The Artist’s Way Creative Clusters

Creative Clusters offer a supportive, nurturing exploration of living a life filled with creativity. Whether you desire to be a writer, painter, dancer, musician, or you just want to be more aware of your world, the Artist’s Way will help you open the door to your creativity.

In an Artist’s Way Creative Cluster you commit to the following activities for a 10-week session: Each week you read a chapter from the Artist’s Way and choose from a list of suggested tasks (they’re fun!). During the week you write daily Morning Pages and take yourself on an Artist’s Date. At weekly group meetings we come together to discuss what you did during the week and participate in a specially selected creative project (really fun, sometimes a little messy!).

Creative Clusters are not critique groups – they are a place to gain creative confidence and courage. Creative Clusters help you cultivate your ability to BE BOLD in whatever you do. You are encouraged to explore your dreams, longings, fears, blocks, and personal challenges. All of this is done in a place of encouragement, support, and safety.

Creative Clusters meet at the Alley Art Studio, centrally located between State and Mission, just off of 17th Street S.E. The cost for the 10-week session is $240 (a payment plan can be arranged upon request) and includes weekly sessions, on-line support, and all creative project supplies (I also provide an assortment of teas and a weekly treat). Your only other costs are the purchase of Julia’s book and a journal to write and do exercises in (oh, and a pen or pencil).

Class size is limited to six participants. Please check my Workshops page for when the next sessions are scheduled. Because of the intimate class size and popularity of these sessions, you are encouraged to pre-register by sending a $50 deposit* to hold your place. Classes are held on Tuesday evenings, 6:30-9:00 p.m.

Contact Information: Dayna at 503-580-5270 or dayna@alleyartstudio.com

Creativity flourishes in a place of safety and acceptance.

Julia Camerson

What others have said about their Artist's Way experience:

I've been truly amazed at you since the moment I sat in your home our first night of the Artist's Way. You introduced yourself that evening and made each woman in the circle feel comfortable. I think each one of us knew on some level and at our core this class would rock our souls. It has done just that with me... There was never a night I didn't go home grateful after those precious 2-1/2 hours. JD

I wouldn't change a thing about this experience . . . you've touched my life in ways I can't explain. My artist door is cracked open just a bit and I'm hoping for something to blow it wide open. I felt an instant connection with everyone even though art-wise I was equivalent to a kindergartener. GC

You have been such an inspiration to me. I am constantly in awe of reflecting on the environment you created. And I am also in awe of the way you led me down a path of self discovery. You have such a gentle yet direct way of helping one move forward. I feel a lot of love and gratitude to you. Not to mention the art was damn fun! JB

The Artist Way journey is amazing! Dayna brings support and compassion into such a personal soul search. I have grown tremendously as an artist, a woman, and as a human being. Destree

I have not seen myself as the artist type. Since starting the Artist's Way I am aware of my desire to be in the moment and connected to my world. Words are my art and my interest in music is awakening. I am discovering the traits that keep me stuck in doing the same things over and over. Karen

I like having a group to go to every week because, in spite of all my activities, I am lonely for company and for a mutual interest in creativity. . . . I have enjoyed the various art exercises Dayna offers, they have stimulated my creative spirit, which I know is there, but needed a little encouragement. Elizabeth

The Artist's Way Creative Cluster has allowed me to work a program that I would never have been able to do on my own. There is accountability and support, two things I believe we really need when we are embracing who we truly are and making positive changes in our life. Robin

And from a woman who completed the e-mail/on-line Artist’s Way option:

In 19 years, I don’t remember a time, not one single time, when I have experienced such progress. My trust in God has never been stronger and my belief that I am entitled to happiness just like the rest of the world has actually become a belief , and not just a hope. And that’s the other thing: I’m not afraid to hope. I didn’t know I was afraid until I was no longer afraid. And then there’s the realization that being willing to tackle what has frightened me my whole life has carried over into other parts of my life. . . . And Dayna, your willingness to take me on, spending time that I’m sure you don’t have a lot of, inspires me. There are no words to describe how grateful I am. If I have experienced any serendipity, it is the understanding that I have purpose, I have something to offer the world and I have value. Not an ego thing, just a quiet understanding that my life isn’t a waste. Mary

I have been on a spiritual journey and looking for more contact with women and more self discovery. So this group was perfect! I felt like I had 'come home' inside. The environment, the activities, the focus was so me. Jill

Dayna and Julia in February, 2006

*Please note that if you are unable to participate after registering for a Creative Cluster, your $50 deposit is non-refundable unless we are able to fill your spot; if we find someone to take your place, then your deposit will be returned to you.