Workshops

Hello! Welcome to my workshop page. I am Theresa Foster, owner theresafostercreates.com. I’m an artist, a writer, and a workshop facilitator. I received training in Creative Life Enrichment and Expressive Arts group facilitation from Expressive Arts Florida Institute, located in Sarasota, FL. I have facilitated mindfulness and creative arts group experiences in Gainesville, FL since 2016. Testimonials and photos from some previous workshops are below. I hope you will join me at an event soon!

Workshop Testimonials

Creative Spirit Circle: Meditative Art Group

In Creative Spirit Circle, we focus on slowing down our breath after a busy day, setting an intention, connecting with ourselves, and creating intuitive art from the heart. Come explore mixed-media supplies like watercolors, collage, pastels, colored pencils, writing supplies, and other sources of inspiration. No previous art experience needed, no need for erasers, no critiques. Plus, enjoy soft music, herbal tea, and snacks in a retreat setting. I will provide gentle guidance, but everything is an invitation. Leave feeling centered and inspired through a deeper connection with self and others. For those interested, a private Facebook group is also available to offer inspiration and nourish your creative practice between meetings (moderated by yours truly).

Suggested donation to Theresa Foster is $10 for one session of Creative Spirit Circle, payable by credit card or PayPal (separate buttons below). Donation of a different amount may be offered at the group meeting, by cash, check, or credit card via Square (this web interface does not allow for sliding-scale payments). The Karuna Cottage owner also requests a sliding-scale cash or check donation (dana) at the end of the meeting. Please give according to the benefit you receive from the experience. Please RSVP to reserve your seat in advance. Karuna Cottage address will be provided to those who RSVP. Thank you!

** CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY: Paying in advance means you agree, understand, and accept the following policy. Cancellations and/or refund requests must be made to Theresa Foster by phone or email 7 days before the workshop date. Requests made less than 7 days before the workshop date will be honored, but will also incur a 10% service fee. Requests made less than 24 hours before the workshop date will not be honored. No refunds will be issued if a participant registers but does not show up for the workshop and does not send prior notice of cancellation.

Mindfulness Meditation and Art Workshops

“Theresa’s workshop was thoughtfully organized with fabulous materials. I enjoyed the “back to childhood” creativity moments that helped me leave my ‘I am not an artist’ mantra behind.” -F.B

“The experience was wonderful and enlightening!” – Mary

“I loved creating my mandala. It was fun!” – Heidi S.

“I would absolutely recommend this experience to a friend. Creative energy inspires! I can’t wait for the next session!” – Elise

“Thank you again for your Mindful Creativity gathering. The experience was thoughtful, creative, kind, growth-inducing, and FUN! My artwork is hanging on the fridge. Each time I pass it, I hear, ‘Be more in touch with your creative side.'” – CCK

Mother Earth Mandalas Gratitude Workshop

When I made my mandala, I wondered, “who lived in this shell?” It connected me to nature in a new way.- Susan

I really liked working with natural materials. I would recommend this experience to a friend. I enjoyed the experience, the company and the thoughtfulness. – Elise L.

After this workshop, I feel inspired. – Susan J.

Pour Your HeART Out! Painting Workshop

This workshop invites a process and practice of spontaneous creativity and letting go of expectations

After this workshop I feel inspired, creative, relaxed, and joyful. I loved it all, especially Theresa’s instruction techniques. I would recommend this to a friend. It’s fun! – Shelby

I liked learning a new painting technique! I recommend. This is so much fun. Theresa had plenty of supplies on hand and made sure everyone had fun. – Ouida McIlhinney

I rate this experience as excellent. This was easy to learn. I had no expectations, but this exceeded my expectations. – Jeff F.

I liked the chemistry-like process. I would recommend this; it’s a good way not to think about the end result. Theresa did a good job facilitating; good group flow. – Lloyd B.

Theresa was wonderful, well prepared. Good sharing and encouragement of the group. Excellent facilitator and materials. -Anonymous

More Workshops and Testimonials

DISCLAIMER:
Creative arts experiences can be emotionally powerful. They can also produce general health and wellness benefits that some might describe as therapeutic value. I include this disclaimer to emphasize that I am an artist, not a therapist. I understand the boundaries and I have been trained to facilitate Creative Life Enrichment group workshops in a manner consistent with my abilities and background. I design arts experiences as a form of recreation and life enrichment, and I do so with utmost care for participants’ well being. My workshops are not a form of psychotherapy. If you are seeking Art Therapy or other psychological treatment, please locate a licensed Art Therapist, or other mental health professional: https://arttherapy.org/

My workshops are special opportunities for adults to relax, renew, and restore creative fuel for life. Take a break from the outside world and enter the realm of your own inner wisdom and mindful presence. I offer a semi-structured experience, fun art materials to use, and a supportive atmosphere in which you can simply focus on being present. You do not need to worry about having an artistic background, or doing any special preparation, or achieving any outcomes. I invite you to simply create something fun and/or meaningful to you. I anticipate that you will leave feeling more connected to yourself and others in our Creative Spirit Circle.