ARTSELF
The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation has launched ArtSELF, an initiative designed to connect arts and wellness. Through Performing and Visual Arts, community members explore self reflection, stress management, memory care, and community engagement.
Each workshop is tailored to the specific audience and needs being served.
ArtSELF-
Art for Wellness Series
The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation is offering a new series of Arts Wellness Workshops, designed to enhance community well-being through the power of the arts. This FREE series of one and a half hour workshops will offer our community a much-needed space to relax, rejuvenate, and manage stress, all while exploring creative self-care practices.
Upcoming ArtSELF Workshops:
Saturday, March 29, 2025 | 2:30-4:00pm | RSVP HERE
Music for Healing: María Albán | Selby Library | 1331 1st St. | Sarasota
Wednesday, April 9, 2025 | 5:30-7:00pm | RSVP HERE
Music for Healing: María Albán | Palmetto Branch Library | 923 6th St. W | Palmetto
Thursday, April 10, 2025 | 5:30-7:00pm | RSVP HERE
Sing to Heal: María Albán | Palmetto Branch Library | 923 6th St. W | Palmetto
Saturday, April 12, 2025 | 2:30-4:00pm | RSVP HERE
No Rules Art Journaling: Kat Sjogren | North Port Library |13800 Tamiami Trail | North Port
Wednesday, April 23, 2025 | 5:30-7:00pm | RSVP HERE
Free Your Mind: Maria Schaedler- Luera | Palmetto Branch Library | 923 6th St. W | Palmetto
Thursday, April 24, 2025 | 5:30-7:00pm | RSVP HERE
Breathe Move Create: Jessica McHugh | Palmetto Branch Library | 923 6th St. W | Palmetto
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 | 5:30-7:00pm | RSVP HERE
Free Your Mind: Maria Schaedler- Luera | Palmetto Branch Library | 923 6th St. W | Palmetto
Thursday, May 8, 2025 | 5:30-7:00pm | RSVP HERE
Music for Healing: María Albán | North Sarasota Library |2801 Newtown Boulevard | Sarasota
Saturday, May 10, 2025 | 2:30-4:00pm | RSVP HERE
No Rules Art Journaling: Kat Sjogren | North Port Library |13800 Tamiami Trail | North Port
Thursday, May 22, 2025 | 5:30-7:00pm | RSVP HERE
Breathe Move Create: Jessica McHugh | Selby Library | 1331 1st St. | Sarasota
Saturday, May 24, 2025 | 2:30-4:00pm | RSVP HERE
Breathe Move Create: Jessica McHugh | North Sarasota Library | 2801 Newtown Boulevard | Sarasota
Thursday, June 5, 2025 | 5:30-7:00pm | RSVP HERE
No Rules Art Journaling: Kat Sjogren | Braden River Library | 4915 53rd Ave. E | Bradenton
Saturday, June 7, 2025 | 2:30-4:00pm | RSVP HERE
Sing to Heal: María Albán | The Bay | 1055 Blvd. of the Arts | Sarasota
Thursday, June 19, 2025 | 5:30-7:00pm | RSVP HERE
No Rules Art Journaling: Kat Sjogren | Braden River Library | 4915 53rd Ave. E | Bradenton
Available Workshops
Offered by Teaching Artist Maria Schaedler-Luera
Becoming Picasso
This workshop offers a transformative experience, empowering participants to expand their capacity to know and understand themselves. Through a series of engaging exercises inspired by theater directors Boal and Stanislavski, as well as ancient wisdom from the Yoga Sutras, participants will actively explore and challenge their thoughts, uncovering the ones that masquerade as facts and significantly influence their behaviors. By taking an inventory of their consciousness, examining their intelligence, outer mind, senses, and ego, participants will break free from habitual thinking patterns and step into the vast space of infinite possibilities in the present moment. This workshop brings together a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Tap into your inner Picassos, discovering your unique creative potential and embarking on a personal journey of self-discovery and transformation.
Offered by Teaching Artist María Albán
Music For Healing
An interactive experience exploring various world instruments and sounds, such as singing bowls, tuning forks, chimes, steel drums, world percussion, and voice. The program is conducted in three phases:
1. Educate participants about the principles of sound therapy, its benefits, and how to integrate sound healing into daily life—discovering their why.
2. Healing Sound Bath allows the participants to experience meditation and a relaxing environment. (Facilitator plays the instruments)
3. Allow the participants to play the instrument, recognizing their synchronization with the energy and compatibility of the instruments.
Offered by Teaching Artist Maria Schaedler-Luera
Free Your Mind
A series of experiential and self-reflective exercises inspired by techniques of Rainbow of Desire, created by Brazilian activist and director Augusto Boal. In this monthly offering participants will be supported in learning to identify and transform the internal voices that block them from achieving their goals. This personal growth and self-empowerment technique offers opportunities to gain greater insights and clarity into our own personal stories of oppression while giving us the motivation to break cycles and take steps towards creating change in our lives. No theater experience necessary
Offered by Teaching Artist Jessica McHugh
Breathe Move Create
Join us for an immersive class, where the power of deep breathing, yoga, and artistic expression come together to nourish your mind, body, and spirit. This unique experience begins with guided breathing practices to cultivate awareness and energy, followed by a dynamic yoga session designed to open your body and heart.
As you flow through movements, you'll connect deeper with your breath, paving the way for a creative exploration. In the last portion of the class, unleash your imagination with an art activity that encourages self-expression and mindfulness. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a curious beginner, this space welcomes all!
Step off your mat feeling rejuvenated, inspired, and connected to your unique creative essence!
Offered by Teaching Artist Kat Sjogren
No Rules Art Journaling
Reflect and engage as you explore multi-media art. This art-form is accessible to everyone, and encourages creative expression and conversations. Participants in this workshop will explore working with a variety of art materials and papers (including vintage papers).
Offered by Teaching Artist María Albán
Sing to Heal
This interactive and transformative workshop explores the profound healing potential of singing. Participants will engage in vocal exercises, breathwork, guided singing practices, and group song experiences to release emotional blockages, reduce stress, and enhance personal well-being. Through the ancient and universal art of voice and sound, we will explore how singing can be a powerful tool for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
Current Partners and Projects:
For over 4 years, the Foundation has offered workshops by teaching artists trained in Trauma Informed Care to Trauma Survivors and Helping Professional. Through Monthly Workshops such as “No Rule Art Journaling” and “Becoming Picasso” as well as one-off opportunities and as part of regular overnight retreats, participants learn valuable coping and management skills through the arts.
The Resilient Retreat:
In 2023, the Performing Arts Foundation partnered with the Haven to provide regular arts program for aging adults with disabilities. Through the program, visiting artists engage with participants twice a week, exploring the arts as they engage in physically and mentally stimulating activities designed to support memory recall, motor skills, and improved quality of life.