Name: Art & Healing
Start: 2026-02-06T12:00:00-05:00
Location: 5827 Riverside Drive, Punta Gorda, FL, United States, Florida 33982

Art & Healing
Sometimes called expressive arts, Art and Healing is a gentle creative approach that uses artmaking, drawing, painting, crafts, music, writing and more, as a way to help people reduce stress support emotional well-being and explore life events. The emphasis is on the process of creation rather than the end product. It's perfect for beginners because there is no expectation of the student's skills level or artistic abilities. Anyone can participate in Art and Healing, because it is about expressing yourself authentically. You will learn basic artistic skills in the class, such as using various types of paint and color mixing. Many methods are used in Art & Healing, including mandalas, symbolic imagery, neurograrphica, collage, and more.
You Will Experience
Art and Healing promote creativity and self-expression in a supportive environment. It helps us articulate our inner world, express emotions, and work through personal issues. It can be used as a therapeutic process or to expand creativity and imagination. Expressive arts include visual art, movement, writing, drama, and more. No art background is needed, ensuring a safe space for all to explore and share.
A Series of Three Classes: Week 1-Feb. 6; Week 2 – Feb 27; Week 3-Mar 13
Week 1 Friday, Feb. 6th
Mandalas of Self-Expression- Using a circle design students will create a mandala expressing the many sides of themselves. Colored pencils and markers.
Week 2 –Friday, Feb. 28th
Myself as a Tree. Using multiple mediums students will create a symbolic tree image, which represents elements of their personality.
Week 3, Friday, March 13th
Ink & String Surreal Art – Using black ink & string students will create a fantasy-like image and then paint it with watercolors.
Location: The Great Lawn Northside
Details: Judy will supply everything for you to create!
As with all our classes, you will be situated under a pergola or tent but outdoors and enjoying nature. Please bring a hat, sunscreen, and wear comfortable shoes. We hope this outdoor setting inspires a sense of adventure, creativity, and relaxation making your day here memorable and filled with beauty.
Includes general admission to The Gardens & Full Access to the ORIGAMI IN THE GARDEN exhibition!
MEET YOUR TEACHER:
Judy Lyons was raised on the shores of Lake Michigan and grew up loving nature and the great outdoors. Judy attended K-12 school in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Judy graduated from Grand Valley State University near Grand Rapids, where she double majored in Art and Psychology. After moving to Florida with her husband, Michael, and son, Clayton, she became a certified art teacher and earned her master’s degree in counseling from the University of South Florida in 1997. She also earned a Certificate in Art and Healing from Ringling College of Art and Design in 2008. Judy taught for over 25 years at Riverview High School in Sarasota and in Manatee County Schools and retired in 2018.
Judy now teaches a wide variety of art classes in the community. She loves the fabric art of Batik and has taught this process to many people over the years. Judy has also taught printmaking for years. Plant printing is one of her favorite methods, which also includes her love of nature. During her Art and Healing program Judy learned many Expressive Art Methods and she has developed an expertise in using these artistic techniques to help people discover their inner world and to strengthen their creativity. There are so many ways to use art to explore our world, connect to our inner spirit, and build self-confidence, and resilience. Expressive Arts allow both non-artist and practicing artists a way to delve into art in a fun, new way. Judy is also a certified Yoga instructor and a Mindfulness Meditation leader. Judy has a passion and a mission to share her love of art and nature with other. “It is my utmost pleasure to share my love of creativity, and to help others find their own path to self-expression. We are all creative beings.”