About this Event
Create. Breathe. Be Present.
What happens when we give ourselves permission to slow down and simply create?
Join Dr. Michaele C. Samuel, PsyD, EdD, CMIP, LCPC, Gallery Artist at Arts’tination, for Mindful Crafting: Taking Care of Your Mental Health Through Decoupage, a hands-on experience combining creative expression with mindfulness practices.
Participants will learn the art of decoupage while designing and decorating their own vase. Throughout the creative process, Dr. Samuel will introduce mindful breathing, sensory awareness, and present-moment practices designed to encourage relaxation, focused attention, and intentional engagement.
As participants select imagery, arrange compositions, layer materials, and become immersed in their work, they’ll have an opportunity to experience the restorative quality of focused creativity and explore the concept of flow—a state in which attention deepens and time seems to fade into the background.
No prior art or mindfulness experience is required. All materials are provided.
Each participant will leave with a personalized decoupage vase, along with simple mindfulness practices that can be incorporated into everyday life.
What You’ll Experience
- Learn the fundamentals of decoupage
- Create a personalized decorative vase
- Practice mindful breathing and sensory awareness
- Explore the connection between focused creativity and well-being
- Discover how creative activities can encourage presence and relaxation
- Learn simple mindfulness practices for everyday life
- Take home your completed artwork
Event Details
Ages 50+
$15 per participant
Limited to 22 participants
About the Artist
Dr. Michaele C. Samuel
Mixed-Media Decoupage Artist
Dr. Michaele C. Samuel is a licensed psychotherapist, certified mindfulness
practitioner, and gallery artist at Arts’tination Gallery at National Harbor. A
native of Grenada, she brings her Caribbean heritage, appreciation for
nature, and commitment to mindful living into her creative practice.
Dr. Samuel is a mixed-media decoupage artist. Using carefully selected and
layered paper imagery, she transforms ceramic vessels and everyday forms
into distinctive works of art. Her work explores nature, freedom, memory,
beauty, healing, and transformation. The deliberate process of selecting,
cutting, arranging, and layering each element allows her to create richly
detailed compositions that invite reflection and reveal new perspectives
from every angle.
Dr. Samuel’s work has been exhibited at the Marcus Garvey Hall of Culture at
the Organization of American States in Washington, DC, and is also exhibited
at Arts’tination Gallery at National Harbor. Several pieces have been
acquired by collectors. The collection reflects an evolving creative voice and
a distinctive ability to unite color, texture, storytelling, and craftsmanship.
Dr. Samuel’s artistic practice is closely connected to her professional work in
mental health and mindfulness. She recognizes creative expression as a
meaningful avenue for emotional exploration, self-awareness, relaxation,
and personal growth. Through her art, she creates opportunities to pause,
look more closely, and experience beauty with intention.
Dr. Samuel holds doctorates in Clinical Psychology and Education and
Human Development. She is the founder of Tranquil Islands, which brings
together her work in art, mindfulness, wellness, artisan design, sustainable
boutique farming, and culinary experiences.
Gallery Artist, Arts’tination Gallery
Tranquilislands.com
Event venue & nearby stays
Arts'tination, 162 Waterfront Street, Oxon Hill, United States
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