A Message From Serena

Serene Abundance Studio Space got its start

Serena working on a "Create Your Own Oracle Deck", taught by artist, Lisette Murphy.

in a little corner of my private practice office, in the spooky old Florence Hospital building. Despite its modest beginning, the value of the Studio as a goal and a mission revealed itself quickly with the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic shutdown. For the next several years, staying connected through creativity and having a physical and virtual space set aside to explore was crucial in helping us all weather the ongoing crisis and social disruption. We even sold some art!

It was my dream to build this Studio since before I started Grad school, but it wasn't my first attempt. Ultimately, I've learned over the years that there's something magical that happens whenever you get people together to talk about, or share in, creativity.

-It helps us relate to one another on a level beyond the everyday world, in the world of symbol, metaphor, color, tone, line, pattern, rhythm, gesture, ideas, with collaboration, playfulness, and ease.

-Developing ourselves through creativity can help process emotion and memory, release the attachment to grief, loss and trauma, reduce tension and symptoms of chronic pain, serve as an antidote to stress, and so much more.

-Developing our visions of ourselves, life, the world around us, dreams, subjective experience, spirituality, and the future can provide a window for us to look through that can be life changing.

-Promoting well being by engaging us in the present moment in a restorative "flow state" and grounding attention and anxiety.

-Honing one's craft and mastery of a creative medium can bring a sense of accomplishment, a career or vocation, and a legacy that can positively influence others.

Today, during these times of upheaval and conflict, these are exactly the kinds of resources and experiences we need to be able to draw on to help replenish ourselves, stay healthy and strong, and craft solutions to our individual and collective problems and challenges.

Cathy Malchiodi, a leader in the field of Expressive Arts Therapies in the treatment of trauma, describes a "Circle of Capacity" that can be identified and expanded in each of us. The larger one's circle, the more resiliency one can possess.

Similarly, a former Qi Gong teacher of mine described a process of becoming "full of energy" to the point where one's own life force can repel anything harmful or negative.

How do they recommend we increase this energy or capacity? You guessed it - through creativity, movement, rhythm and play.

I am heartened that SASS has grown into the fully equipped creative center it is today, because of the generous good will of our Studio fans, artists, and community partners. We wouldn't have all of the things we do without you, and it's a demonstration of all the ways in which you believe in this with us.

I understand that, for many folks, adversity and uncertainty can cause one to want to withdraw, to hesitate to reach out to others, to retreat into the safety of home, to be afraid to take risks or to believe that coming together in community is even feasible.

What I believe now, is that our time is NOW to make the best use out of what we have learned from past experiences. I invite you to use the Studio space as a resource, for yourself and with others. It's even more vital than ever that we DO come together in harmony, nourish ourselves with mutual regard, laughter and sharing; that we create and protect this safe space of free expression, provide opportunities for dreaming and visioning, and for there to be room to develop new ideas, serendipitous moments, and building of resilient community. I can pledge to you that we at SASS will do our level best to ensure a safe, healthful and supportive space to be able to gather, feel comfortable being yourself, and engage in freedom of creative expression. Please check out our ABOUT page, here on the website, to learn more about our mission, vision, values and our ethical guidelines/code of conduct that help steer our decision making processes.

Not only do I believe that safeguarding and celebrating our humanity, our voices, our beautiful Siuslaw environs, and all of those places and things we care deeply for is the key to outlasting and overcoming all that which might devalue or destroy them... We have the science plus the experience of many generations who came before us to back it up. Such activities may not provide immediate answers - BUT, they create the fertile ground within which answers and sustainable solutions can emerge.

I also value your feedback and your suggestions. If there are things we can do to make the Studio more relevant, useful, inviting or supportive, I want to hear from you. If you have ideas or would like to have help developing a workshop or other offering, let us know.

Sign up for a workshop, drop in for a cup of tea, support a local artist, bring your friends or family, volunteer with us, host an event, or just book some time for yourself to just be. The Studio will be here for you as long as it is needed and able. We hope you'll be here for us too.

Wishing you all creative wellness in 2025 and beyond,

Serena Appel, LPC, AT-R