Creative Mindfulness : Visual Journaling
This six-week series invites adults into a gentle, exploratory visual journaling practice that blends mindfulness, abstract mark-making, and simple written reflection. Led by artist and mentor Toby Penney, each 1.5-hour session provides a welcoming, meditative space to slow down, play, and reconnect with your creative self—no prior art or writing experience required.
Each week begins with a short guided warm-up to help you arrive in the space and connect as a group. From there, you’ll explore a new visual journaling process inspired by techniques such as slow line meditation, expressive mark-making, layering and nature-based impressions. Writing will be used in accessible, reflective ways—single words, phrases, or short notes—to complement and deepen your visual practice.
What you’ll learn:
• How to develop a personal visual language to explore mood, memory, and inner landscape
• Simple mindfulness tools using breath, color, and mark
• Techniques for layering, embracing process, change, and imperfection
• Strategies for building a sustainable journaling ritual you can continue at home
By the end of the series, you’ll have created a body of visual journal pages that reflect your growth, awareness, and creative exploration.
We’ll provide all the materials you need, but feel free to bring along:
• Your own visual journal or sketchbook (optional)
• Any favorite pens, collage materials, or personal ephemera
This class pairs beautifully with The Art of Mark-Making or Abstract Painting for those interested in expanding their creative expression across multiple mediums.
SENIOR DISCOUNTS (ages 62+) Enter your DOB and apply the coupon code ‘SENIOR’ for a $25 discount off any class over $75.
Interested in learning about scholarship opportunities and discounts? Click here to learn about our education access program.
Instructor : Toby Penney
Instructor Bio :
Toby Penney is a multidisciplinary artist specializing in painting and printmaking. With a B.F.A. in Sculpture from Middle Tennessee State University and training at Internationally respected Harvey K. Littleton Studios, she brings a wealth of technical skill and creative insight to her work. Penney has exhibited internationally in locations like France, England, Australia, and the U.S., and has been featured on the covers of Professional Artist Magazine and Hellbent Magazine. She also serves as an art instructor and mentor, fostering creativity in her community and beyond through her Roaming Studio program.
