Creative Catalyst: The Transformative Power of Making Art

The Artist lives within everyone and Art can be made out of just about anything!

In this transformative workshop, we will use repurposed material in a whole new context of re-creation. Come experiment with a vast array of reused materials to create mixed-media mosaics, sculptures, and collages. 

There will be an assortment of recycled materials and bits and pieces of yore and today to choose from:

• Glass
• Metals
• Wood
• Plastics
• Paper
• Photographs
• Fabrics
• Old artifacts

You will have the opportunity to explore and play in a whole new creative way.

In a beautiful, nurturing and supportive setting, we will reclaim society’s scraps and discarded objects to re-imagined meaning. Find your own inner voice of expression as you delve into the process of creating art out of different materials and mediums while learning new skills, guided and supported by Dana and Flash.

Not only will you have the opportunity to explore your own expression and immerse yourself in solo creations, we will also engage in a collaborative group project and enter the whimsical world of community-oriented magic and play. There is a transformative joy that comes from engaging with others in the artistic process. It opens doors unseen and forges deeper bonds between people. This shared experience is exciting and teaches us how beautiful it is to break down barriers and collaborate.

This workshop is geared towards anyone with the desire to create. From the beginner to the advanced, this is a time to explore new possibilities. It’s a time to leave the critic behind and allow yourself to play, nourish, and replenish the creative spirit. It’s also a time to enjoy the company and camaraderie of like-minded peers. It’s a time to discover the joys of what art based on community and collaboration is and how meaningful and grand a shared, creative experience can be.

If there are any recycled materials or special mementos or photos you have that you would like to bring and include in your creations, please feel free to bring them along!

Important Note: Effective January 7, 2022 in response to the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant, Esalen moved to require all guests and faculty to provide proof of negative test results at time of check-in.

For this workshop period, the testing requirements are being moved into accordance with the following guidelines: Tests must be taken within the last 72 hours PCR/NAAT) or 24 hours (if antigen), and results must come from a laboratory or healthcare or test provider.

Proof of an PCR/NAAT test taken must be provided upon arrival at Esalen, and a negative COVID-19 test is required for entry onto the Esalen Campus.

Please contact Esalen Reservations with any concerns or questions.