Many people are home right now due to COVID, and many are still working. Some perhaps, in different work positions all together, or working remotley from home. For those who have been laid off, are researching online schooling options to upgrade new or current skill sets to either remain in the industry they are currently working in, or switch all together. All of us have one thing in common, we are seeking answers to questions we have about what our workplace will look like when we return, and coping with the changes in it we are seeing now. Although we are seeing an additional pressure on our mental health, we are motivated to see positive changes and the best humanity can offer through supporting each other's mental health.

ArtWithSas.Consulting is offering webinars to help people navigate these changes to come back to psychologically safer workplaces. The following upcoming webinars dive into the deep subject of workplace respect and mental wellness, as now more than ever this couldn't be a more important topic to discuss. We hope to see you there!

AWS Webinar Instructor Bio:
Stephanie Strugar is Manitoba’s Trainer for Cultural Human Resources Council, Maintaining Respectful Arts Workplaces. As a Trainer, she educated arts and cultural organizations on how to create safer spaces for artists and arts administrators across all disciplines. She is the founding board member and Artistic Director of Difie Inc. (www.difiedance.org) Manitoba’s 1st cross-cultural dance and wellness not for profit organization, a not for profit focused on removing barriers to performing and education services for performers with disabilities. She has served as a governance Board of Director with Arts Accessibility Network of Manitoba, and is the owner of Difinity Dance Studio & Productions (www.ddsp.ca), and ArtWithSas Consulting.

​​She has completed several business programs including Make A Change Canada’s Business Abilities program for entrepreneurs with a disability and has a rich career in management in retail and hospitality. As a visual and performing artist-entrepreneur with a disability her goal is to empower those working in the arts trade with practical tools for creating “safer spaces”.

In spring 2020 Stephanie joined LEAN Arts Canada as a consultant to offer services to arts and culture organisations who are re-structuring their organisation due to COVID-19. 

Upcoming Webinars:
 DIFIE INC PARTNERSHIP WEBINARS 2020: 
To take all 4 webinars for free simply become a member of DIFIE today by visiting this link: https://www.difiedance.org/e-education.html
Creating An Action Plan for Accessibility Policies & Procedures for your Venue- Taking the 1st Step:
Open to: Artistic Venues & Arts & Culture Organization Administrators within Canada.
Description of Webinar: Learn how to analyze your venue's current level of accessibility and identify areas of improvement. Learn what are the key areas to evaluate your current accessibility level and how to create an Inclusive policies and procedures manual. This is not a one-on-one consulting session, however there is a Q&A period at the end of the webinar for participants to ask host questions. Individual and organizational consultation can be booked with DIFIE, and ArtWithSas.Consulting post workshop by appointment/ZOOM chat..
Cost: FREE to members. Limit, 100 registrants. $35.00 CAD to non-members
Time: 2 Hours
Date: RESCHEDULED TO: June.10th (Wed) 3:30pm-5pm CST (Central Standard Time) Winnipeg, MB
Facebook Reservation: 
Accepted Payment Types: Interac E-Transfer or PayPal by email to difiedance.org@gmail.com

Advocacy for Audience's & Artists with Disabilities/ Health Conditions in Current & Post COVID Digital & Traditional Performance Arts Spaces:
Open to: Artist and Audience members with a disability and/ or health conditions within Canada.
Description of Webinar: Learn about practical tools. digital platforms and apps that empower you to identify inclusive spaces, rate their inclusivity, and self-advocate to ensure you have equal access to performance arts spaces and digital experiences during and post COVID-19. This is not a one-on-one consulting session, however there is a Q&A period at the end of the webinar for participants to ask host questions. Individual and organisational consultation can be booked with DIFIE, and ArtWithSas.Consulting post workshop by appointment/ zoom chat. 
Cost: Free to members. Limit 100 registrants. $35.00  CAD to non-members
Time: 2 Hours
Date: April.29th.2020 3:30pm-5:30pm CST (Central Standard Time) Winnipeg, MB ***Re-scheduled to May.20th.2020**
Facebook Reservation: www.facebook.com/events/506242503380080/
Accepted Payment Types: Interac E-Transfer or PayPal by email to difiedance.org@gmail.com

Advocacy for Parents & Caregivers of a Person with a Disabilitie(s)/ Health Conditions For Equal Access to Inclusive Performance Arts Education & Experiences:
Open to: Artist and Audience members with a disability and/ or health conditions within Canada.
Description of Webinar: Learn about practical tools. digital platforms and apps that empower you to identify inclusive spaces, rate their inclusivity, and self-advocate to ensure you have equal access to performance arts spaces and digital experiences during and post COVID-19. This is not a one-on-one consulting session, however there is a Q&A period at the end of the webinar for participants to ask host questions. Individual and organisational consultation can be booked with DIFIE, and ArtWithSas.Consulting post workshop by appointment/ zoom chat. 
Cost: FREE- to members. Limit- 50 registrants. $35.00 CAD to non-members
Time: 2 Hours
Date: May.6th.2020 3:30pm-5:30pm CST (Central Standard Time) Winnipeg, MB
Facebook Reservation: https://www.facebook.com/events/242176903530801/
Accepted Payment Types: Interac E-Transfer or PayPal by email to difiedance.org@gmail.com

Becoming An Inclusive Performing Arts Education Provider on Digital Spaces in a Current & Post COVID Industry
Open to: Artist and Audience members with a disability and/ or health conditions within Canada.
Description of Webinar: Learn about practical tools. digital platforms and apps that empower you to identify inclusive spaces, rate their inclusivity, and self-advocate to ensure you have equal access to performance arts spaces and digital experiences during and post COVID-19. This is not a one-on-one consulting session, however there is a Q&A period at the end of the webinar for participants to ask host questions. Individual and organisational consultation can be booked with DIFIE, and ArtWithSas.Consulting post workshop by appointment/ zoom chat. 
Cost: Free- Open to 50 registrants. Must be members of DIFIE. $35.00 CAD to non-members
Time: 2 Hours​
Date: May.13th.2020 3:30pm to 5:30pm CST (Central Standard Time) Winnipeg, MB
​Accepted Payment Types: Interac E-Transfer or PayPal by email to difiedance.org@gmail.com

For the price of an individual OR organisational membership the above webinars are free! Simply download your membership form, fill it out, and email it back to us along with your membership payment and webinar registration form to: difiedance.inc@gmail.com

CULTURAL PLURALISM & INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE IN ARTS WORKPLACES

Open to: Artists, Arts Audiences, Arts Administrators, Arts Agents, Event Planners
Description: This webinar will explore respectful language in arts workplaces as it pertains to culture, sex, religion, disability etc. Participants will learn how to use respectful language in conjunction with Manitoba, and Canadian legislation to create psychologically safe workplaces. This webinar provides introductory information for artists and arts organisations to evaluate their current communication with artists, audiences, and arts administrators as it relates to inclusive language practices.
By participating in this webinar you will feel empowered to advocate for yourself and peers to create a respectful arts workplace.
Webinar Layout: 1 hour instruction via zoom/ skype audio. Participants can call in using landline, smartphone, or laptop audio. Participant video is not required nor is a computer. ***For assistance in streaming this webinar will be provided before the webinar via email.**
Date: May.27th.2020 3:30pm-5:00pm CST (Central Standard Time) Winnipeg, MB
Register/ Cost: $15.00 per registrant by E-Transfer or PayPal to: artwithsas@gmail.com
**You will be sent a confidential zoom link that is password protected and encrypted for your safety.**

RESTORING WORKPLACE MENTAL HEALTH POST-COVID

Learn techniques to create a psychologically safe workplace for yourself, your co-workers, and employees to restore mental wellness during and post COVID. Whether you are working remotely or are training new staff, or bringing back current staff into your physical workplace due to COVID this webinar is for you. Learn how to empower yourself, co-workers, and employees through transition and diverse co-working spaces to prevent decreased mental wellness. Learn about the various digital and physical space tools, activities, and apps to increase productivity and communication.

This webinar is perfect for Executives, Managers, Supervisors, small business owners, staff, and volunteers.

Webinar Layout: Topic will be presented by host. There will be a Q&A period for participants. No audio/ video is required for participants who do not wish to participate in Q&A. Webinar will be recorded and provided to participants post webinar.
Date: June.17th.2020 CST (Central Standard Time) Winnipeg, MB
Register/ Cost: $35.00 per registrant by E-Transfer or PayPal to: artwithsas@gmail.com
**You will be sent a confidential zoom link that is password protected and encrypted for your safety.**

 When booking a body artist for your next event, there are several KEY things you should look for in a Body Artist that goes beyond their design ability and natural talent.

Thinking of training staff or volunteers instead? This key list of critical things you should do and not do, will guide you to be fully prepared no matter which avenue you decide to venture upon.

Although you may think of face painting or temporary tattoos as just another "add on" activity to your event, there are potential risks and benefits that can completely change the outcome of the experience for our guests. This is why I have created this list for you to consider the various options available to you. Regardless of your event  "budget" there are certain elements that are more important than others, and ones you should NEVER compromise on. Remember, you get what you pay for!

1. HYGIENE

• Prior to providing Body Artistry services to guests: You should expect your Artist to arrive "fresh". and what I mean by that is they should be looking and smelling professional. This means they should not smell like cigarette smoke, have dirty hair/ hands/ or body. Many Body Artists will go from one event to another, so a good Artist will have showered before starting their schedule of gigs for the day, and have changed their clothes prior to the event you have booked them for if they have become dirty. It is also important for them not to be wearing heavy scents, or anything else that could cause potential breathing issues for your guests. Remember, the Body Artist will be in close-proximity of your guests when providing services, they should respect your guests by being aware of their own personal hygiene at all times. Often when an Artist is working several gigs in the sun, or that involve wearing heavy costumes they can become sweaty. In any case, a professional Artist will know to change in between events, and freshen up. Keep in mind however, despite their best efforts, they may have come in contact with environmental factors beyond their control that can cause them to smell, so be respectful.

 

• During Body Artistry rendering: An Artist should have Sanitizer at their working station AT ALL TIMES and should use it on their hands and forearms BEFORE & AFTER each guest they paint! No exceptions! Do not rush an artist during this process ever! Failure to do this can lead to the transfer of contagious diseases from person to person. The Artist should clean whatever skin service they are painting or tattooing before applying any products. This means washing the skin's surface with anti bacterial wipes, and/ or baby wipes depending on the person's skin sensitivity. A professional Artist will refuse to paint skin that appears dirty, infected, wounded, or irritated in any way. Body Artists are not doctors, and in order to protect their expensive products which would need to be thrown out if damaged, and the rest of the guests they are painting at your event they must refuse the guest no matter how upset they are. You, should support that! Remember, it is not a personal decision, it is in everyone's best interest. If an Artist paints an irritated area there is a risk that the area can potentially become infected. It is recommended that ALL Body Artists wear gloves and dispose of them at the minimum ever 3 to 4 guests, if not they must thoroughly sanitize and wash their hands before and after each guests. The Artist should be changing the water every 4 to 5 guests, with cold water to prevent bacteria growth. They should also be washing brushes, sponges etc between every guest even if they are applying the same color to another guest.

 

• End of Event: At the end of the event, a Body Artist should be carefully cleaning the area where they were painting. This is done by putting all used sponges, brushes, paints etc in a sealed bag, then cleaning the table surface areas, and chairs with anti bacterial wipes, then rinsing with water. If an Artist is heading to another Gig right after yours they should thoroughly clean the supplies before putting them in the bag.

 

• Post Event-After Care: A Body Artist should always wash every bag, container, case, or any other object or tool they use to paint/ tattoo a guest once they arrive back at their studio/home promptly after. The longer items sit the more bacteria they grow. If an Artist suspects any items or tools may have become contaminated they MUST dispose of them promptly. Professional Artists keep accurate records of when they clean their products, and watch for expiry dates for insurance purposes. Generally speaking, an Artist should not be holding on to paint for more than 6 months, even if it has been barely used. At

2. SCOPE OF PRACTICE/ DESIGN ABILITY

• ​Design Ability: A professional Artist should have several books of "hand drawn" designs, as well as "Most Popular" designs for your guests to choose from. Furthermore, they should be able to free-hand almost any design from a picture or google search from their phone depending on the time it takes to complete, and the number of guests they are booked to paint within a specific time frame you have given them. Also guests from time to time may request an inappropriate or unreasonable design, at which a professional Artist should decline. An Artist should not touch your phone or have any other guest item placed on their work station as it could contaminate it.
• Skill-sets: A true Artist should be able to do Nose/ Cheek/ Full Face/ Forehead/ Arm/ Upper Back/ Leg painting and temporary tattoos without having to rely on airbrush stencils or machine to complete the task. Although Airbrushing is quicker, and provides a cleaner looking design, most face painting designs do not require it. However, for large gigs that require several glitter tattoos, or airbrush tattoos the only way that is possible for an Artist to tattoo hundreds of guests is with machines, and the help of additional Artist assistants. Henna, and Earth Jagua tattoos do require free-hand ability, and although an Artist can repeat a design from one of their books, they should be able to hand- tattoo anything a guest requests, once again, that is appropriate.

PERSONAL SAFETY OF YOUR GUESTS

• Certification: A certified Artist will have taken the time to get proper certification or training in this trade, and usually continues their education with other Artists. Although being a Certified Body Artist does not guarantee that they will be the best or a great artist, it will however demonstrate that they care enough to learn how to to properly protect your guests from un-safe applications.
• Criminal Record/ Child Abuse Checks: It is a common practice to ensure that staff or volunteers that are working your even have a clear criminal record, child abuse check, and vulnerable person's check, and Body Artists should NEVER be an exception to that rule. They are in DIRECT physical contact with your guests, and often have to work around figgidy children, or adult quests who may be intoxicated. Your job as an event host is to ensure that they not only are safe, but know how to protect themselves through preventive guest-interaction policies and procedures.

• Fresh Products: I have literally seen clowns and artists hold on to their products for SEVERAL years. I understand the investment aspect, but a good Artist should be booked enough that they change their products often, and are always trying new brands until they find one they can count on. If they are buying in small quantities per gig, it costs them more so that is usually when you see an Artist holding on to old product. Remember, old products if not cleaned properly are FILLED with bacteria! The quality of the color when applying, and whether or not the design lasts in the hot summer without painful cracking, or wiping off onto your guests clothes all depends on how "fresh" the Artists products are.

INSURANCE

• Your Own: NEVER rely on an Artists insurance to protect you. As an Event planner or Host it is best to get general event liability insurance, even more so if you are an Agent who books Body Artist's for gigs.
• The Artists:  EVERY working professional Artist SHOULD carry insurance to protect themselves, and you. No matter how well an Artist cleans their Body Artistry products, and working station, sometimes children have a reaction to the paint or tattoo products. In this case, the lack of insurance could. Ask for a copy of theirs before booking with them.
• The Venue: Responsible venues request that all Event Planners or Artist's they book carry insurance. Although most do not enforce this as they think it is financially unobtainable for most Artists. It is not! The cost for an entire year of insurance for an Artist to obtain it themselves ranges between $100 to $600 per year depending on the type of Body Artistry they will be doing.

SAFE SET UP FOR ARTISTS & GUESTS

• Seating: Most professional Body Artists bring their own fold up tables, chairs, and set up that allows them to work fast and well. Although you may want to offer them a chair and table request that they provide their own to prevent them from over-use injuries. The rotation of the torso and holding an arm up can lead to injuries even from one gig if it is two hours or more. This is because the Artist often has to hold their body very still in off-angle positions for a long period of time without being able to sit. Most Artists will bring a chair and a stool so that they can change body positions. When booking an Artist for two hours or more, it is generally accepted that you allow them to get up for 5 minutes once every hour to prevent injuries. Sometimes this simply doesn't happen because there are many quests to be painted, remember they wont work faster or better if they are in pain. Ensure you give them a break, unless they decline.
• Refreshments: Artists spend most of their time talking to guests they are painting, or about to paint. In addition, they may be working out doors for long periods of time, in which case they need to remain hydrated. Offer a coffee, water, juice, or pop to make sure they take care of themselves. Alot of Artists are so focused on getting the job done they often neglect their own self-care and end up getting sick after a gig. Remember, they are in DIRECT contact with guests who may be ill, so its imperative that their immune system remains strong.
• Food: It is a common courtesy to tip an Artist or have a tip jar near their working station. However in order to keep the working area clean and safe, no food, or money should EVER come in contact with the Artists hands or area. You can provide a tip at the end of the night or collect tips for the Artist. Artists most of the time love a meal at the end of the night, and it is a gesture that does not go un-noticed.
• Additional Hours: Do not assume an Artist is available to work over-time, and even if they are don't assume they have the energy too. Body Artistry is a very difficult job that is mentally, emotionally, and physically taxing. Because it involves artwork people often think its fun and games, and have no idea the level of Mastery, Prep, and effort that is put in by professional Artists. They may want to stay and paint additional guests, but they don't have too. Remember, unless you have a prior arrangement with them, or can pay them up front for their work ensure you prepare the guests for their departure no less than 15 minutes before their service is to end. This is because it creates conflict with the Artists and the guests who have waited in line, and is embarrassing for the Artist. Conversations about financial transactions should be done respectfully away from the ears of a guest. If you do want to discuss any grievances or requests for overtime it should be done away from their work area, and their work area should be supervised by someone else. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should any guest, staff, or volunteer touch a Body Artists products at any time with or without their permission. This is one again for protection from any liabilities for you and the Artist.

THE TRUE COST
What are you really paying for when you book a Body Artist?
You are paying for not just their supplies, but their skill level, and professionalism. I don't know how many times I have had people try to cut the cost of the gig by offering to buy supplies, or asking the Artist to do the job of two people for less than the price of one. If they are not in your budget range, that is fine, but remember these are real people who DO pay taxes, and must be accountable for their gigs to their union, insurance provider, agent, and government.
Body Artistry IS a trade, and not just something ANYONE can do. Although more and more people are learning the tricks of the trade, an Artist has set their prices for a reason. The travel time to and from the gig, the time to clean and prep the supplies in between gigs, the time to order and arrange their products, type an invoice for you, answer your questions, and put a qoute together for you, all takes TIME. 

Very few professional Body Artists are rich, so remember the price they have given you is most likely fair and reasonable even if it sounds to you like they are getting paid $100 hour, once divided into all the things they need to do for one gig, it is alot less. Just like any business, they have costs. They also have to pay for their own health insurances, travel insurance etc, so its rather insulting to make comments about their worth as an Artist. Often times this is the reason really good Artists retire early, and it has nothing to do with whether or not they are talented or enjoy painting.

So, remember, respect the Artist, and respect your Guests. Treat them well, and expect the best. Ask questions, provide support, and above all, do your research before bringing in an Artist. Ask for references, and do not allow the price of an Artist to be the main factor in deciding on who you want to book.

Looking for a Body Artist for your next Gig? Contact ArtWithSas! E: artwithsas@gmail.com P: 204.894.1075

Everywhere you look you see a child in front of a TV, a tablet, a computer, or a smart phone. It seems as years go by, the children get distracted by these devices at a younger age. With all the advances in digital technology and social media in the 21st century kids spend less time doing kid things. When I was younger I enjoyed to sew from the fabric scraps my mother had, or play in the snow. In the summer running through the parks discovering nature, or sitting back reading a paperback book were some of my favorite past times. There was no such things as YouTube tutorials, and how-to-do apps.

As much as these advancements serve a fantastic purpose, and can be a great tool for kids, all kids should "unplug" once in a while and learn to create fun from their OWN imagination through self-guided discovery. 

Some of the best artists did things at their time that were considered "eccentric", or their art wasn't even considered art, or masterpieces because it was "different". Being different is OK. With TV, and Media constantly putting pressure on our children to look and be a certain way 24-7 whether to compete with other children in school, or to be a team player "popular" no lesson is more valuable for them to learn than to be their OWN person. 

Art allows a child to be weird, different, eccentric, outgoing, introverted, sad, happy, mad, or glad in a productive way that not only helps them gain confidence and healing, but it also helps them develop their own identity. Kids who are confident in their individuality do better in school, and socially as well. In the attempt to make our kids more well rounded so that they can become productive adults we sometimes forget to let their hearts guide their path.

Art speaks what no words can, in a beautiful way. Some of the greatest pieces of art I ever made were composed of beautiful mistakes. Art teaches kids that they can make lemonade out of lemons, and it also teaches them to search for beauty in every facet of life.

I took my first acrylic painting class when I was 13, and followed up that learning with taking graphic design in high school. My first painting class consisted of 8 weeks of 1 hour classes in a non-structured lesson plan environment. Basically, you were given a blank stapled canvass, bottles of cheap acrylic paint in the 5 basic primary colors, and were told ready-set-go. In my graphics design class we always received a lesson and then completed an art activity related to the lesson that was shown that same day. Classes in high school were also under an hour.

Nowadays you can purchase an art book from a store, and learn just about any skill set through disciplined study. So then the questions we must ask ourselves when choosing an art teacher to learn from are:

1. What is the need/ purpose of an art teacher
2. What can an art teacher teach you in-person that you can not get from an art book?

The answer to the first question is simply.....

"A great art teacher inspires their student first, and guides their student to develop their creativity, technique to discover their own style."

The answer to the second question are the following 3 qualities:

1. GREAT PERSONALITY: They have excellent/ above average customer service skills.

• Understands their students creative learning needs, goals, strengths, weaknesses, and preferred art style/ art medium interests. The teacher is able to take this information to develop their student's potential by focusing on their strengths and giving them suggestions on different techniques through demonstration.
• Able to relate to diverse groups of people,
• Able to work within their students allocated time and budget.
• Knows when to have fun and is great at engaging students in learning-based conversation, with the ability to explain the lesson plan, or mentor the student individually if there isn't one.
• Is humble, and open to learning new techniques and style from their students, and demonstrate a wide variety of art genre's within the medium they are teaching. Even if it is not the teacher's preferred genre, and especially if their student is more knowledgeable then them self on a particular technique,.

2. DIVERSE IN MULTIPLE ART GENRES/ MEDIUMS: A great art teacher is a student themselves who is always expanding his/ or her horizons by developing their current artistic skill set by trying new mediums, and learning a variety of genres.

3. INTERMEDIATE- MASTERY OF CHOSEN SKILL-SET TEACHING: I have always believed that as a teacher you must always be in tune with current industry trends and be continually educating yourself on new techniques and artistic methods. That being said, as long as you have created works, there is a skill set that you posses, and must master to teach your students well. Just because some one is a great artist, does not mean they will be a great art teacher, no matter how much of an art education they have. Teaching is not easy, and is one of the most challenging and rewarding careers if done right. It is great to teach traditional methods (foundation skillets) such as:

• Color Mixing : How to mix primary colors to create other colors, the do's and dont's of mixing, etc.
• Brush Care & Brush Applications: How to care for your brushes, and which brush/ or knives to use for various techniques
• Drawing composition for painting: How to draw basic shapes, lines, etc

But unless you can unravel the mysteries of creating artwork, and make learning art less intimidating, more fun, and keep your student's engaged from the beginning to the end of the class, you have not yet mastered the 3 top qualities. Never under estimate your student's potential, as you will be surprised what you can learn from them

The perfect solution for a 2 hour getaway for new parents and couples with older children.

As a new parent I realized early on, that one on one time with my spouse is extremely important to keep the romance in our stress out so I began searching online for an activity to do as a couple one day a week. He is a sports guy, and I am a dancer, both activities were too time consuming for our 2 or 3 hour babysitting limits.

After searching through the Leisure guide and facebook for an activity that was affordable, fun, new, and started after 6:00pm, and ended around 7:30pm or 8:00pm during the week and weekends, the options looked limited, After a long day of work and baby care I wanted to make sure I came home sober with energy left to care for our child.
Most importantly, we wanted to save money and put our hard earned dollars into savings for our son. So what was the solution?

We both have an interest in art, so art classes looked like a great fit. Simply put, art classes are inexpensive in 6 sessions or more, and we are sharing a skill that we can pass onto our son when he is older by doing art with him. Finding art classes that start in the 6:30pm-8:30pm time range can be tricky, so when my son was old enough I began teaching beginner art classes in the evenings for adults.

If you are interested in attending, I would love to have you! To learn more:
www.artwithsas.com/artwithsasartclasses.html

​​Whether you are a mom who wants to learn how to do face painting for your kids and special events, or a comic con/ cosplay enthusiast, this introductory workshop will teach you the foundations of body art.

​From henna tattoos, to cheek, nose, and full face designs, you will learn:

• safe hygiene practices
• body art color theory
• specialty brush stroke and sponge application techniques
• quick, easy, and impressive 5min to 10min designs that can be completed with just a few steps
• most popular henna tattoo designs
• henna tattoo care
• how to mix henna, and the do's and don'ts of henna applications

Over the years I have trained various teens and adults on how to do body artistry correctly, giving them the chance to provide face painting and temporary tattoo application at the various corporate, family, and grads I was commissioned too. 

My goal is to show you just how exciting, simple, and interesting body art can be for recreational purposes. Workshops are offered in an intimate setting of 20 or less students, and my "Body Art with Sas" training book will be available for purchase after the workshop to help you build on your new skillset.

In a world where boys are taught that to be masculine is to use physicality over emotions, art can teach them where gentleness is still masculine, and when to exercise the ladder.

Just like yoga and dance, art is another way for a young boy to see that his power and strength does not just lye in the size of his biceps, but in his heart as well. More and more these days young boys are developing eating disorders, considering plastic surgery, abusing steroids and energy drinks trying to be like the "loud and proud" men they see in movies, tv, video games, and music videos. Yes boys will be boys, and being physical is normal way for boys with developing testosterone to behave, but boys are emotional creatures too.

When boys are not taught how to effectively manage their emotions in difficult and stressful situations, they lash out physically or internally. Alot of young men are afraid to express their emotions in front of their peers as they get older, and in turn,push it deep down inside until they are overwhelmed with anxiety and lash out. I truly believe all young men are capable of being gentle physically,as long as they have a spiritual and creative outlet to safely express it in.

I have had the privilege of teaching young boys dance, yoga, and music from the ages of 2 and up, and have witnessed first hand how they can grow into gentleman who are respectful to women verbally, and less violent with their peers. When they play fight they know when to stop,and are much more equipped to verbally express their feelings before a serious conflict arises. Some of the boys I have instructed were the bully or were being bullied in school, and it amazed me how by simply listening to them nervously express their emotions when they first began to open up made a huge difference. All of a sudden they were asking to help me co-teach and would even bring me water and drawings, as well as food.

Art teaches boys how to engage in nature, science, history and various subjects in a non confrontational way. For boys with learning disabilities, or behavior challenges they can become and remain engaged in subjects that they may otherwise have done poorly in over time. Art not only raises boys mental intelligence, but their emotional as well.
Art naturally makes a person pause, slow down, and think about the world around them and allows for the greatest or most painful memories to be turned into something positive.

Whether you purchase them art kits for them to use at their leisure at home, or sign them up for an art class, a meditating child, is a more balanced child.

Art therapy, a proven method of recovery for those struggling with PTSD.

I wanted to use my experiences as an artist with a disability to help others, so in my early twenties I began working for various community and social service agencies on a part time basis. As I began to work full time, hearing peoples stories became too much.

I am sure you have read about firefighters, paramedics, policemen, nurses,doctors, soldiers, bus drivers, and social workers who have struggled with PTSD with very little success in recovery when reaching out for help. This truth remains partially because there is such a stigma around mental health.

Good news is thanks to social media and collaborative efforts by companies and not for profit organizations campaigns, the table has been opened to encourage people to talk about mental health, and be available to their loved ones if they need to talk. Slowly we are di stigmatizing mental health and PTSD, but there is still room for improvement.

As a caregiver, I truly believe that people who work in the social and public services industry really do care, and humans can only absorb so much pain before it boils over. These same everyday heroes tend to work over time, and
double time, giving very little space for downtime. Downtime is especially important for caregivers as they witness some of the worlds greatest tragedies. They run towards the fire when we run away, knowing they may never come back. Caregivers also feel at times over burdened, under-appreciated and simply like they aren't doing enough.

I left the community and social services industry in my mid twenties from burn out.I did not know I had PTSD till I learned more about it. I felt ashamed, as who was I to complain when other people around me were hurting so much more? I felt like I needed to be strong for them, and was scared to be judged or rejected if I spoke up about how much I was hurting. I would be okay for a while, then I would be triggered,and fall into depression. It was a vicious cycle, and as time went by it became harder to "stay happy" for a while again.

Thank goodness an artist's husband donated her art supplies to me when she passed away. I began to paint again. What I created was not for the purpose of sale or for me to post on instagram. It was just a way for me to divulge my most intimate pain in a private and healing way.

One day I was painting, and it dawned on me that I was no longer sad when I painted. I also realized I was happier more than I was sad. I had been painting for about 5 years when I had this Epiphany. Everyone heals differently in their own timing. Although I danced, sang and wrote songs, nothing quite expressed my deep emotions quite the same way as painting.

Counselling is paid for by work places, and I think dance, art or music classes should be too. Not only as a preventative measure for caregivers in the front-line, but also as a recommendation when they are beginning to show signs of distress.

As a workplace you can show your support to your staff by offering art classes in house, or creating a culture that stresses the importance of play hard as equally as they work hard. Providing these opportunities to your workers will make them more productive, help them keep the passion alive for what they do, and help decrease the turn around rate,.

I can honestly say in all of the workplaces I worked, not one of them ever reached out to me. When I reached out to them they simply suggested I took time off. Time off will only help a person so much. Extroverted and introverted people deal with trauma differently yes, but each of them needs an outlet regardless. My mother is and has been a nurse for almost 30 years. I witnessed her heartaches, passion, and joy as she positively affected so many lives. I also remember her putting herself last, which caregivers tend to do. She is now taking my art classes, and to see the joy in her eyes makes me happy because she deserves it. She is so dedicated to her field that she is only semi-retired, but now she understands the importance of loving herself as much as her neighbor.