CREATIVITY
WORKSHOP

Creative Writing,
Drawing,
Storytelling,
Memoir

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I wrote the first chapter of a first novel, and opened a new door in my creative life. The Creativity Workshop in Florence was an unforgettable experience! I'm still in touch with friends I made there.
Lowry Marshall, Playwright, and Dramaturg. Professor of Acting and Directing, Brown University

The Creativity Workshop awakened a longing in my heart to create that gets ignored in my busy "everyday" life. The Workshop really changed my life. Freed my imagination. I saw my classmates come alive, too. When a fellow participant said to me: "For the first time in a long time I feel joy," I knew it wasn't just me who had been transformed. It was a magical experience. One that will stay with me forever.
Rondi Aastrup, Principal, Greater Boston Academy, Stoneham, MA

The Creativity Workshop in Florence was a unique and wonderful experience, both individually and in the community spirit it created. Through its original weave of play and process, it reminds us that creativity must be allowed, not forced, and provides useful tools to access and stimulate the imagination. A lively group and a supportive, learning-friendly atmosphere, all in one of Europe's loveliest cities.
Melita Schaum, Professor and Writer, Berkeley, CA

We brought back a flood of new ideas for introducing new lesson plans and formulas for tapping into our students' creativity and expanding their knowledge and ability to learn on a much more creative basis!
Jack Degelia and Catherine Huvar, Fund for Teachers Award to attend Workshop. Katy Independent School District, TX

I cannot tell you how inspiring your workshop was! I continue to draw inspiration from those few days!
Deborah B. Reeve, Ed. D., Deputy Executive Director, National Association of Elementary School Principals, Washington, D.C.

I brought the workshop exercises into my senior thesis writing class. The students LOVED them, and their writing was far better than students' work in previous classes.
Pamela Perry, Associate Professor of Sociology, University of California, Santa Cruz

I taught a creative writing class yesterday afternoon and felt a new confidence after the summer's Creativity Workshop. My students seem more excited about their work using your exercises. I feel that in several months time I shall still be doing and saying things that echo what we covered in your wonderful workshop.
Noel Shepherd, Creative Writing Teacher, Washington International School, Washington, DC

Participants from around the world provided an extraordinary opportunity to connect with people I would never meet in my typical work environment.
Janine Violini, Instructor, SAIT Polytechnic, Calgary, Canada

The greatest gift I received from the Workshop was to learn in a different way. We took time to focus, take risks, and experiment with different media, I now use many of the Workshop ideas and exercises in the classroom.
Joyce Standing, Teacher, Overlake Elementary School, WA

I am using the Workshop exercises in teaching hard core science classes. The Creativity Workshop remains etched in my mind as one of the most rejuvenating, nurturing, enlightening, relaxing, growth-inducing experiences of my life.
Mohey Mowafy, Professor and Director of Clinical Dietetics, Northern Michigan University

The Workshop helped me to determine the elements to be a successful creative thinker and how to pass those abilities on to my staff and students.
Lee Koran, Principal, St. Patrick Fine Arts Elementary School, Alberta, Canada

My 17-year-old granddaughter and I loved the time we spent together in the Creativity Workshop. Everything was well planned and carried out in the workshop. It was especially nice to hear the philosophy: "Creativity is a Journey, rather than a Goal." "Learning is a Process, not a Product."
Barbara Hansen Epplett, Professor of Organ, Emeritus, University of Oregon

One of the qualities of a meaningful experience is that it grows in depth and positive regard as time goes on. That is how I feel about the Creativity Workshop.
Daniel Lamken, Teacher, American School of Prague, Czech Republic

A perfect blend of relaxation and stimulation. The assignments fostered discovery and creativity, yet left us plenty of time to enjoy the wonders of Crete. I came away from the workshop with an array of techniques that I can call upon to encourage my creativity.
Patricia Lancaster, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Rollins College, FL

The Workshop was extremely valuable in generating my awareness of my creativity and in stimulating ideas for my professional life. Jeanne Arthur, Executive Officer, ACT Board of Secondary School Studies, Australia

The Workshop participants-writers, advertising executives, teachers, artists, poets--were especially interesting companions in this enriching experience. As a writer, I have to say the workshop stands as a crucial juncture in my work. The instructors were excellent guides to finding one's buried or stifled creativity, coaxing it out with intriguing assignments in art and writing, and teaching us to let go of the various "blocks" Being on a Greek island in a lovely ancient town meant there was inspiration at every turn.
Mary Cross, Ph.D., Dean and Professor Emerita, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Morris County, NJ

The workshop was a cultural renaissance for me.....It will help me prepare a new summer literacy course for young writers. Also, it has reawakened my own creative spirit to pursue writing endeavors. The new discoveries, friends, and cultural experiences will last forever!!
Eileen Hutchinson, Reading Specialist, West Chester Area School District, PA

Kudos to our teachers for creating a truly safe environment, which forged a sense of community and creativity, new friendships and ideas. Many of us didn't want to leave....ever!!!!
Nancy Gibson, Ridgefield Board of Education, Ridgefield, CT

I was able to experience how creativity works for me and I was able to share my insights with other seminar participants. I was able to experience new, and deeper levels of awareness regarding myself, my values and my creativeness than previously experienced. This growth and awareness is what I hoped to get from the seminar and did receive. Thank you for the experience as I will cherish it always!
Joseph Richardson, Adjunct Faculty, Metropolitan State University, Minneapolis, MN

The combination of writing and drawing exercises were a nice blend, as were the varying size groups we worked in and the various individuals we paired up with. The class had a nice flow to it and enabled us to dip our hands and feet into various creative art forms.
Amrita McKinney, Librarian, Higher Colleges of Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE

How could imagination not thrive with two such superb teachers? As a former educator, I was impressed by their unending array of mind-stretching exercises. I particularly admired their ability to connect people, ideas, and techniques seamlessly.
Lad Goldberger, aspiring novelist and Assistant Principal (retired), South Huntington Schools, NY

Making new friends, with lasting connections, was the icing on the cake of this Creativity Workshop in Crete.
Ronald Naylor, Librarian, Soddy Daisy,TN

My workshop experience was fun, enlightening and a chance to meet international individuals who were open to increasing their realm of creativity through various exercises. I was very much at ease in the class and it positively reinforced my way of thinking and operating, personally and professionally. Of course, Florence couldn't have been a more perfect setting, in the heart of Italian creativity.
April Goral, Career Advisor, UC-Santa Cruz, California

The instructors really helped me tap into my creative potential. I can't wait to use their techniques in my classroom. My students will benefit from their expertise and hopefully realize their own creative capabilities.
Tonya Tobey, English Teacher, Pauls Valley Public School, OK

The Creativity Workshop was very challenging and thought provoking. When I returned home I put together an album of my work and shared it my friends and co-workers. It really opened my eyes to see the humanity and creativity in each of us.
Elizabeth Winchester, Audit Director, Saint Louis University, IL

I spent a terrific week in Brugges with the Creativity Workshop. I didn't think I had one single creative bone in my body but the Workshop exercises proved otherwise. I was quite surprised. Now I'm hoping to find ways to let my new creativity flow in my "real" life.
Barbara Bicanich,Teacher, Kwajalein High School

The workshop in Barcelona was amazing. Using the city as a context for inspiring creativity was a marvelous experience. All of the class activities were interesting and stimulating. I came home with a greater appreciation for patience, relaxation and the concept of the beginner's mind.
Jean Avera, Social Work Educator, University of Texas

The Creativity Workshop empowers people of many different ages to make transitions in their lives. The artist-teachers do this by stimulating reflection, remembrances, interactions, and by drawing upon the well-springs of creative energy deep inside each of us. This Workshop provides a safe space and support for the inner exploration so lacking in today’s hectic world.
Janine C. Edwards, Ph.D., Teacher/Researcher Texas A & M University

The Creativity Workshop works in subtle ways like the current of the ocean. Participants are safe and wade into the creative waters gently. The Creativity Workshop is a door to figure out the unique path one can take to creative fulfillment. Never be discouraged by the doubts of others, keep true to your own being--this is what I learn from the Creativity Workshop.
Juliana James, 4th Grade Teacher, Frost Lake Magnet School, Saint Paul, Minnesota

The Creativity Workshop provided the perfect focus for my travel in Greece. The thing that works so wonderfully is the instructors’ commitment to understanding and explaining the purposes of each activity. I brought back so many ideas from this Workshop - both for the classroom and my own writing. I returned home inspired by the passion, intellect, and integrity of Shelley and Alejandro.
Courtney Reid, Writer and Assistant Professor of English, Adirondack Community College, Saratoga Springs, NY

There was a diverse bunch of interesting people all bent on developing a side of themselves that is all too often ignored. I left the Workshop with a lot of great ideas to motivate my students to write more and better, a sketchbook full of essays for myself, and many sweet and fun memories. I give this course an A.
Nicole Fandel, Teacher of French, Concord Academy, Acton, MA

I would recommend this workshop to anyone who, wants to feel more alive. The instructors were like wizards. With the supportive and creative environment they created, their knowledge and various techniques, and our basic tools of pencil and paper, they raised my consciousness about how important it is to exercise the imagination.
Kathleen O'Neill, ELL Teacher to Adults, Carver-Scott Educational Coop, St. Paul, MN

I only wish that more people could experience what you have to offer. You gave me a feeling a freedom that I NEVER felt before. Shelley and Alejandro have a great gift to share with others. They give of themselves in a way that is incredibly beautiful. Thank you for touching my soul, for helping me soar!
Dianne Stuckey, Teacher, American School of Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The instructors do not waste any class time and set a delightful tone of reflective and playful practice. The well thought-out exercises help participants sift through the surface layers quickly and get to what matters. Each exercise was relevant to my own classroom so the workshop is very useful. But what was most valuable to me was how engaging the workshop was for my own imaginative work, the very work that will support my own writing and how I pay attention to and engage the world.
Cheryl Johnson, College Teacher, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID

I was amazed at how the Creativity Workshop led me to tap a wellspring of experiences, ideas, and inspirations. The Workshop gave me the keys and the discipline to prod the unconscious to manifest its work and inspire me to write.
Cora A. Gaabucayan, PH.D., Director of School, Montessori West, Litchfield Park, AZ

The workshop was an inspirational connection with body and soul. I am so grateful to have been a part of such an elegant, kind, soulful and intellectual group. The instructors gently moved us to see in a new way. I never would have experienced Florence, so thoroughly, so awake without your gifts.
Joanna Reed, Professor, Sussex County Community College, Newton, NJ

The Creativity Workshop was a chance to use the colorful pieces of my life story, appreciate their value, and put together those individual gems to build a bigger picture. Friendships were quickly made and the bonds of our common history enhanced the experience. Each day as I walked to class, I looked forward to the new treasures my mind would unearth.
Dr. Drucilla Clark, Principal, Lakeview Elementary School, Denville, NJ

One of the best investments of my life! I thought long and hard before deciding to commit the time and money to attend the Creativity Workshop in Provence. Every hour brought fresh insights, ideas, and inspirations for both professional and personal development. I'm still drawing from the wealth of stimulation that I received. Will I return for another Creativity Workshop in the future? Absolutely!
Laura Fasick, Professor, Minnesota State University, Moorhead, MN

The lessons of the Workshop gave us permission to stop rushing through life. The Creativity Workshop is a life-altering experience that changes our perception of the world it was also a chance to experiment, explore, and learn from fellow participants. I returned home with a stronger vision of possibilities and a pocketful of tricks to renew the creative spirit when too much "life" interferes.
Marilyn Landis, Children, Music Specialist for Hearing Impaired Children, Hearsay, South Euclid, OH

Your sensitivity and perceptivity in regard to others and the human condition is unbelievable. I wish I knew 10 more of you! The Workshop was incredible.
Neil H. Schwartz, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, California State University, Chico

The Florence Creativity Workshop taught me the value of sharing my ideas and work with others. The observation exercises had me noticing all sorts of new things. In the past my rolls of film might have been filled with the typical pictures of the Duomo. The Workshop changed all that. Now I've captured on film, or in writing, or simply in my memory, images of the delicate turn of a leaf, the petals of a hydrangea on a terra cotta terrace, the contrast of a freshly fallen lemon on a bed of grass.
Heidi Lang, Teacher, Falls Church City Public Schools, Falls Church, Virginia

The Creativity Workshop gave us time to be with others who crave writing and art as we do. It was a rejuvenation for our next year's teaching. It helped us integrate our feelings and talents in very powerful ways.
Margaret Hill, Professor of Literacy, University of Houston, TX

I enjoyed the atmosphere of the workshop immensely. I have already started applying the exercises in my life. I have a very stressful job so this relaxing, inspiring workshop was like a piece of heaven for me.
Natalia Bukharova, ESL Teacher, Monterey, CA

I am not a good at drawing, but it didn't seem to matter at all. Because the instructors were passionate and inspiring, I felt at ease and happy to engage in something that fell well outside of my comfort zone. The Workshop experience was beautiful and goes down as one of the most productive professional development activities ever.
Amy Zipperer, Assistant Professor of English, Georgia Military College, GA

The Workshop enabled me to be a stronger instructional leader. I encourage educational leaders to attend the Creativity Workshop with fellow school administrators. It has helped us be supportive of each other as we implement new curriculum and instructional strategies. The Workshop experience was enlightening for my professional understanding of the creativity journey and enhanced my understanding of students' writing process.
Anna Marie Erbes, Principal, St. Paul Public School District, MN

As a working poet who was in a bit of a dry spell, I found the exercises very helpful and a lot of fun. The exercises were also easily adapted to my creative writing classes. Your office in New York was very responsive to my practical needs. I strongly recommend this experience to my colleagues.
Nancy Miller, Poet, Phillips Academy, North Reading, MA

I've taken your Workshops twice! They have become a precious part of the on-going tapestry of this journey called life. And, in deep, deep winter I am warmed by your exercises in visualizations, 'free drawing', and memories of the collective stories we shared.
Alice Daum Coen, Educator/Administrator, Hartford County, Maryland Public Schools

Prague--what a beautiful and historic city to explore creativity! The facilities were gorgeous. Shelley and Alejandro guided our creative exploration so that it was non-threatening for even the most inartistically inclined. It's given me excellent ideas I'll be using in my classroom as well as applying in my daily life.
Anna Morrison, Oak Creek High School, WI

The Creativity Workshop was life changing! As a creative writing teacher and a writer for so many years, I doubted whether I'd hear anything new. But I came away with some eye-opening processes that will keep my "creative muscle" flexible and strong. Joining drawing and writing is sparking renewed energy. The generosity and intelligence of the participants was palpable.
Jan Karman, English Teacher, Wayland High School, Southborough, MA

Thank you for reminding us that it's okay to play and to allow our creativity to flourish. Shelley and Alejandro are so gentle and inspiring. I sincerely appreciate their compassion and encouragement throughout this workshop.
Francine Filion, Director of Communications, Canadian Teachers' Federation, Ottawa, Canada

The people I met through this workshop were inspirational and heart warming. I will always remember them. The location was spectacular and the facilities were perfect. The overall experience has been life changing for me and I would recommend it highly for everyone.
Susan Hydrick, Atlanta Public Schools, Atlanta, GA

The most important thing I learned is that I don't need a huge block of time to make art! I've decided to carve out at least 30 minutes a day. I also found it valuable to know it's O. K. to just forge ahead. It's O. K. to fail, just do it and keep going. It was incredibly motivating too to be surrounded the art and architecture of Florence.
Janette Danielson, Art Teacher, Beaufort Academy, Beaufort, South Carolina

I attended with professional goals in mind, both for myself and the children that I teach, and I was very pleased with what I got. I can also appropriate many things for myself on a purely personal level. I enjoyed the variety of exercises as an adult, and can very much see how I can adapt them for use with children. I much enjoyed hearing the stories and experiences of other workshop participants, both in the large and small groupings.
Amy Sicarios, Boston Public Schools, MA

I worked harder in this workshop and had more fun and felt more fulfilled than with any other professional development I have ever taken.
Jan Little, Teacher, Brentwood High School, Nashville, TN

Having just gotten back yesterday and reflecting on my workshop experience in Florence, I feel as if it has all been a dream...that is how outstanding my entire experience was. The workshop, the professor, the participants (and the Florentine atmosphere) were all wonderful. I cannot wait to implement what I learned in my classroom. I even made some friends for a lifetime...it took coming to Florence, Italy for us all to meet. I feel blessed to have had this experience. Grazie mille to the entire Creativity Workshop Team.
Maria Bountempo, French/Latin High School Teacher, Mother Seton Regional High School, Cranford, NJ

The workshop in Florence was wonderful. I'd spent months imagining who the leader and participants would be and how I would reach the creativity within. This workshop far exceeded my expectations. And, I am so glad I took the workshop in Florence. What a beautiful city. I would assign a grade of "A" to the entire production.
Jill Mendelson, Development/Alumni Director, Westminster School, Annandale, VA

Shelley and Alejandro are fabulous teachers. They bring back the inner curiosity and creativity that you once had as a child. They made me remember that it is okay to be imaginative at all times and that thinking outside the box is really what makes the world go round. And what better place to experience creativity, curiosity and imagination then in Brugges?
Gretchen Powers, Central Bucks School District,Tamanend Middle School Social Studies, PA


If you want to be pushed to the very edge of your creative limits, then this workshop will deliver. The Creativity Workshop ranks easily with the greatest experiences of my life. The creative activities were some of the most challenging tasks I have ever attempted. I came from Australia with my young family to attend the workshop, and it was worth every kilometer of the 40 hour round trip.
Clayton Lachmund, Teacher, Toowoomba Grammar School, Australia

The conference was an incredibly meaningful experience for me. It fueled my creativity in writing and art and provided me with lots of ideas I can use with other teachers and students. Despite the incredible range of experiences and abilities of our group, Shelley and Alejandro facilitated experiences that pushed and supported each of us. We had opportunities for meaningful and productive individual, pair, and group work. I ended up with an exciting idea for children's books with another participant, and had the opportunity to share and get feedback. Prague was an incredible backdrop for the workshop.
Ronda Goodale, Teacher, Boston Public Schools, MA

The Creativity Workshop was enriching and enlightening. There were no "right" or wrong,” answers, no grades, no judgment. We had ample time to write and think -- freely, few time limits. I am going to use the exercises that I learned in my classes. The workshop was inspirational. I learned innovative ways in which to encourage, and teach, my at-risk students.
Amy Kempler, High School Biology Teacher, Fishers, IN

Powerful! The Creativity Workshop touched our imagination and emotions from the innermost heart part and soul.
Lalita P. Klainatorn, School Projects Manager, Ruamrudee International SchoolBangkok, Thailand

I am so glad my husband and I took the time to do this. My teaching career requires me to move from topic to topic at breakneck speed, so the luxury of complete focus on one task at a time allowed my mind to go places I had not dreamed it could find. The people who were draw n to the workshop, along with the gentle guidance of Shelley and Alejandro, reinforced the positive experiences of the four days.
Cindy Tochterman, High School Science and Future Problem Solving Program Teacher
Andrews, Texas

A wonderful way to develop your creativity with like-minded people. The atmosphere is relaxed and respectful. You can join in to your hearts content, participate reflectively, or just sit back and listen.
Nicki Hambleton, Artist and Art Teacher. Lincoln Community School, Accra, Ghana

The Creativity Workshop works in subtle ways like the current of the ocean. Participants are safe and wade into the creative waters gently. The Creativity Workshop is a door to understanding the unique path one can take to creative fulfillment. Never be discouraged by the doubts of others, keep true to your own being--this is what I learn from the Creativity Workshop.
Juliana James, 4th Grade Teacher, Frost Lake Magnet School, Saint Paul, Minnesota

I worked harder in this workshop and had more fun and felt more fulfilled than with any other professional development I have ever taken. I learned how to let go of my imagination, capture their stream of images, and develop really interesting poems. I had no idea that I could write this well. The Workshop gave me the freedom to find what was best for me. I have been able to retain that stream of creativity since returning home because of the enthusiastic support of both instructors.
Jan Little, Brentwood High School, Nashville, TN

It was wonderful to meet people from around the world and share our thoughts and feelings. Florence was a gorgeous site for the workshop, full of everything to fill the senses! Thank you for allowing me to participate in such a life long memory.
Susan Hassler, Teacher, Morris Brandon Elementary, Atlanta, GA

I am now using your visualization exercises with the 200 children. Your workshop is touching the lives of many, many people here in South Africa. My dream is to attend another of your workshops, in another country because I do believe that the newness of ones surroundings is playing a magical role in my own perception of creativity.
Lanette Breedt, Artist and Teacher, Gauteng, South Africa

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Creativity Workshop
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Contact us
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