as the new year begins, we have another opportunity to create the life of our dreams! 

This year I am continuing my artistic JOURNEY and celebrating a year of hosting Art Parties in my home!  When embarking on a journey, don't underestimate the importance of beginning where you ARE and with what you have at the moment.  Several years ago, I dreamt of opening up a shop where I could teach art workshops and host art parties.  I investigated several options, including buying into a "Wine & Design" franchise.  I decided I was not ready to make that type of financial or time commitment just yet.  Instead, I decided to take a small step from where I was and with what I had available to me at the moment.  I had an overwhelming desire to share my ideas, creativity, and art supplies.  I had a basement and a network of friends. Thus began my monthly Art Parties where we "Create & Celebrate Artful Affirmations!"  If I had waited until I had the exact amount of time, money, or space, I never would have started.  My dreams would still be circling in my head instead of pouring from my heart and taking flight.  So please, don't defer your dream.  Take a step forward, even if you are unsure about the direction or the destination.  Each new step you take will bring greater opportunities and greater growth.  That, you can be sure about!

This month's Art Party brought the theme of JOURNEY to life!  A great group of women joined me to dream about and discuss their journeys as we set our intentions for the new year!  I can't wait to see what wonderful things manifest in the lives of these courageous women as they set out on their new paths.  Their beautiful artwork is below.  Thank you Anne Marie, Jolene, Karen, Renate, Melissa, and Yoon!

Where is your JOURNEY taking YOU this year?  I hope it is in the direction of your DREAMS!  Begin where you ARE and safe travels!

Dreams Set Sail in September!

Now that we are back into the school routine of September, it's time to let our "dreams set sail!"

I am happy to announce that some of my dreams are setting sail this fall!

The BIGGEST of these, is that I will be teaching an Art Workshop "Artful Affirmations," at the AWY Yoga Retreat in November!  I have always dreamt of hosting and/or teaching at a retreat.  My friend Karen and I first talked about hosting a retreat several years ago, back in my "Mother Nurture"days as as a counselor.  Karen has graciously organized this entire retreat and brought me aboard--thank you Karen! The theme of the retreat is "living our yoga on and off the mat."  The link is below.  Hope you can join us!

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/AWY-RETREAT---Living-Our-Yoga-On---Off-the-Mat.html?soid=1102243211943&aid=eYJGcnH0nHo

I am also happy to announce the return of my monthly "Create & Celebrate" art parties!
These parties are a great way to connect with yourself, your creativity, and your friends!
I provide all materials, and instruction--you provide the snacks and drinks.  For $45, it's a great way to spend an evening!  To register, please contact me at jackietury@gmail.com.

September art party: "Dreams set sail"
Saturday, September 21st, 7-10 pm

October art party: "Autumn glow"
Saturday, October 5th, 7-10 pm

November art party: "Artful affirmations for living our yoga on & off the mat"
Saturday, November 16th, AWY Yoga Retreat (see above link)

Art Parties: "Create & Celebrate!"

I started hosting monthly Art Parties this year in an effort to add more creative time to my calendar, spend more time with my friends, and test out my skills as an art instructor!  What started as just a fun excuse to get together with friends has turned into something more.  By combining my drive to create with my skills as a social worker, I have been able to provide a unique experience where art meets self discovery and personal growth!  I have had such great feedback from my friends, that I am now opening up these "Create & Celebrate" nights to other groups of women!  Not only do you get to sip, snack and socialize with your friends, you leave with an original, meaningful masterpiece to take home.  You may even gain a better understanding of yourself and appreciation of your friends.  I hope you will join me to "Create & Celebrate!" Gather your girlfriends, drinks and snacks and email me at jackietury@gmail.com to schedule your Art Party!  Let the creativity flow and the fun begin!

                                          Art Parties are 3 hours long and cost $45.  All art supplies are provided.