Art Journaling
“Art doesn’t have to be ‘perfect’ to be meaningful. Art journaling is the ultimate playground, a space where there are no mistakes, only layers. Classes focus on helping you find your unique visual voice and reclaiming the joy of making things just for the sake of making them. Let’s get our hands dirty and see what happens when we stop worrying about the final product.”
Every page tells a story, even if it’s told in colors and textures instead of words. To me, a journal is a portable sanctuary. A place to document life’s big shifts and small moments. My teaching style uses traditional mixed-media techniques along with guiding you to translate your thoughts into vibrant, tactile pages. Join me in the studio to explore how a little bit of paper and paint can help you see your world in a whole new light. Whether you’re looking to master new mediums or build a consistent creative habit, you’ll leave with a toolkit of skills and a journal that feels uniquely yours.” – Vicki Danforth
Our Intentions
Art journaling, as a wellness tool, acts as both a creative outlet for your ideas and a safe space to explore thoughts and feelings through a different medium than by talking. We hope to help you feel like you are safe, and allowed to express yourself how you see fit.
An art journal is the same as a written journal, except that it incorporates colors, images, patterns, and other materials. Some art journals have a lot of writing, while others are purely filled with images. It’s a form of creative self-care, a creative outlet, a habit (like going to the gym)
Through a new (or different) medium of exploration, we hope to help you learn about yourself and come to understand your feelings.
What to Expect
Expect to explore mixed-media art techniques, such as layering paints, collages, stamping, and inks. Classes often emphasize spontaneity, mindfulness, and using art as a personal experimentation outlet.
Further techniques include paints (such as watercolors, acrylics), scrapbook-style creation, mark-making using unconventional tools (sponges, credit cards), and lettering.
Session Structure
Most classes follow a three-act structure:
- Demonstration: The instructor will introduce a prompt or technique as the focus for the session.
- Exploration: Attendees will go off on their own to work in their journals, with the instructor available for assistance.
- Reflection: After the session, attendees will have a brief discussion on their work, sometimes acting as a “show-and-tell” session if you are comfortable.
Experience During the Session
Attendees can expect two primary outcomes: a sensory experience, and a mental exploration. The tactile feel of the art supplies in your hand, the journal itself, creates a different way to express thoughts and ideas than through verbal discussion. Through the physicality of the exercises, you can expect a different form of connection to the self.
Expect a mess to be made. While there will be no paint-flinging or markers on skin, attendees will still be actively using tools that can stain not only clothing, but the area around themselves, if you are not careful.
After Your Session
Attendees will be able to bring their journal home for reflection, future journaling, and any potential future sessions they may attend.
There is a sink and bathroom in the building to allow for some basic clean up if art materials do end up on clothing or skin. After helping to tidy up their workstation, attendees are welcome and encouraged to wash their hands, cleaning any materials that were utilized during the session (paintbrushes, palettes, etc.)
Services
Standard Session
Schedule a session with yourself and a few others, hosted at the ABF offices!
All supplies, including journals, will be provided by the instructor. Don’t feel the need to bring your own materials unless you want to!
$30/hr
Workshops
Occasionally, A Better Future will host workshop events!
Email us at info@abf-inc.net or call (248) 862-5110 to learn more about when our next session starts!