Dear Artists,

I write this letter to you as I navigate the changes we are all experiencing in the world. A few months ago, before the world shut down, I was in my studio in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, completing a large-scale collage series, "Grief is an expression of Love." When the lockdown began in New York, I started a papermaking project to help me cope with the difficult emotions that I was experiencing while confined at home. Each day I'd use my leftover kitchen scraps to make a sheet of paper, then draw and paint on it. When complete, the paper became another entry in my quarantine diary. Little did I know, this daily ritual I practiced for my wellbeing would become a method for me to teach to my community. I shared a video of my papermaking process with Wendy MacNaughton, who is a New York Times bestselling illustrator and art teacher, and she loved it! So, Wendy invited me to her virtual art class called "Draw Together" to teach the papermaking project. And guess what? Children are now drawing and painting to express their emotions on homemade paper in kitchens all over the world! Through this papermaking project, I also discovered how to paint with food. I was invited to teach a virtual art class to the Cub Scouts, which is part of one of the nation's largest youth organizations, the Boy Scouts of America. We painted on homemade postcards using fruits, vegetables, and spices. ⁣ Not only did our art connect us in class, but we also mailed our postcards to members of our communities to show our support in this difficult time. I kept thinking to myself how I wish I had the tools I've been teaching these kids when I was a young girl! ⁣ We so often underestimate the power of creating art. What I've discovered is that art can help us change our relationship to our circumstances. While there is no limit to what can inspire our work, my goal as an artist, teacher, and consultant, is to spread the knowledge that art can transform our inner worlds and support healing and freedom. So, when you feel like you're struggling to cope during this weird time in the world, and the monotony of being stuck at home becomes increasingly difficult, start an art project, do something that helps you remember you are a resourceful, curious human with a generous heart. I promise you'll feel better!

Love, Lauren