Introspection & Expression, Thu, 4:30pm

Service Description

Ongoing: Every Thursday, 4:30pm - 6:00pm, until May 28 Ages 11-17 Being a teenager right now is a high-pressure gig. Between digital noise and social or school stress, it’s easy to feel down, on edge or a bit ‘glitchy.’ Vibe Check is a 1.5-hour weekly studio session designed to help teens decompress, learn a few brain hacks for stress, and rebuild their confidence through low-pressure process art. This isn't an art class where you're graded on how things look. It’s a space to "debug" your week. We use the Somaticat method—combining rhythmic beats, a few physical movements, and bold textures—to help you move any static out of your head and onto the canvas. Each session, we’ll explore: 1. The Brain Hack: A 5-minute cheat code for the nervous system (how to use breath, rhythm, or color to switch off a stress spike or low moment). It’s a chance to get into the body, not a lecture or assignment. 2. The Big Expression: Large-ish abstract painting, oil pastel ‘venting’, and/or ‘neuro-doodling’ where the goal is flow, not perfection. 3. The Chill Out and Transmutation: An invitation to use a trick to turn your process art into something gallery-worthy—even if you don’t want to show it to anyone—all in a low-light, low-sensory wind-down to get you centered before you head back into the world. Come as you are: heavy, hyped, or just tired. No artistic talent required, just a willingness to check in with yourself (though artists are welcome! Sometimes we all need a little chill time) All materials will be provided. Optional to bring: Journal or sketchbook About your instructor: Kylie Castellaw is a multimedia artist (BFA), cognitive specialist (MS Cognitive Psychology), and author dedicated to the intersection of creativity and wellbeing. As a parent of young children (and a struggler of balance-finding), Kylie’s work is deeply personal. She believes that creativity and somatic intelligence are fundamental life skills for the 21st century. Her goal is to help the next generation (and their parents) build resilient, inspired lives. Disclaimer: While this expressive arts offering may serve many of the same functions as art therapy or therapeutic art, this class is not a form of therapy.