Freeing the Creative Spirit: The Teachings of Corita Kent

Following the arc of her book Learning by Heart, we'll explore drawing, collage, printmaking, and daily observation through hands-on activities that honor Kent's belief that art-making is for everyone and that paying attention is a revolutionary act.

Participants will begin by creating handmade sketchbooks and “sense diaries” while learning about Corita's teaching philosophy and "The Rules" that guided her revolutionary approach to art education. Through drawing exercises and sketching prompts, we'll practice "Learning How to See" using "Finders"—Corita's simple framing tools that help us observe the world with fresh eyes. The workshop includes stamp-making sessions where participants craft their own printing tools and use them to create wrapping paper, postcards, and small giftable prints, embracing the creative mess and delightful surprises that emerge from the artistic process. Our time together culminates in a collaborative group collage project and joyful celebration of community art-making, just as Corita might have done.

Each participant will leave with a completed sketchbook filled with observations and discoveries, handmade stamps, prints and cards of their own creation, and a deeper connection to Corita's transformative teachings about creativity, attention, and joy.