In support of Dr. Edwin Gomez's Mental Health Initiative, Arts Administrator, Louisa Higgins teaches live art classes from time to time. We do these sessions via Zoom to include colleagues from throughout our county. These are a hour long, geared to any skill level, and meant as a fun and relaxing brain break, ice breaker or staff meeting activity. 

"You have the power to heal your life, and you need to know that. We think so often that we are helpless, but we're not. We always have the power of our minds... Claim and consciously use your power."

-Louise Hay

We will add more videos as classes occur throughout the year.  Remember to make time for you!

On the Road Where Jack Kerouac and Bob Ross Meet!

Louisa Higgins and her student intern, Adam Ramirez, take on the personas of Bob Ross (artist) and Jack Kerouac (poet) to share this watercolor landscape lesson, infused with poetry readings.

Optical Illusion Art

In this 45-minute session, participants will make a drawing that appears three dimensional, though it is only dimensional. Fun for all ages!

Mindful Marks: Harnessing the Wellness Benefits of Zentangle Drawing

Using only white paper and a black pen, Louisa Higgins will instruct viewers on how to create a simple, accessible artwork suitable for every learner.

Design Your Workspace

Did you know that a poorly designed office can lead to higher stress levels? Reworking your office layout can increase productivity and help you work more efficiently.

RCOE Arts Administrator and professional Interior Designer, Louisa Higgins, explains how our environment impacts our mental and physical health and offers tips and tricks for creating a work space that can have a positive impact on both.

Fun and Easy Papercutting Arts

Artist Louisa Higgins will show you how to make a little magic with a simple art activity that anyone can do. Utilizing only paper, scissors and glue, you can make artwork that is joyful and colorful. This is an activity that once you learn it, can be readily shared with your children, family and friends. Guaranteed to be a non-intimidating and relaxing experience!

Materials

• 4-6 pieces of different colored paper (suggest white, black and several bright colors) - can be copy and/or construction paper.
• Scissors.
• White glue or glue stick.

My Heart's Journey Art Class

Join us as artist Louisa Higgins presents a guided art experience. Louisa will take you on "My Heart's Journey" which is a reflective and healing art practice. She starts by sharing the book/poem, My Heart by Corinna Luyken. Then, she guides the group in how to tell one’s personal life story through an individualized art piece. No art background needed...just show up and we will make a personal and meaningful artwork together!

Enhancing Our Work Space With Art

Humans thrive when they are surrounded by or experience beauty. A bright creative workspace can make employees more productive, lower stress and increase well-being. In this project you will use a simple prop (a live flower, which will be provided) and interpret it first as a drawing and then as a watercolor painting. Artists can then have the painting in their offices to enhance the beauty of their daily working environment.

---

Ignite Your Inner Artist

Treat yourself to exploring your creative side as you learn how to create Paper Collages. This art project will pay special attention to the music, feelings of the participant, color choices and cutting techniques to design your collage. Join us today and begin your journey of developing a sustainable creative practice to release stress, increase empathy and encourage kindness to yourself.

---

Promote Creativity in the Workplace

Creativity in the workplace encourages us to connect with one another and have a greater respect for others and their work. In this workshop you will explore Pen and Ink Partner Portraits and focus on the enjoyment of paying attention to the subject of your portrait as well as what it’s like to be the subject. Participants will talk, laugh and enjoy the experience regardless of the outcome of the portraits!