Upcoming groups

Open to all ages and skill levels, this ongoing online gathering invites you to build a creative practice through expressive arts. Experience the therapeutic benefits of this approach while being in community with others, all from the comfort of your home. Dates tbc. Subscribe or inquire to know more.

In the liminal space of an urban farm, this is an invitation for adults: to step out of the routine of obligation and online presence, and to reconnect with something innate to all beings—imagination and play. Here, you’ll also find an intentional space to stop, change pace, and reclaim rest. Dates tbc. Subscribe or inquire to know more.

In connection with Ymana, a collective of Latin American women brought together by shared beliefs toward healing, connection, and transformation. This is a two-night immersive retreat for self-identified women, designed for reconnecting with nature and self through elemental experiences of fire, water, earth, and air. For more information, click here.

Expressive Arts Therapy has experiential learning at its roots. Engagement with the world through the arts is a philosophical approach and a generative way to investigate and dialogue with the world within and around us. It offers the possibility of perception beyond the often-confining limitations of cognitive approaches. It acknowledges the holistic nature of human existence, respects and honors the uniqueness of each individual, and enables collective growth free from constraining outcomes. Mari holds an Advanced Graduate Studies in Expressive Arts (Q-AGS) and has engaged in education throughout her life. She is enthusiastic about promoting an arts-based approach across all spheres of knowledge. If you are interested in arts-based education and thematic exploration through Expressive Arts Therapy for your group or organization, please reach out.

Arts-based education and thematic groups

To inquire about future groups, book a workshop, and subscribe:

What to expect?

Sessions usually start with a check-in, followed by simple practices and warm-ups for art-making. In the groups, working individually and collectively is common; however, participants are free to engage and disengage as they wish. The atmosphere is conducive to freedom and encourages connection with one's own needs and preferences. No one ever feels obligated to do anything — the guidance is always invitational.

We might create individual and collective pieces and experience a combination of art modalities within the same session. We engage with the art pieces in a particular way that allows for perspective shifts and insight. The art-making can lead to a final product that participants take home, or collective pieces that the group decides what to do with. Sometimes the focus is more present on experience or art modalities — such as drama, drama and music improvisation, play, ritual, etc. — that don't generate a material product.

Toward the end, there is time for sharing and reflecting on the experience. We end with a check-out. You leave with your art pieces, along with whatever shifted, softened, or stirred in you during our time together.

An important reminder: no previous art experience is necessary.

Past Groups Gallery

Previous groups have explored: acknowledging seasonal changes, connecting with land, discovering inner resources, and navigating identity & path.

What participants say

"Workshops both felt very comfy and useful to me. I came away with lasting support from the equinox workshop, in the form of my own words."

"Participating in the Grounds for Connection workshop made me realize how deeply I needed that experience. It felt like a peaceful escape into nature without ever leaving the city - a chance to step away from the constant stress and noise of everyday life. For the first time in a long while, I felt truly present, grounded, and reconnected with myself. I highly recommend it!"

"Mariana is a wonderful facilitator, and the workshop was very simple in some ways, but that was part of what made it very impactful. I loved the way our individual art pieces became whole parts of a greater whole."

"I had a blast attending Mari workshops, and I can honestly say it was an amazing experience. From the very beginning, Mari creates an atmosphere that puts everyone at ease. Her explanations are always clear and thoughtful. Also, what sets her workshop apart is the environment, it feels completely safe and welcoming, allowing us to fully engage and, making it easy to connect. I left each workshop feeling genuinely inspired and connected. I'd highly recommend these workshops to anyone looking for learning about themselves and having meaningful experiences."