Workshops and Speaking
Workshop Experiences
With 25 years of joyful workshop leadership experience, I sometimes offer soulful, engaging, and inspiring art & spirituality workshops. I trust the creative spirit–alive in each of us–that emerges in the supportive, spiritual group atmosphere we create together. Using simple yet meaningful art-making and writing activities, each of us discover fresh inner wisdom for the next step on our journey. Expect a good dose of inspiring poetry, a few stories from my art and spiritual practice, supported opportunities for self-reflection, and the chance to enjoy art materials.
I'm currently focusing on online events for the Brave Joy Collective.
If you are interested in learning more about a workshop or speaking engagement, please reach out to me directly.
Praise from Workshop Participants
“This program helped me integrate challenges into my life, sharpen my perspective, help me see what is truly important.”
“Melanie is a gifted artist and teacher. Her gentle, accepting, and encouraging style was delightful.”
“The workshop had so much depth and spaciousness. Melanie has a gift for giving permission to explore the Sacred and she holds the space beautifully.”
“Just the right amount of creative prompts, discussion, and circle time, with lots of creative time and space.”
“Melanie is a wise soul, inspiring and passionate about creativity and spirituality. She creates a safe and exciting workshop with lots of magical moments and activities.”
“It was a glorious time of self-discovery and creativity. I’m taking away seeds of a new me.”
“If you would like to meet yourself in a whole new way, and start to understand the wonder of your soul, attend Melanie’s workshop.”
Workshop References
References available by request.
Prior workshop locations include: Pendle Hill Quaker Contemplative Study Center, Spiritual Directors International Annual Conference, Earlham School of Religion, Woolman Hill Quaker Retreat Center, Bethany Theological Seminary, Colorado College, Guilford College, Willamette University, Portland State University, Earlham College, Grinnell College, Lewis & Clark College, Wilmington College, The Labyrinth Society National Gathering, Franciscan Spiritual Center, Monastery of St Gertrude, Reedwood Center for Christian Studies, Friends General Conference Youth Retreat, Casa San Benito, Springwater Presbyterian Church, West Hills Friends Quaker Meeting, Melanie’s personally and co-hosted workshop events at Brave Joy Studio, and more.
Speaking
To share the fruit of my creativity and spiritual practice, I offer a variety of speaking presentations. By sharing evocative art imagery, my life stories of humanness and grace, and gathered wisdom from years of service, I hope to inspire individuals and communities to creatively engage in the richness of life. I love weaving art and stories into a collaborate conversation with audiences of all kinds. Whenever I share, I invite us all to attend to our inner journeys and move toward authenticity, creativity, and mindfulness.
Speaking References
References available by request.
Prior speaking invitations include: Pendle Hill Quaker Contemplative Study Center, Earlham College, Bethany Theological Seminary, Earlham School of Religion, Willamette University, Portland State University, Guilford College, Wilmington College, Albuquerque Interfaith Power and Light Women’s Day, Richmond Indiana Art Museum, Richmond High School Art Department, Seton Catholic High School, and local faith communities in several US states.
More Workshop Participant Praise
“I just wanted to say many thanks for your guidance and energy at Saturday’s creative workshop. I had never done anything like this before and feel as though it has opened the floodgates for me. Thank you for pointing the way to bringing the joy back into my heart.”
“I simply loved the work you did with our church this summer. It was a breath of fresh air and so rewarding. You allowed me the chance to open my soul up and look deep inside it. Thank you for that.”
“I wanted to thank you for coming and working with the retreat this weekend. The conversations I had with students on the trip back to the college reinforced just how much they got out of your presence. It was wonderful to have a chance for experiential spirituality– especially for students who spend so much time dealing with the head-based world of academic religious study.”
“I just want to thank you for introducing me to journaling. Spiritual journaling has done wonders for me. I have a lot of things happening in my life right now and instead of turning to the bad things that can make you feel better, I have learned to pray through my Journal. You have significantly changed my life. Please keep up your wonderful and powerful ministry!”
“My friend and I attended your art seminar last Saturday and got a lot out of it. It just felt good! You’re a great facilitator, and my friend said he would really like to do another one– so I’m going to check your schedule.”
“I have a much clearer idea about my own next steps, nurturing my own creative gifts, and letting go of things that no longer serve.”