Join us in this creative workshop series

to weave and strengthen your

THREADS OF BELONGING

About The Workshops

What does it mean to truly belong? 

We believe all humans have an innate desire to belong and in order to cultivate and be in spaces where we feel connected, we need to explore and define what this means for each of us. The first step is learning to belong to yourself. From this deep knowing and acceptance of ourselves, we can begin to weave a mycelium thread of connection to our environment, each other, our relationships, unique gifts and our community.

Together, we will deepen our self-care practices, unleash our creativity, delve into interpersonal connections, collaborate through multidisciplinary storytelling, engage through sensory exploration and play with many forms of artmaking.

You deserve to be in spaces where you feel heard, seen and valued for being your most authentic self. Let’s dive in!

Join us for one, more or all sessions!

  • You are welcome as you are in all sessions! Belonging to self means showing up for yourself as you need.

  • HYBRID: 5 sessions on ZOOM, 2 in-person sessions in New York City* (Location TBA, Snacks Provided)

  • Zoom Replays Available for those who join us online

  • Private WhatsApp chat to share and express upon the theme of belonging

  • Special collaborative opportunities that will be additionally celebrated at our NYC retreat/festival day on June 15th

  • Guided Activities and Facilitation in Creative Modalities 

  • Optional Group Outings are offered in New York City and Online via the WhatsApp Group!

  • Creative Retreat on June 15th in New York for each of us to share our individual and collective expression of belonging (Lunch, Snacks, Materials Provided)

  • Guest art facilitations by past workshop recipients*

May 16th you will receive a puzzle piece for a special collaboration to be shared on June 15!

May 23rd you will be invited to be part of a special zine project

May 23rd we will experience guest facilitation by Bentley Moon Perkins!

MODALITIES

EMBODIED

MOVEMENT

An exploration through expressive dance and embodied connection. We will move, dance, shake, ground, connect within, dislodge, unleash, play, engage in contact improv and feel.

MULTIDISCIPLINARY

STORYTELLING

An exploration of our stories and voices as storytellers through multiple forms of creative expression. We will explore theater, poetry, singing, worldbuilding, music making, visual arts and video.

SOCIAL

ENGAGEMENT

An exploration through conversation, connection, and authentic relating. We will explore with games, eye-gazing, sensory exploration, life stories, Circle of Courage, improvisation, somatic processes and social experimentation.

Drawing from multiple perspectives in personal and social sciences, including, but not limited to Natalie Rogers, Brene Brown, IFS, Human Services and more.

CREATIVE INTENTIONS

Expand your vision of self expression

Co-create our definition of belonging

Cultivate safe space for people to deepen and embrace their authentic voice

Embrace creativity as a vehicle for liberation and grounding

Kindle vibrancy in community and relationships

DATES and TIMES

Links will be hyperlinked into the date as it becomes available!

Cost of workshops range from $35+

May ~ June*

Thursdays ~ ONLINE ~ 7-10PM EST

May 16th: Deepening Connection To Self

May 23rd: Belonging To My Environment

NEXT May 30th: Belonging To Each Other

June 6th: Cultivating Meaningful Relationships

June 13th: Belonging To My Community

June 20th: Celebrating My Gifts

In-Person NYC Location TBA

June 15th - Creative Retreat

An opportunity to celebrate our individual and collective expression through a day of artistic activities, wellness modalities, and social connection. Lunch and all materials will be provided.


Facilitated By

Meet Maddie Fontaine (she/her), your playful and imaginative guide into the world of embodied movement, authentic human connection, and creative expression. As a certified yoga, meditation, and contact beyond contact improv facilitator, she seamlessly weaves the tranquility of mindfulness with the joy of improvisation.

Rooted in intentional community, Maddie enjoys exploring the essence of belongingness and human connection. She holds a background in dance education and adventure therapy, inspired by nature and the outdoors, fueled by a potent mixture of coffee and laughter.

Meet Jamie Lazan (she/her), your expressive arts facilitator, storytelling coach and mentor here to guide you in unleashing the inexhaustible well of creativity that lives within you. As an artist with a background in Human Services, meditation, teaching and expressive arts facilitation (trauma and resilience informed), Jamie is devoted to designing and facilitating safe spaces where our expression, stories, and well-being can be valued.

Inspired by our human condition, Jamie enjoys making room for our process to unfold, allowing for self-discovery, growth, and connection to emerge. Led by her vibrant inner child, she often makes art and plays about ~ dancing, singing, and writing poetry!

TESTIMONIALS

“Anybody, no matter what walk of life you are from, will benefit from this journey. This is exactly the group and journey I needed to rediscover, amplify, and awaken my creative voice. My confidence has increased – throughout the process, I felt safe to be myself and deeply cared for.  I discovered how to embrace different aspects of my body, voice, and imagination, feeling that my expression is special. I could be me and add in my flavor of creativity. I am so glad I made this investment in myself – even when I felt nervous, the facilitation and space provided were judgment-free and very rewarding, allowing me to let loose and do the thing! There are many opportunities to discover and express your full authenticity and connect with new people. Also, I love to drive and sing to my heart’s content! After exploring movement and voice, I noticed I could hit notes and range more confidently and impressively. The human body is a creative instrument that when tuned can express itself in creatively expansive ways.”

- Nicholas Dietmann

“The Expressive Arts Oasis process is the most safe and welcoming environment that lets you be you in all circumstances. It helped me learn how to lean on others and connect to my heart without judgment or expectations. The whole journey enables you to reconnect with yourself and your surroundings…you don’t need to be an artist to create, people from all backgrounds are welcome in this workshop and you will find something to discover within. I can’t wait to create with Jamie and Maddie again. They both have beautiful hearts filled with love and creativity. They are always there for you even when you’re not at your best, they enter the room with warmth and energy.”

- Feryal Kilisli

In reflection of May 16’s workshop

“This event was a playground for artistic expression. Thank you for hosting a beautiful journey for our hearts”

- Kendra Waldman

FAQ

If you have additional questions, please feel free to email us at thehumanartscollective@gmail.com

  • Each session will include…

    Be guided into presence, connection, and creative expression.

    Be expressive with your creative discoveries through facilitated exercises, activities, and artmaking.

    Be nourished as you experience healing arts expression. (examples: sound bath, meditation with a spark, yoga)

  • No experience is needed! All are welcome!