Release!
Sunday, July 12, 2026
1:00 – 3:30 PST • $36
Mountain View, CA
All materials provided
There was a time some months back that I was so bottled up that I just wanted to scream! Frustration, rage, sadness, fear, all of it roiling inside, pressure building without an escape valve. I felt stuck, downhearted, and aimless (a definite low point for this task-oriented person!)
Finally, I took to my canvas and almost literally threw paint at a canvas in colors that matched how I was feeling. I wasn’t looking to paint anything in particular; however, what I wanted to do was to get my energy moving. Eventually, after layers of colors, I found that the tension within lessened, and I could breathe easier and think more clearly.
I imagine that I’m not the only one who would like to find some release from stuck emotions that keep us down. I invite you to join me for Release! to open your imaginary escape valves, throw paint on a canvas, and find some relief.
Space to breathe
Space to feel
Space to think
Space to act
This is not about being an artist or painting well. It’s about giving yourself the space to let go of something that is ready to be released, to allow yourself to have a small shift in perspective, a sense of more ease emotionally and physically.
When you allow yourself to express what you are feeling inside, it allows your natural energy to flow more freely. Sometimes we don’t even know what we are feeling or don’t have words to describe what’s inside. That is when it is especially powerful to make art in some form. We can feel more than one emotion at the same time, even when those appear to be contradictory. It’s not about feeling one and negating another, but about giving yourself the space to let the emotions emerge and pass through you, allowing you to access your energy and agency. We don’t know what wondrous insights we may find until we let go of what keeps us stuck and breathe into the possibility of what may arise!
No prior experience is needed. If you have a desire to express yourself through art, you’ll find encouragement and welcome within our circle.
What Students Say:
I loved your class. I was completely engaged…and felt stronger, more confident and mobilized afterwards. Your teaching style is gentle, but powerful. You gave enough instruction but allowed our creativity to show through. Art from the inside out is both healing and provocative.
~ MG
I love taking classes with you. This is my third painting class with you, and each class gives me a new perspective. I must say that you make the arena a safe place. So, I am willing to get out there on the Edge and see where it will take me. Thanks to you, I can be brave. As for taking more classes with you, absolutely!!!!
~ MK
I think that you are a great teacher, Carolyn! You’re very sensitive and encouraging; very patient and supportive. You are also very talented at painting.
~ LHS