New Beginnings!

(This newsletter was on a previous platform, which did not transform over the image-rich dialogue— text, only, below)

Now that 2022 is officially underway, I have several good pieces of news to share with you! I will start with the, “Ekphrasis” invitational exhibition at the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center in Lexington, KY, which runs through February 5, 2022. Seventeen KY artists share what has carried them through the pandemic, offering inspiration when surrounded by much darkness and uncertainty, as well as acts of extreme generosity, compassion, and empathy. My large suspended sculpture, “Repose”, hangs in the front window, accompanied by a quote from poet Pamela Heyda: “Nature gets into our souls and opens the doors to hidden parts of ourselves”. There are still nine days remaining to see these beautifully diverse works of art! Thanks to Celeste Lewis, Director for this beautiful downtown arts center, for curating this exhibition and bringing together an engaging and uplifting exhibit.

The second piece of news is a huge shout-out of gratitude for all of the support for my, “SANCTUARY” Collection— fourteen pieces travelled to new homes and I am honored to have both new folks, as well as folks who have returned to broaden their collection of my work. It feels sacred to create art, release it to the world, and have it settle into someone else’s life and appreciation; I carry a lasting connection with my collectors, even if our paths cross only this once. I value every single one… 🥰

Eight pieces remain available! You may find details by following this link to my website store, under “SANCTUARY Collection”. I thoroughly enjoyed diving back into my macro photography and interpreting these beautiful wonders of nature from last year’s huge ice storm. Thank you for all of your enthusiasm and support!

To spice things up, I am releasing newly created 6 x 6 inch ORIGINAL watercolors for sale. “WATERCOLOR WEDNESDAYS” will be a weekly offering on social media (you can find me @michellehaydenartist on both FB and IG). I will release a brand new watercolor every Wednesday morning (aiming for 9a, EST)/ ($85 + tax, + S&H). Painted on Arches Aquarelle 300 gsm archival paper with intensely pigmented fine watercolors, these are unplanned compositions that flow out of my unconscious— a continuation of my daily watercolor circles from 2018, spilling into 2019 and intermittently, since…

Previously, I have sold only prints, saving the originals as a “visual journal” for my sons; part of my intention this year is to practice releasing and this seemed a perfect pairing :)! If you are interested, follow me on social media to see the release every Wednesday morning. If you are not on social media, I will also be sharing in this space each month (and will announce which remain available). These are the ones released thus far (2 sold and 2 remain available— just message me, if interested!). Thanks for the encouragement to sell the originals— it is fun to try something new!

“Begin Again”, (6 x 6 x .1 inch), 2022 (SOLD)

“Rung by Rung”, (6 x 6 x .1 in), 2022 (SOLD)

“Where Do We Go from Here?”, (6 x 6 x .1 in), 2022 (AVAILABLE)

(please excuse the odd shading of the Arches paper, above and below images— it is solid white, but the images reflect the dim morning lighting ;)

“When Light Breaks Through”, (6 x 6 x .1 inch), (AVAILABLE)

It sure feels good to be back in the swing! Let me know if there are any color combinations you would like to see explored :)>.

And the last announcement is the biggest of all! Beginning in August 2020, I began training for certification in Initiatic Sensorimotor Art Therapy through the Institute for Sensorimotor Art Therapy (ISAT), Apollo Bay, AU. Having just completed this intensive training, I am now certified to use this plethora of wonderful tools for healing work— I could not be more excited to incorporate this nurturing and nonthreatening method of using of art as healing force— one of the core missions of my art practice!

ISAT was founded and directed by world-renowned art therapist Cornelia Elbrecht, who developed the course and co-led with senior faculty member Chris Storm. This 18-month virtual training took me on a deep dive into intuitive mark-making work with other professionals using drawing, painting, collage, animal storytelling, guided meditations and movement. In creating new “felt sense” experiences through these exercises, the client heals by gaining a strengthened sense of self-esteem, choice, and empowerment , on both an emotional and physical level. This has been a most profound continuation of my healing path and I can’t wait to share the opportunity with you so that you can experience it for yourself! Stay tuned for future offerings to participate…

Read the blog entry here for rich description and personal imagery that more fully encompasses this holistic sensorimotor art therapy training, utilizing mind, body, spirit, movement, and art. It is truly life-changing and I am thrilled to be able to combine my background in social work with my lifelong love and commitment to art— I’d love for you to join me!

(emotive intuitive drawing done with pastels in each hand, mirroring one another while eyes are closed, “feeling” into the movements as they connect with internal awareness of physical sensation and emotion. Paint is applied over the drawing as a layer of soothing and further empowering movement (after a one-hour session))

It has been hard to keep this journey under my hat, but I needed the time and space to fully sink in as I traversed many different lands. I have such excitement about the coming year and am so glad to have you along as my journey grows! I hope your year is beginning with good health and love…

Love, Michelle ❤️

(Soul card made between the in-person modules… so much story in these!)

👇Click below if you’d like to also receive my BLOG, “Beneath the Bark”— see early release of my art, works in progress, backstory of pieces, and new explorations!