An expressive arts and story sharing gathering are fun and poignant. Here are some examples. If you want to host a gathering or want to be on my mailing list, please contact me.

Mask-making can be a powerful way for expressing and sharing stories. Typically we begin with an icebreaking activity (e.g., improv jam) together, and then each participant will decorate masks. A blank mask for each participant and basic art supplies to share will be provided. Participants are encouraged to bring supplies that are familiar or meaningful to them. After the art-making, we will share stories.

Making innerchild dolls from used fabrics can help us acknowledge pains from the past and love ourselves. After an icebreaking activity, each participant will make a doll using fabric and yarns. I use a very simple traditional Japanese children’s doll pattern as the base. Basic supplies will be provided, and participants are encouraged to bring materials meaningful to them (e.g., their old clothes). After the doll-making, we will share stories.

Music improvisation can connect us in very special ways. While we are making music together, we will also co-creates arts, and sometimes we will also dance!

Make a Joyful Noise! is a music making gathering that works for all ages. It is a perfect way for building a community, breaking ice for a workshop or simply bring people together to have fun. A recent participant at her church retreat said, “Lots of feelings came up during the music making!”

Visit gallery to see more photos of participant arts and my own.

Here is a video introduction of Make a Joyful Noise!

Participants are encouraged to bring their own instruments or noisemakers. (Need ideas? Watch this.) I usually provide various small percussion instruments, a limited number of hand drums as well as wind and string instruments.

This is a recording from the Unleash Your Creativity with Musical Improvisation class I presented at a high school piano lab.