In this 75 minute weekly ongoing workshop, the children explore what it means to be their most authentic and expressive selves through art, creativity, and connection.

This is a space where children can be as wildly creative as can be, and every child is encouraged to share their amazing gifts and talents with no fear of being judged or ridiculed.  When the children practice using their voice, and listen to others use their voice, it creates a momentum to be more real.

No experience is necessary and this class is open to children of all skill levels.  It is the goal of this class for children to actively participate by responding when it is their turn.  Whether a child is initially shy and only shares a few words, or feels comfortable sharing more, this is a nurturing safe space where children can grow into their comfort zone and feel good, whether he/she is either contributing or listening.

The schedule of each class is generally as follows:

- Risa’s workshops always begin with a check-in of celebrations/wins of the week. 

- Next is a Red Thread Circle of Connection.  (an inquiry, for ex., what made you smile this week? what are you most grateful for this week?  If I had no fear, I would___?, My favorite movie is___)  

- This is followed by an introduction to the subject, which includes a song or poem  

- painting/drawing the subject

- Each class also includes any and all of the following:  poetry, drumming, storytelling, music, singing, breathwork, tapping, dance, movement, meditations, journaling, and sharing.  

- Sharing + reflections + closing.

As a lifelong artist, leadership coach, and Intentional Creativity teacher, the children will learn about a  new subject every week, and paint it filled with wonder and awe for the unique qualities of this subject.

FIRST FOUR WEEKLY SESSION TOPICS
This is an ongoing class and students can join at any time.

1.  Jan. 17:  The Sun - I Am Light
2.  Jan. 24: The Bumblebee - Perseverance
3.  Jan. 31:  The Cosmos - Our Path
4. Feb. 7: Flower Power - Grow our Garden

Other weekly session topics are the following:

- Under The Sea - Another World
- Enheduanna   - She Who Writes 
- The Piper Plover - Repopulating a Species
- The Penguin - Animals on the Edge
- Gratitude Cards
- Word of The Year 
- Pollinator Garden Project - Loving the Earth
- Feathers - Distinctive animals
- Peace Dove  - Meaning
- Quote Cards
- Egyptian Art  - Hieroglyphs and art

The children will learn about a subject and gain a deeper appreciation for it when painting it.  Intentional creativity is about infusing our love and our energy and our intention into whatever we create and it becomes a fully embodied, fully infused, fully charged piece of work with our deepest attention and reverence and is a full expression of ourselves. 

In every class, the children are encouraged to share, at whatever extent they are comfortable sharing.  

A key component of the leadership aspect of the class are three areas that have been taught, with varying language, in every leadership program I have taken:

Celebrations/Wins - What did you do this week that made you proud?  What did you accomplish?  What made you feel good?  Who did you help? Every little thing counts.
Gratitudes - What are you grateful for?
Desires/Wishes - What do you desire?

A group sharing these answers together is inspiring and empowering.

This class combines art, intentional creativity, and the lessons of leadership for a special group of kids  to connect every week.