OPEN STUDIO, a course on Zoom that moves with the seasons. A chance to come together on a cool winter evening and refresh yourself, making art in community. An opportunity to relax -- to lose yourself in the soulful, creative search for Self.

I introduced Open Studio to the Jung Society in August 2021. Since then we’ve brought it back several times, by popular demand.  It’s a course for all levels of skill with art.

In preparation, imagine materials you could use to make art. If you already have favorites, begin to gather them. For example, collect different sorts of paper, oil pastels, acrylics, perhaps clay (air drying Model Magic), found objects, tissue paper collage, glue. Or maybe put aside some water, paints, brushes for things you’ve wanted to try, but haven’t had the time. Find a nook at home to stash your art supplies so that you can get to them easily and have them at the ready whenever you like.

As we move into creating during each class, you will have time to work alone in your nook, but the energy you bring to the group will help create a temenos, a safe and quiet space.

After some time making art, we will go into “break-out rooms” for a chance to step back and observe our creations and share thoughts and feelings about the experience in a supportive and accepting environment. What was it like for you? What did Psyche reveal? Was there something special about making art while in the presence of this group?

You may discover that there is something you would like to bring back to the group after the “break-out room” -- perhaps some guidance found in the symbolic nature of your artwork.

Near the end of each class, by way of wrap up, there will be time to write a few sentences about what you have discovered about yourself and what you will be bringing back to the next session.

Sondra Geller, MA, ATR-BC, LPC, is a Jungian analyst in private practice in Washington, DC.  She is a Board-Certified Registered Art Therapist and a Licensed Professional Counselor.  She has lectured and given workshops for The George Washington University Art Therapy Master's Program, the Philadelphia Jung Institute/PAJA, the Jung Society of Washington, and the C. G. Jung Institute in Kusnacht, Switzerland. Her focus is on making art in the presence of the analyst, Jung and aging, Jung and the creative process, and Jungian art therapy. Some time ago, she was guest co-editor of a special issue of Psychological Perspectives, "Aging & Individuation.” You can find out more about her at her website, http://sondrageller.com/