Art Experiences

Classes at Tri-C East for Fall 2011

2011-08-09T09:55:00.012-05:00

Click on the photo images to see the class descriptions in larger print.

Core Creativity Training (9:00 to 9:50 AM)

Learning from the Masters (10:00 to 11:50)

These classes are now available for online signup at the link above under "2011 Fall Eastern Campus Online Registration Catalog". For full immersion into an art experience, take both!

See the full schedule of classes for the Eastern Campus at the following link to copy and paste:
http://www.tri-c.edu/enrichment/seniors/Documents/2011FallScheduleEast.pdf

Art Classes, Cleveland: Creative Expressions

2011-04-20T12:38:00.005-05:00

Kristen Boyesen will be holding a series of workshops beginning in June of 2011. Would you like to host?
Creative Expressions Samplers (2 hours) are free, including materials.
Creative Expressions I: 9 to 5 on selected Saturdays.* $70 including materials and lunch.
Creative Expressions II: 9 to 5 on Saturday and 10 to 4 on Sunday*. $120 including materials and lunch each day.
Creative Expressions for Families: 9 to noon and 1 to 4 on selected Saturdays.*

All participants receive a free landscape art print by Kristen Boyesen, valued from $10 to $39.

* Schedule to follow. Call to host a free Sampler at your home or facility! (two one six) 577-9874.

Classes/Workshops at Heavenly Hardware, Tremont

2010-10-03T16:05:00.004-05:00

Programs, Classes, and Workshops with Kristen S. Boyesen
Life Learning and Creativity Coach

All classes are created to provide new experiences for personal growth, brain exercise, group sharing and fun. If you have never tried any of these activities, your brain will be glowing with pleasure.
Give yourself an outing into a new experience to discover inner spirit.

Saturday Workshop Schedule: 2010-2011 (Pay in advance for 4: $75 plus materials.)

Novenber 6:
1:00 - 2:30 Exploring Meditation [ $20 including materials]
3:00 – 4:30 Prayer/Intention Beads [$20 + $3 materials. Additional time, $5/hr]

Novenber 13:
1:00 - 2:30 Core Creativity (Discover your true self) [ $20 including materials]
3:00 – 4:30 Create Christmas Cards [$20 + .50 per card. Additional time, $5/hr]

Novenber 20:
1:00 - 2:30 Exploring Meditation [ $20 including materials]
3:00 – 4:30 Prayer/Intention Beads [$20 + $3 materials. Additional time, $5/hr]

December 18:
1:00 - 2:30 Paper Sculpture Ornaments [ $20 including materials]
[$20 + $3 materials. Additional time, $5/hr]
January 8:
1:00 - 2:30 Creative Collage [ $20 + $3 materials.]
3:00 – 4:30 Create a Mandala [$20 + $3 materials. Additional time, $5/hr]

Create a Mandala/ Rose Window: Stamps as shape-tools. Create beautiful designs.

Core Creativity Training: One Intro class or part of a workshop series. For the non-artist and seasoned artist. See in new ways. Let go and create! Discover your true self.

Exploring Meditation: An introduction to meditation practices and their benefits. Practice in silent meditation, guided meditation, and meditative drawing.

Expressive Collage: With tissue paper and magazine photos, delve into color and personal symbolism.

Greeting Cards: Stamps, edge-cutters and shapers, color and glitter glue. Make each one different, or make a plate for creating a series. Workshop offers extra time for larger projects.

Healing/Intention Beads: Write your prayer/intention on the paper strip and roll into colorful bead. Add sparkles. String beads and trinkets for necklace, pin, bracelet or bookmark.

Paper Ornaments: Paint or draw on paper. Cut into strips and fasten with beads, needle and thread, to transform the paper into a spiral egg-shaped ornament. Spray gloss finish.

Kristen Boyesen is studying for a Masters in Art Therapy and Counseling at Ursuline College. She is an artist, home school art teacher, and member of the American Holistic Medical Association. She lives in the Greater Cleveland area and offers retreats, workshops, classes and team-building opportunities for your organization or business.

Do you Homeschool in the Cleveland Area?

2010-09-03T21:47:00.000-05:00

See classes that are available at your home or homeschool coop location at the title link.

Update August 15, 2010

2010-08-15T06:59:00.004-05:00

This website has been quiet for awhile due to finishing 4 courses at two colleges followed by 2 months of working for the Census as an enumerator and crew leader. Yesterday I began to post the past columns from the Bedford Standard and the accompanying photos. This morning when I visited the garden ... the woodchuck had struck again!!! (Read the beginning of the woodchuck story in "A Multi-Media Experience"). More photos of my ongoing game with "Chuck" plus photos of a 10' Giant Ironwood (a native wildflower of Ohio) will be posted soon. The links to the columns and the photos are at the right.

Cedars & Sunlight

2010-04-02T15:08:00.019-05:00

Oil Painting by Kristen Boyesen

Grow Your Brain Workshop

2010-03-09T19:28:00.009-06:00

Scientific studies and self-report surveys agree:
We change our brains every day by what we do and how we think.

What is your ideal brain function?
Would you like to boost your enjoyment of life?

Join us at
Your Holistic Heath Team
Saturday, April 10
10 AM to 4 PM

for

Grow Your Brain Workshop

With Life Learning & Creativity Coach
Kristen Boyesen

Meditative practices and mindfulness training has been the subject of numerous scientific studies, confirming what meditation practitioners have been saying for thousands of years: Health, happiness, and longevity benefits abound.

This six-hour workshop for adults is an introduction to several enjoyable ways to stimulate brain growth, promote conscious choice over reactivity, acceptance over anger, and to ignite creativity.

Lunch is provided, and is part of the immersion experience.

Cost: $75 (Includes lunch, materials, handouts)
Class size: 4 to 10

For Information & to Register
216 577 9874

To send this information as email, use forward email button at the bottom after "click".

Your Holistic Health Team is located at 8977 Brecksville Rd, Brecksville OH 44141
Ph: 216-832-4710
www.YourHolisticHealthTeam.com

Kristen Boyesen, a resident of Bedford, offers art and meditation-based classes and workshops for core creativity training and empowerment for change. She belongs to the American Holistic Medical Association Speakers Bureau, the Bedford Senior Network, and Young Audiences of Northeast Ohio. She gives rehabilitation workshops at the Brecksville VA Medical Center and is a graduate student in Art Therapy and Counseling at Ursuline College.

Forcing Spring

2010-02-24T20:01:00.001-06:00

Feb 18 Column in The Bedford Standard.

Walking in the Path of the Deer

2010-02-13T09:11:00.004-06:00

Links to my newspaper column Life's Small Pleasures and accompanying photos are to the right. The current article is "Walking in the Path of the Deer".

Art, Meditation, Creativity: Brecksville OH

2010-01-24T20:55:00.027-06:00

Turn Stress into Energy & Inner Peace

With these classes & workshops

Class Descriptions

Imagination Arts: A wide variety of art and meditation-based classes and exercises for personal growth, empowerment for change and creative play. Group classes or private.

Yin Yang Drawing: Drawing is an exciting activity, utilizing fast & slow, instantaneous decisions & meditation, generalizations & details. This beginning class opens the experience of drawing to non-artists and is great review for practicing artists.

That to This!: People who have lamented for years that they “cannot draw stick figures” will be delighted with this easy and enjoyable process to create beautiful artworks that make wonderful gifts.

Exploring Meditation: Meditation comes in many forms, and there is one that is just right for you. Silence, mantras, prayers, music, movement, mandalas, art, focused breathing. Explore them all!

Greeting Cards and Valentine Cards: All the materials you need to create beautiful stamped or handmade cards.

Making Mandalas: Create patterns with stamping techniques, or let your muse wander. Mandalas are found in many spiritual traditions, including Christian, Buddhist, and Native American.

Creativity Coaching: Private sessions by appointment only.

Dates and Times

Thurs, Jan 28 • 3 to 5 • Open Studio

Friday, Jan 29 • 12 to 1 • Free Lunch N Learn: Exploring Meditation

Friday, Jan 29 • 2 to 5 • Open Studio

Sat, Jan 30 • 10 to 11 • Exploring Meditation

Sat, Jan 30 • 12 to 2 • Family Valentine Day

Thurs, Feb 4 • 1 to 5 • Open Studio

Thurs, Feb 11 • 1 to 3 • Create Valentines!

Thurs, Feb 11 • 3 to 5 • Open Studio

Friday, Feb 12 • 2 to 3 • Open Studio

Friday, Feb 12 • 3 to 5 • Create Valentines!

Sat, Feb 13 • 10 to 11 • Exploring Meditation

Sat, Feb 13 • 12 to 2 • Family Valentine Day (or Open Studio by request)

Thurs, Feb 18 • 3 to 5 • Introduction to Imagination Arts

Friday, Feb 19 • 2 to 5 • Open Studio or Stamping Mandalas

Thurs, Feb 25 • 1 to 3 • Yin Yang Drawing

Thurs, Feb 25 • 3 to 5 • Open Studio

Thurs, March 4 • 1 to 4 • That to This!

Thurs, March 4 • 2 to 5 • Open Studio

Sat, Mar 6 • 10 to 11 • Exploring Meditation

Sat, Mar 6 • 11:30 to 2:30 • That to This!

Call Kristen Boyesen for more information or to register.

(Two one six) 577-9874

Your Holistic Health Team

8977 Brecksville Rd

Brecksville , OH 44141

Click here for the class schedule at the Bedford location

Art & Creativity Classes, Greater Cleveland

2010-01-24T15:36:00.001-06:00

The class schedule for Jan/Feb in Bedford is posted at the title link.

Art Experiences programs at Your Holistic Health Team, Brecksville

2009-10-29T20:46:00.008-05:00

Each leaf that falls ... is saying "Hello" to you!
A handmade card using stamps and colored pencils.

There will be an Art Experiences open house this Sunday from 2 to 4 at Your Holistic Health Team. Bring your children for an afternoon of creativity while reaching out to others with our "Make a Card, Give a Smile" program. Cards are distributed to participating assisted living facilities requesting cards for those in need of a greeting or cheery hello.

The class schedule for 2009 is included in the first issue of the Art Experiences Newsletter. There is also a "Creativity Tip of the Month", information on Your Holistic Health Team, and an article by Kristen Boyesen on bringing meditative practices into everyday living.

Sign up for the newsletter! Receive a monthly Creativity Tip.

Making Mandalas, Family Activity, Cleveland area

2009-10-05T19:56:00.004-05:00

Coming soon to Your Holistic Health Team, a Resource Center for Healthy Living, Brecksville, OH:
Making Mandalas. A family activity at one low price for parent/guardian/grandparent and up to two children.

Other classes, workshops, services, and programs include:
A Parent/Child Experience
Intro to Imagination Arts
That to This
Yin Yang Drawing
Charcoal On, Charcoal Off
Ornaments and paper sculptures
Meditation
Creativity Coaching
Private art classes
Young Living Essential Oils

Email wildernessartist (at) sbcglobal.net for more information.

Retreat for Women, Lakeside OH

2009-09-03T18:37:00.000-05:00

Kristen will present Drawing from Nature at the 2009 Create-A-Way retreat, Lakeside OH

Sept 25-27 (weekend)

Create-A-Way Artist Way retreat for women:

A Soulful Creative Retreat for Women

Chagrin Falls art classes and workshops

2009-09-03T18:36:00.000-05:00

Kristen has two classes at Chagrin Falls Exempted Village Schools through Community Ed

Sept 23, 6:30-8:30 PM (1 Wed), Chagrin Falls Middle School Library: Introduction to Active Imagination
Oct 28 and Nov. 4, 6:30-8:30 PM (2 Wed), Chagrin Falls Middle School Library: Exploring Meditation

Chagrin Falls Exempted Village Schools
400 East Washington Street
Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44022

Classes for adults and families, Cleveland, Mayfield

2009-09-03T18:28:00.003-05:00

Kristen has three workshops with Mayfield Community Education and Recreation

Sept 30-Oct 21 (4 Wed), Mayfield High School Humanities Library: Active Imagination
Oct 3, 9 AM- 3PM (1 Sat), Mayfield Middle School Library: Stress Relief Workshop
Oct 24, 9-11:30 AM (1 Sat), Mayfield Middle School Library: Parent Child Bonding

Art shows and networking event

2009-07-22T20:00:00.002-05:00

I have two art shows posted on Facebook, and a discount link for a great networking event at the Ritz Carlton, Cleveland. Use title link for details about these events.

"Create-A-Way" Artist's Way retreat opportunity

2009-06-17T14:31:00.003-05:00

Wendy Fedan has organized another wonderful retreat for Lakeside OH. I will be presenting a workshop "Drawing from Nature". Check out the title link for details on the other workshops and early bird special pricing.

Photography by Kristen Boyesen

2009-05-22T12:13:00.005-05:00

Photo of the inside of a Kaleidoscope.

Seeds of Change

A Cleveland area online store, Geniocity.com has exclusive rights to sell the 9x9 Kaleidoscope Mandala line.

Geniocity specializes in "Tools and Toys for People who Think."

Use the link below for direct access to the mandalas.

Kaleidoscope Mandalas at Geniocity for $135

See other sizes at Kaleidoscope Mandalas

Cleveland Area Art Classes, Art

2009-03-25T06:30:00.003-05:00

Artworks by Kristen Boyesen are on display in Bedford in the storefront window of Carson and Associates, Broadway Avenue.

Art Classes will be resuming soon. Please call Kristen for more information at (two one six) 577-9874.

Sign up now for "Art Smarts" for Mom, Dad, Kids: an interactive program of fun and learning.

Textile Republic

2008-01-26T18:55:00.001-06:00

One of my latest projects has been to create textile designs for Textile Republic, where fabric designs are created by anyone with a desire to express their creativity in this way (could be you!) and voted on by textile designers and you, the viewing public. This Cleveland area company will manufacture the winning designs. Go to the title link to see my designs, and then hit home to see others.

Vote!

News

2008-01-07T12:03:00.000-06:00

Art Experiences is expanding in several directions!

Draw and Paint classes are expanding, and the schedule is posted at the link.

Imagination Arts workshops are being offered in North Olmstead at Securely Anchored Wellness Center; at the VA Medical Center, Brecksville; in Bedford during Draw and Paint classes; and will soon be available at the ART Showcase Gallery in the galleria, Cleveland as a lunchbreak workshop.

Wilderness Art has expanded into textile design with pastel images that are transformed into repeatable images for printing on fabric. Enter "wildernessartist" in the search box in the Browse Designs page or click here.

Go to Textile Republic Home to see the top rated designs. Each click of Home brings up a new selection. Help your favorite designs to be printed onto fabric by voting and leaving comments. Sign-up is easy. Textile Republic is owned by a local Cleveland entrepreneur.

I have always used photography as a way to capture those images I want to later make into artworks. Now, a new category of photographs are available to purchase. Kaleidoscope Mandalas are actual photographs I took of "scenes" inside my hand crafted kaleidoscope. They are available as giclee prints on canvas online or at ART Showcase Gallery.

I have signed on with Mind Body Soul Connect to provide Imagination Arts workshops, retreats, and keynote presentations in NorthEast Ohio and across the country.

2008 promises to be very busy and rewarding!

Imagination Arts at the Veterans Hospital

2007-10-31T11:35:00.000-05:00

Imagination Arts for Veterans

Tuesday, Nov 6, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Brecksville VA Medical Ctr
Resource Recovery Center
Building 5, Room 23 B
Presented by Kristen S. Boyesen
Open to all veterans, free of charge.

*Improve memory
*Rehabilitation after stroke
*Increase cognitive awareness
*Feel inner peace
*Helps relieve PTSD

This workshop accommodates up to 24 people in each session. Participants make a REM-gram™ as they Record Eye Movement. All sit together at grouped tables to provide a shared experience. Materials are provided. No art experience is needed.

According to Penney Pierce in The Intuitive Way, A Guide to Living from Inner Wisdom, “ By noticing things, you connect with your world."

By following the easy instruction to make a REM-gram™, participants mini-meditate to the right side of the brain, the master expert at "noticing things."

"Kristen is a creative genius," says Jan Phillips, visionary thought leader and author of several books, including the award-winning The Art of Original Thinking. "I highly recommend her." www.janphillips.com

"I opened up a creative side I didn't know I had. Therapeutic," commented Russ at the 2007 Burning River Fest, Cleveland.

Nikki, also at the Burning River Fest, wrote, "This exercise was unlike any other. I've never really thought of something so simple being so relaxing."
Dennis, stroke survivor and in a lot of pain from a broken neck, has been working with Kristen since 2003. He writes, "I get relief from the severe pain while doing art, my memory is slowly improving, and the depression and its dark cloud are lifting."

Kristen has been creating and selling paintings for 40 years, winning numerous awards in New York and Ohio. She has 25 years' experience as an art teacher, and has created the REM-gram™ process for people to mini-meditate their way to the right side of the brain. Ms. Boyesen exhibits her artwork in the Galleria, Cleveland, at A.R.T. Showcase; in The Gallery, Willoughby, OH; and with two galleries in Northern New York.

Kristen S. Boyesen is an artist who has developed the REM-gram™ (Recorded Eye Movement) program to help people get in touch with their creativity. She is not a member of the medical community, a particular religion, or a religious group. All thoughts shared are from life experiences and are for the purpose of helping others to create the ambiance, attitude, and exercise regimens for healing-from-within to occur. Any adverse side effects should immediately be directed to a medical doctor or a mental health care professional.

Art Experiences News

2007-03-25T20:10:00.000-05:00

Art Classes are ongoing, and are either Sunday or Monday from 6:30 to 9:00 at Sylvia's. Call (two one six) 577-9874 for more information.

My artworks in the storefront at the former Neinal Shoes location in Bedford have been receiving wonderful comments. Thank you! I will change the exhibit soon, so stop by again to see the new display.

Imagination Arts is moving forward. I have been meeting wonderful people who are interested in having the program at their business or facility through networking with COSE, the Bedford Chamber of Commerce, and Eldercare Professionals of Ohio. The Veterans' program has sparked interest, too. Please pass the word to veterans and/or veteran families. It is free every second Thursday in Bedford. Call the number above for more information.

Stress Relief Workshop for Veterans and their Families

2007-03-14T17:42:00.000-05:00

Veteran's Beat by Ron Seman, Record Publishing Company

2007-03-08T16:01:00.000-06:00

Click on image to enlarge for reading.

News from Bedford, Ohio

2007-03-03T22:37:00.000-06:00

Art Experiences has news from all three fronts:

Wilderness Art is now in a storefront window in downtown Bedford. Take a stroll, visit the nifty shops, and stop by to see!

The Draw and Paint classes has a new member, joining because of seeing the artworks and accompanying art-class poster. Welcome!

Imagination Arts is moving ahead with the veterans program with assistance from the City of Bedford and numerous Bedford businesses, will be one of the sessions offered at Shadybrook's spring retreat, and is on the schedule for two programs at the Rocky River Nature Center. Talks are in the works for Imagination Arts to be at the Ingenuity Festival's Family Village. (Links to be added soon.)

I took the plunge

2007-02-11T15:06:00.000-06:00

This is my first post with the New Blogger with a Google Account. I had five blogs migrate at once, and it took less than a minute. I have not yet looked at them, but since it went so smoothly, I would imagine everything is OK.

Jump Start

2007-02-04T16:47:00.000-06:00

I have registered Art Experiences and Imagination Arts with Jump Start. This new website is a resource center to match service providers, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and mentors with each other.

Hats off to the folks at Jump Start and to all who know what a wonderful place to live and work Greater Cleveland is ...and are doing positive things to build a sense of community pride and cooperation.

Art Experiences' first web page

2007-01-18T19:29:00.000-06:00

I cannot believe I was actually able to update this ancient monster to include a link to this blog.

I call it a monster because all 'real' webmasters scream in horror when I say I created a website using Microsoft Word. Not Frontpage, but Word. It may not be great code or look very fancy, but it was a monumental accomplishment for me personally to figure out how to do it, and to upload it one page and image at a time to my host, Lunarpages. They were so patient with me! I knew nothing about anything, and the folks at the user forum and help desk answered my questions and set me straight, even though I was using tools from the dark ages.

This blog was started as an easy way to have a current internet presence for Art Experiences. Now I will keep blogging even after I purchase real web design software to create a new website for Art Experiences. I like the interactive ability that a blog offers, and the ease of updating.

Catch-up News

2007-01-13T10:13:00.000-06:00

I have been away for three weeks and have a ton of new photos to use as imagination stimulus for artworks. Most were taken in Florida, though there are a couple of rolls from North Carolina at Hanging Rock State Park. The possibilities are endless!

I attended my first Ladies Who Launch incubator session and met a very wonderful group of women, all talented, energetic, and full of creative ideas.

Yesterday I joined Eldercare Professionals of Ohio and discovered another group of highly motivated and friendly people who get together for helping one another to better serve their clients. I described the Imagination Arts program and received encouragement and advice.

COSE has a couple of upcoming events for which I registered, all to promote Art Experiences and to help with the business side of things.

The Draw and Paint classes are continuing and will be held this Monday at the studio of a new artist in the area who wants to take classes. She has a great space with room for an expanded class size. Call "Two One Six-577-9874" for details.

Ingenuity Festival Funding Decision

2007-01-13T09:52:00.000-06:00

We were flooded with high quality proposals, challenging our distinguished curatorial committee to make some very difficult decisions about how to allocate our still relatively modest programming budget. Unfortunately, Ingenuity will not be able to fund your proposed exhibit for the 2007 Ingenuity Festival of Art & Technology.

The good news is that there are lower-funding options available, and I will pursue these as a next step. Having space provided so I may be a part of the festival would be great!

I am just back from a three-week trip and continuing the application process is a priority.

Progress!

2006-12-13T13:27:00.000-06:00

The Art Experiences blog is connected to my four other blogs. Now you can choose your area of interest and go to a collection of writings, photos, art, and/or articles in a particular category. Eventually I will go to beta, but this works for now. I will post more photos in the different areas as time allows.

Welcome to all, and feel free to comment.

So many Projects, So Little Time

2006-12-08T14:05:00.000-06:00

I just joined Ladies Who Launch. My incubator will be in January. It sounds like a great group!

I submitted all of my information to Ingenuity for review for the 2007 festival, and will be hearing their funding decision in last part of December.

I have also contacted a local organization which reaches out to the older citizens in the Cleveland area in various ways. Imagination Arts is a wonderful social activity to exercise the brain. And, it is just plain fun!

Meanwhile, I am filling out an application to attend a retreat for women writers called, "What have I done with where I have been."

The title alone is food for thought.

I am looking forward to being involved in all of these projects, and will be back with updates as they happen.

To End the Confusion

2006-12-07T14:42:00.000-06:00

I present two totally different programs with Art Experiences.

* There are Art Classes to provide instruction in creating visual art.
* Imagination Arts is for rehabilitation, team building and brain exercise.

Posts older than this one reveal this confusion. Rather than re-write the entire blog, this post will serve as an explanation.

Are You Afraid of Art?

2006-11-13T13:18:00.000-06:00

This is the Artist Statement portion of my proposal for the Ingenuity Festival.

Many people are afraid of art. Some feel inadequate to comment on the artworks of others. Others fear taking brush in hand because they judge too harshly the results. Some are afraid that friends, family, colleagues or classmates will be the harsh judges. Some have memories of a long-ago criticism lurking in their spirits to dampen their enthusiasm for art.

I have always made art. My images are of nature, because I feel at peace in nature and want to share that with others. By presenting beautiful spiritual images of nature unspoiled by man, I sought to instill respect for and appreciation of nature, our resources, and the planet.

I found that such visual imagery only spoke to those who were already in that frame of mind. I wanted to speak to everyone. Art Experiences and Imagination Arts grew from this desire to involve all people everywhere.

The only way to involve so many people was to find non-threatening ways to stimulate the creative process. Imagination Arts bypasses the fears people have about drawing because the games incorporate the elements of chance, fun, and non-responsibility for the resulting images.

The experience of making art opens people to be receptive to other experiences involving the right side of the brain, such as appreciation for the intricacies in music and nature sounds, compassion, acceptance of the differences in people, visual and emotional joy, inner peace, and respect of oneself apart from all the roles in life.

Adding the art process to peoples’ lives changes all parts of their lives through stress reduction, greater intuitive abilities, increased brain activity, feelings of accomplishment and potential, and a greater sense of community.

My inspiration was two years study in psychology, human interactions, and spirituality. A few of the books read are: “Boundaries”, by Anne Katherine; “Emotional Blackmail” and “Toxic Parents” by Dr. Susan Forward; “Why is it Always About You”, by Sandy Hotchkiss; “The Highly Sensitive Person”, by Elaine Aron; “Gifted Grownups” by Marylou Kelly Streznewski, “The Prophet’s Way” and “Beyond ADD”, by Thom Hartmann, and “The Ancestral Mind” by Gregg D. Jacobs, PhD. One work of fiction was especially important: “The Blue Bottle Club”, by Penelpoe J. Stokes.

Art Experiences was the direct result of the study of these books and many others. My perceptions of the role that art has in our world cultures, spirituality and everyday life were widened. Imagination Arts shares this with others.

Ingenuity Arts and Technology Festival Proposal

2006-11-08T20:06:00.000-06:00

A brainstorming session on Saturday with the movers and shakers of the Ingenuity Cleveland Festival of Arts and Technology, has resulted in my working on a proposal to be included in the presentations for 2007, and it is pretty exciting.

Prior to the brainstorming session, we toured the site, this year the theater district of Cleveland. All of the theaters will be open for programs. Additionally, there will be stages, productions, music and art tucked into every nook and cranny in the surrounding blocks. It will be a transformation and a 'happening' of major proportions with artists, performers and musicians from all over the world. The different areas were pointed out so we, the local artists, could envision our projects in the various locations prior to submitting our projects for review.

So, in addition to being immersed in a plumbing project with contractors for the last few days, I have been writing my proposal for Art Experiences digital style, with brain scans to show how brain activity changes during the creative process.

Stay tuned!

©2006 Kristen S. Boyesen

Art Experiences for Team Building

2006-11-03T20:24:00.000-06:00

Team Building is an ever-growing activity. There are retreats, cruises, presentations and workshops with games, cooking, comedy, and theme-based escapes; all with the purpose of stimulating the thought processes of individuals while building a sense of loyalty to and excitement about the company, workplace, or organization.

Art Experiences is different. It does not require a retreat. The materials are readily available. A program led by a facilitator from Art Experiences can become an ongoing activity within the company, led by different team members as a group activity, or done by individuals for fun and relaxation.

What happens at an Art Experiences Team Building session? Participants will hear short readings to stimulate their imaginations. Music will set the mood for the activity. Many of the various drawing exercises will be done without looking at the paper, because it does not matter what the drawing looks like. Participants share their drawings and feelings about the experience with each other. Longer sessions may include a group activity to create a single image composed of many parts.

None of us can draw! That is fine. It is not necessary. “Mistakes” in drawing are not possible, as it is the process and the experience that are beneficial. Silly-looking drawings are for shared fun, and can be stamped with different sayings such as “Don’t blame me, My teacher made me do it!”

To book an Art Experiences presentation: Contact Kristen S. Boyesen through the email link on the homepage in profile.

©2006 Kristen S. Boyesen

Raining Love and Peace

2006-10-31T23:16:00.000-06:00

I woke this day to the sound of rain,
And smiled,
Blessing the gift from the heavens that nourishes the earth.
My heart went out to all things receiving the rain,
That they might feel the blessing
And be at peace.

A walk in the rain was my own blessing
Trickling down upon me.
I thanked the One for giving me the Knowing
That we are all connected,
And each one of us can share blessings
With each other,
With the birds flying high,
With the trees, grass and flowers,
With the planet.

As the wind blew by me bringing wet to my face,
I blessed the wind,
Wishing from my heart
That it bring peace, love, and blessings
To all who felt its currents upon them.

I passed birds in a bush, happily chirping away,
And blessed them that their Joy in life,
Be passed to all who see them,
To all who hear them,
And to all other birds who would then pass it on.

For Joy in life is respect for life.
Respect for life brings inner peace.
Inner peace, like laughter, spreads out like a wave,
In an ever-increasing circle.

Peace from each Heart
Brings Peace to the World,
Peace to the Planet.

Live Love.
Live Peace.

Peek'n Peak Adventure

2006-10-29T20:18:00.000-06:00

I am a new member of COSE, the Council of Smaller Enterprises, an affiliate of Greater Cleveland Partnership. Earlier this month I attended the COSE Small Business Conference held at the IX Convention Center, where I met Carol More, representing the Peek'n Peak Resort and Conference Center. She is in the planning stage for a Women's Retreat to be held at Peek'n Peak, and invited me to attend the resort's first Brew and Wine Festival. She thought Art Experiences would be a wonderful addition to her retreat, and she wanted me to see the facility.

The two tickets came in the mail and I asked a new acquaintance by the name of Chris, if he would like to attend, and he said he would. He also agreed to my suggestion to camp near the resort rather than drive back to Cleveland at 8:00 PM after sampling wine and beer for five hours.

Enough preliminaries!

With car loaded almost to the gills with a large tent, five sleeping bags and a comforter (snow was predicted), firewood, sleeping mats, folding chairs, a small carpet (to prevent the chair legs from punching holes in the tent floor), a TV table, a lantern and personal gear, we set off East on US 90, in a steady rain. A detour in Erie led us to a Bob Evans for soup, and then we saw some of rural PA as we made our way around the detour to the next entrance to I-90.

I called the campground to say we were on our way. They forgot we were coming! ...but finally agreed it was OK to camp. We arrived, paid the fee, and made camp in weather that had slowed to just a mist and then sun while we set up, then resumed to wind, rain and snow. We smiled. Camping was meant to be.

Off to Peek'n Peak! The voice on the phone at the campground when I had called two weeks before, had said that Peek'n Peak was "ten miles away down the road."

Never make assumptions! To me that meant straight, with no turns. Ha!

We went straight into Findley Lake, NY, expecting to see signs for the resort. At the other side of the hamlet, with still no signs, we returned to ask directions. "Straight up the road ... You'll see a big sign."

So, off we went. ...And went. ... And went. ... Until we came to the village of Sherman, eight miles away. A call to Peek'n Peak. We had to go back to Findley Lake and take a left, then go FIVE miles.

Just outside Findley Lake we saw a small green sign with a left arrow, and off we went for ... SIX miles. The road came to a crossroads and became dirt. Yeah, a dirt road. No resort. Another call. We needed to go back to 'downtown' Findley Lake and take a left onto Route 426 South. Another return over same territory. But...

The scenery had been amazing on Bailey Hill Road. Lots of hills (!!!) and farms, and Fall-tinted leaves in shades of yellow, pink, red, and gold. The CD "Prophecy" was wonderful accompaniment for a drive in the country.

Off we went to find Rte 426 S and to take two or three more turns to get to the resort.

"At the end of this road" clearly was a generalization, not driving directions!

Are you wondering about the small green sign at the entrance to Bailey Hill Road? It was a crooked arrow, going FIRST STRAIGHT, THEN left.

Observation.

Paying attention.

There is this program called Art Experiences that might help me with that...

Hey! Mistakes happen (for a purpose.) We toured the beautiful country around Findley Lake and made two contributions to the ultimate result for what the day was all about.

The Festival was in full swing when we arrived, with hundreds of people packed into the tent to get out of the rain. We made contact with Carol, then went off on our own for a tour of the Inn.

Wow. Just seeing the woodwork in the former Reed Mansion is worth a trip to Peek'n Peak. The mansion, formerly located in Erie, PA, was purchased by Peek'n Peak, dismantled, and reassembled as part of the Inn. The ambience is of quiet luxury and elegance.

Quote from the handout we received on our self-guided tour, describing one of the reconstructed rooms:

The ebony-dyed English oak woodwork, hand carved panels and leaded glass windows with shutters were imported and reconstructed by the original Reeds from a three-hundred-year-old German castle, making this room over four-hundred years old.

After the tour of the Inn, we spent most of our time in the snack bar listening to the Bluegrass Band. They were great! We headed out after they quit for the night, but first we got directions from a PKNPK security guard.

First rule of traveling: Know the name and route number of the road where you left all your belongings in a tent.

After two miles in the wrong direction, a call to the campground set us to rights, and we arrived ... to find our tent in tatters. We were prepared for SNOW, not WIND!

Seeing by headlights and fighting tremendous wind and ferocious gusts, we finally stuffed everything into the car and headed back towards Cleveland, laughing in wonder. After all, camping out at the end of October HAD been billed as an adventure!!!

What was it also? A very big lesson in Team Building. I had just met Chris three weeks before. We worked together to solve the problems that were placed before us one after the other and had a great time with the whole experience. The Kris N Chris Adventure Team! Thanks, Chris for pitching in with cold fingers, damp socks, and a howling wind.

Art Experiences for Team Building also presents challenges that are different and fun, but without the cold fingers, wet socks, and howling wind!

©2006 Kristen S. Boyesen

Yes! Try this at home: A Sample Art Experience

2006-10-26T22:40:00.000-05:00

I have developed a 75-piece Art Experiences Tool Kit for people who would like to do Art Experiences on their own. Here is one of the drawing games for you to try.

At your local craft store purchase the following three wood cutouts: the oval (with center cut out), the whimsical heart, and the square with rounded edges. In the Cleveland area, I used Pat Catan's.

Seeing Negative Space

Negative space is the area between solid things.

Place the oval on a sheet of 8 1/2 x 11 paper. Trace around it, inside and out, with a black ink pen. Look at the drawn shapes. The middle hole of the oval is a negative space. Switch your focus back and forth between the positive shape of the oval and the negative space of the drawn hole.

For this next part, you will close your eyes or wear a blindfold.

Tracing the shapes: With eyes closed, trace the other two shapes onto the paper one or more times. Repeat the oval, if desired. Use all of the paper. Locate the edges by feel. Allow the shapes to spill over the edge of the paper. (Work on a washable surface in case you draw off the paper onto the table.) Open your eyes and discover the results.

Identify the original shapes throughout the drawing, then ‘switch gears’ to look at only the negative shapes you created. Go back and forth between the named shapes and the negative shapes several times, exercising your brain’s ability to see both aspects of the patterns.

A Day on the Buckeye Trail

2006-10-25T20:43:00.000-05:00

Today’s world is filled with stress. We are all in need of ways to sooth away this tension to find healing inner peace. Some people meditate, garden, walk the dog, read or just spend time in quiet solitude. With quiet time to offset the noise, deadlines and chaos, there is balance.

Nature and the arts are both ways to help achieve this balance. The physical community is stark and harsh without the presence of trees, gardens and green-spaces such as parks. The emotional community is tense without the balancing influence of nature.

Today was nature day.

I spent most of the day in the woods on an esker (I will call it that until someone comes along to correct me) in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park clearing out the troughs behind "water bars" and shoring up "check dams." Jim, a fellow member of the Buckeye Trail Association, was the other half of today's crew, and the source of the "how to" knowledge through his many years of volunteering for this kind of work for the organization.

We had a surprise visit from the Goodyear Blimp while we were on our hill in the woods! It glided right over us then made two turns in our area before disappearing from view.

I have hiked on trails in the woods for years but had no idea of how they came into being until I volunteered for a Buckeye Trail Work Party two years ago. It was a four-day event with camping, a chuck wagon, and 20 to 60 volunteers per day, and coyotes answering the call of revele in the morning. What fun!

In addition to learning how to build and repair trails, I learned trail etiquette. Trails do not deteriorate from erosion alone. People-habits can have an even greater negative impact. The most responsible thing to do when hiking is to stay on the middle of the trail, even if it is wet. Walking to the side or on alternate parallel trails eventually destroys vegetation, encourages erosion, and ruins the natural habitat.

All parts of life are connected. My early love of nature is connected to my art, and my art background has helped me to create the Art Experiences program.

Today was a return to my roots ... And we chopped quite a few of them, too!

The Buckeye Trail Association has a website at www.buckeyetrail.org where you can learn more about the Trail, see photos, learn about hikes and work parties, visit the store, post on the forum, become a member and/or make donations to help fund trail maintenance.

©2006 Kristen S. Boyesen

Introducing the Art Experiences Blog

2006-10-24T19:36:00.000-05:00

The world is currently locked in left-brain linear thought patterns, causing stress within and between individuals, families, businesses, countries, and the planet.

The purpose of Art Experiences is to help people access and utilize the right sides of their brains through the process of using intense observation to activate muscle movement to create drawings. It does not matter what the marks on the paper look like! It is the process of transferring visual input to hand movement that stimulates the right side of the brain. Many drawing exercises are done without looking at the paper, so it is easier to let go of fear and enjoy the experience. Participants in a session of Art Experiences all sit around the same table to enable bonding. All share in the mystery, the uncertainty, and the fun.

Obtaining a balance between the linear logic of the head and the wide-view perceptions of the heart is the first step in calming a chaotic life. Inner calm and balance foster intuitiveness, creativity, and a reaching out beyond the small world of the self. Inner peace and outward awareness creates bonding in ever-increasing circles: family, community, business, and the world. This is the goal of Art Experiences.

"Inner Peace Brings World Peace"

“…Originality is a practice that can be learned … with a certain amount of attention and surrender. As with any creative endeavor, originality in thinking, in being, requires a heightened state of alertness, a bridging of the poles, a show of fearlessness and willingness to forfeit the known for the unknown, the learned for the experienced.”

The Art of Original Thinking
The Making of a Thought Leader
Jan Philips ©2006
www.artoforiginalthinking.com

The "Inner Peace Brings World Peace" bumper sticker is available through www.shadybrook.org

©2006 Kristen S. Boyesen