What is an art Playshop?

So far in 2026, I have had two-dozen or so folks join me in the Mixed Media Collage Playshop. Many people haven't known what to expect and some assumed it was a typical art class, but almost none knew what a playshop was.

SO, WHAT IS A PLAYSHOP? 

Unlike a typical art class, a playshop is not focused on teaching a specific art technique or having participants leave with an exemplar piece of work. Instead, a playshop is an invitation to play, explore, experiment, and reconnect with intuition and creativity — without pressure or expectations. And in my playshops, there is a strong encouragement to make a mess. The freedom to make a mess helps facilate play and exploration as participants stop worrying about the stigmatized idea of "being messy."

Somewhere along the way, many of us learned that creativity had to be productive, polished, or “good,” and that making a mess was "bad" or "unnecessary," the "sign of a cluttered mind." Maybe not unsurprisingly then, play quietly disappeared from our adult lives. But lots and lots of research — and lived experience — tells us that play is actually essential for our well-being.

When we allow ourselves to play with and explore materials, color, texture, etc.:

• curiosity and creativity light up

• stress and anxiety levels decrease

• presence and process take over

• confidence and self-trust grow

• and joy tends to sneak back in.

Tapping into our creativity in a playful environment gives our busy, analytical minds a chance to rest while another part of us wakes up. And the best part is, you don’t need experience, talent, or even a clear idea of what you want to make. Just a willingness to show up and see what happens.

So, if you’ve been craving a little more play, presence, or creative energy in your life, I’d love to have you join us. Check out upcoming dates for Mixed Media Collage and reserve a spot!

PS - Coming soon: Trash Collage Playshop

In this playshop we take junkmail and other "trash" papers and re-envision them through the power of collage. One person's trash is another person's masterpiece! If you want to get on the waitlist for this playshop, send me an email.