Lighting the Dark:

Creating Talismans Through Stories and Art

with Joanne Ramseyer, LCPC, ATR-BC

Saturday February 26, 1-4 pm

$45 by 2/18, $55 after, CEUs: 3

Traditional folk, fairy tales, myths and poems are rich in symbolic content, embody timeless wisdom and foster faith in the power of transformation and healing. Many stories involve the use of talismans to carry the bearer through terrible ordeals and suffering. Using a rendition of the Russian folktale, "Baba Yaga and Vasalisa the Brave," this experiential workshop will explore the psychological dimensions of the story through discussion, expressive art making and story writing activities. Workshop participants will create their own talisman, doll, shrine, or other symbolic image to accompany them through the journey of "entering a dark forest and finding a fire to light the way back." This workshop will benefit those who wish to cope with the darkness of the winter months through the pleasure of creative work in community, or clinicians and educators who would like to learn expressive arts methods for working with stories and art in their settings. Art/writing experience is not necessary. Dress for mess! Fee includes all materials but bring any special charms, or embellishments you would like to incorporate into your art piece.

To register: contact C.G. Jung Center at 847-475-4848, x221 or www.cgjungcenter.org There is a $15 processing fee for CEUs.

Location: Blue Lotus Art Studio, 912 Sherman Ave., Evanston, IL 60202

Joanne Ramseyer, ATR-BC, LCPC, is an artist, educator and art therapist and the Director of Blue Lotus Art Studio. She has extensive experience facilitating expressive arts activities for all ages. Joanne is an Adjunct Faculty Member of The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Northwestern University. She has taught classes and workshops on many topics including the creative process and artistic development; art, nature and spirituality; exploring fairy tales and myths through art and story writing; group art therapy and the role of women’s creativity in trauma recovery.

Creativity Class for Women

Supporting Wellness and Emotional Balance through
Expressive Art and Writing

with Joanne Ramseyer, MA, LCPC, ATR

Winter Session: 6 Sundays, 2:30-4:30 pm or 6 Wednesday, 6-8 pm on alternate weeks, January 9 - March 23, 2011

$125.00, 12 ceus offered

Women readily nurture others in their many roles but often feel too depleted or guilty to consistently nurture their own creative interests, strengths and supportive connections. In this class, expressive art and writing activities, along with exploration of mindfulness techniques, will be taught as tools for supporting women’s emotional, relational and physical well-being. These tools will be used to strengthen understanding of the transformative metaphors of the creative process and explore obstacles that block women’s use of creativity as an on-going resource for restoring emotional balance and wellness. Visual imagery and themes related to personal and professional roles will also be explored to increase awareness of individual and cultural messages that impact women’s self-esteem and identity. A wide range of expressive art materials and methods will be taught to those who wish to increase their comfort level using creative arts techniques as a source of self-discovery in their personal or professional lives. Class members will be encouraged to share readings and other resources related to creative expression and wellness topics. Please dress for mess!

Fee includes a large selection of art materials. Please note: there are no make-up sessions for classes missed. Contact Joanne at 847-845-4853 or email joannejram@yahoo.com to register.
BLUE LOTUS ART STUDIO, 912 Sherman Ave., Evanston, IL

Joanne Ramseyer, ATR, LCPC, is an artist, educator and art therapist with extensive experience facilitating expressive arts activities for all ages. Joanne is on the adjunct faculty of The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Northwestern University and is the Director of Blue Lotus Art Studio in Evanston, IL. Joanne has taught classes and workshops on many topics, including the creative process and artistic development; art, nature and spirituality; exploring fairy tales and myths through art and story writing; group art therapy and the role of women’s creativity in trauma recovery.