Getting Creative Fit with a Corporate Twist

Again - it’s one of those delayed posts, where have I been? It’s been an exciting time in the life of ImageWerks. Back in April, I finished my certification as a Creatively Fit coach. I decided to obtain this certification after many years of hearing friends, colleagues, aquaintances telling over & over—

“I’m not creative. I’m not an artist! Oh, I can’t draw – you’re the one that’s talented...”

So, after hearing these statements & my comments back...

“Can write your name?… (yup). “Okay, can you scribble? (sure)... Even better...” Think about it, if you can write your name & you can scribble, then you have the ability—you are creative & you can draw!”

It was this simple conversation that drew me to becoming a Creatively Fit coach. I want to help people realize that they are inherently creative and to awaken and appreciate that part of who they are.

So, it was early March that I was invited to conduct a creative coaching session at the International Program for Development Evaluation Training (http://www.ipdet.org/) course in Ottawa, CA. The participants in this program are individuals, businesses, & educators that evaluate programs in disciplines such as public health, democracy & governance, education, or humanitarian assistance. The premise of my session was to help them to understand that creativity is a critical part of who we are and what our business’ need to survive these days. The monitoring & evaluation community is very analytical and very structured – very left brained. When approached to conduct a session on creativity, I saw a challenge – how do I reach these people who embrace the left mode of thinking? To my surprise & delight, I had 70 international development evaluators attend my Creatively Fit session!

Using concrete examples of design principles and how they relate to them and their work – I also demonstrated to them, other conceptual principles: design, empathy, story, play, meaning, and synthesis. The attendees participated in two art exercises: a community drawing with the vision, “we work as individuals & live as a community” and a “black board scribble.” I knew I helped them reach their right brain when the chatter in the room went like this:

“I can’t draw, silence, giggling, & then… humming a tune!”

One of the reviews from a participant said it all, “I would recommend conducting such sessions quarterly so as staff to reflect on their empathy for the communities we serve.”

I look forward to working with corporate teams & educators… reaching the out to help them to see the big picture and get creative for both themselves, their business, schools or community. Creatively speaking & thinking, I think we’ll all be living in a much better world.

Contact me at http://www.imagewrks.net/ to learn more about ImageWerks. Or ask me how you can have a session created especially for you or your business.

Another Nod of Excellence

I apologize for not keeping up with our blog - inbetween life, the universe & everything.... something had to give & I guess this was it. Of course, I keep up with my facebook postings - but putting thoughts down on "paper" just doesn't get the attention it deserves. I did want to post another nod of excellence that was awarded to me (can I say "us"? I feel if it weren't for the encouragement of my family, friends & clients - I wouldn't be getting the nods I have been).

So - back in the beginning of January, I was notified that my photograph, "Horizon" was selected as one of the winners in the Collectors Showcase at the Workhouse Art Center in Lorton, VA. This is really an honor... it was juried into the "best of the best" by Joy Chambers. She is an award winning jazz photographer & a noted lawyer, http://www.joychamberslaw.com/. My image will be included in the 2012 collectors calendar as "March." My piece & the other original pieces of art were donated by the Workhouse artists will be on display in Gallery W-16, first floor from February 2-19. To find out more about this exhibit and the upcoming Collectors Showcase gala on Feb. 19, visit: http://bit.ly/hzaM4x. I will also have several new pieces that will be a part of the exhibition, the "Best of the Collector's Showcase," February 23-April 3. http://bit.ly/glZoWB. This show is an extension of the 2011 Collector's Showcase. The exhibition will present art from the top 13 artists chosen at the 2011 Collector's Showcase. Look for the exhibition on the first floor of the Gallery W-16. There will be an opening reception in Gallery W-16 on March 12th from 6-9pm in conjunction with the Workhouse's 2nd Saturday Art Walk.

And finally... I am honored to be exhibiting my photography at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas, VA. I will be sharing the spotlight as one of three local photographers that will be showing our work in the Buchanan Partners Art Gallery. The show will be taking place from March 1 to April 3, 2011. For more information about the exhibition and the Hylton Performing Arts Center visit: http://www.hyltoncenter.org/

As you know - I am a member of the Workhouse Photography Group at the Workhouse Art Center - our gallery is located in building W-16 (first floor). I am also co-owner (or as my friend say, "the creative know-it-all") of a creative communications studio, ImageWerks located in Lake Ridge, VA. To find out more information about my business or to arrange for your no-cost creative assessment of your business - call: 703-492-8215 or visit, http://www.imagewrks.net/

(in the very near future - look for a very special announcement about a new program that my business will be offering, Creatively Fit coaching.... think right brain/left brain.... creative/teamwork... ooo la la!!)