Testimonials
“Kirsten has the ability to feel the needs of a collective as well as that of each person in a group; that being young disadvantaged teens in search for their true self, or teachers uncovering their creative spirits, or Board members trying to clarify their vision. She creates a setting allowing the individual to have a unique experience with a deep part of themselves and follows through with a group encounter that unites and brings together common interests. She's a master at using art as a medium to bring harmony to a group while honoring the creative talents of each individual.”
"Kirsten led a major component of a staff development conference for about 200 people. She used an applied approach to art that resulted in everyone participating individually and in a group. The result was some very creative work, but more so, each person got to know themselves and their fellow employees better and in a practical and helpful manner. The activities Kirsten lead us through were fun, different, and opened people up to share and contribute in a wonderful manner. All participated eagerly. By the end of Kirsten’s session, the staff had a new sence of team, and enthusiasm for learning and trying new things. For sure I did."
~ Len Hightower, President HighTower Consulting ~(California)
"I wanted to take a minute and thank you for offering this class ["Sharing Creativity to Create Community/Art Dialogue"] at PNWD! What a treat it was! You were so well organized and the class format adapted well to the short amount of time it had. The pacing clipped right along without me feeling rushed in the creation of my collage. The summary/conclusion was really the highlight for me; very thought provoking and a good hands-on lesson for all of us about the web of interdependence in which we all reside!!
~Sara H.,~(Oregon)
“I loved the evening. I loved the opportunity to become creative once again. It’s been a long time and I am really out of practice. Seemed good to have pastels in my hands, again!! I had a great time!!!”
~Lynn Thorsen~ (Oregon)
"I was eager to make the spirit doll, and was surprised how much fun it turned out to be. There were so many wonderful fabrics and accessories to choose from! The process of creating the doll was inspired by the doll itself, as she began to take form in my hands. I came with one idea for the doll, and left with a totally different doll that I loved. Kirsten is an amazing facilitator and teacher, and she motivates with insight and sensitivity. I feel I gained a deeper understanding of myself and my inner spirit."
~Kathleen Pfeiffer, MSW~ (Oregon)
"I really didn't know what to expect for my first Spirit Doll playshop, other than to come with an idea of what energy I wanted to focus on for my doll. I knew the aspects of change I wanted to implement in her, and that I wanted to honor my heritage as I felt a loss with my own sense of self. I have known Kirsten for many years and have heard about her classes, but the timing never quite worked out for me to attend one. I was so thrilled when she offered another class that I would be able to attend. Kirsten is an amazing facilitator as she taught us to honor the imperfections in our dolls just as we should honor the imperfections that are a part of us. I found her class to be intimate as she was able to guide each one of us, both individually and as a group, through this journey. It was so easy to be creative with all of her support and ideas. The selection of fabrics and embellishments Kirsten provided were so inspirational, and allowed each of us to create a doll as unique as we are individually. The end result was a beautiful doll we were all very proud of to call our own!"
~Brenda L.~ (Oregon)
"The Spirit Doll workshop was more than fun! The doll was easy to make and Kirsten provided excellent instruction and support. I was able to craft a doll who now adorns my office as a reminder of my creative spirit. Her presence inspires me. I appreciate Kirsten's careful attention to detail in providing all the necessary materials and in bringing a delightful group of people together. Can't wait for another occasion to express the creative juices!"
~Rosemary Levesque~ http://RosemarysSolutions.com
"Kirsten’s Clinical Social Work training, along with her background in Art Therapy, uniquely prepare her to provide classes that are designed to help people dealing with chronic and terminal illnesses work through the challenges they face, and begin their journey towards health and healing.
~ Diane Harris, MSW, LCSW—Therapist, Private Practice ~(Oregon)
“The classes provide a dual benefit…allowing persons with cancer the opportunity to do a ‘fun’ activity, and many were surprised at the deeper insight and self discovery that came from their ‘fun’ activity. Art reaches parts of our brain and soul that often don’t get used much in a cancer journey…wonderful stuff. As a cancer counselor/LCSW I highly recommend this for anyone with a chronic or acute diagnosis.
~ Toni Lonning, LCSW ~ (Oregon)
“Kirsten’s creative work is enthused with a deep passion for integral justice. Kirsten brings to her work a deep concern for just relationships expressed through the careful attention to process and deep sensitivity to those involved. Kirsten’s capacity to unite art, healing and inspiration have consistently led Adelante Mujeres’ board, staff and participants on journeys of discovery. Kirsten has consistently shown her ability to move our staff, participants, board… to a deeper place of understanding about our mission.”
"Kirsten has the ability to help you express your feelings by creating a work of art in a relaxed atmosphere. I participated in art projects she's led that may be simple to do but gave results that are stunningly beautiful. I work at a large institution and I remember one session in particular where many people were working on their mandalas and at the end of the session we had the most beautiful collection of artwork. Another experience I enjoyed was making my Spirit Doll... I still have 'her' on display in my dining room for all to enjoy. Kirsten is positive, encouraging and helps you to let your inner child out to play."~ Jeane C. ~ (Oregon)
“Creating mandalas is a unique way of expressing feelings, imaginings, aspirations and spirituality. The mandala that I created revealed a series of spirals with one emerging out of the paper. It spoke to me of the Divine circle of life ongoing. This ongoing life revelation was at the foundation of my work with Adelante Mujeres. It was wonderful seeing the creations of the others and hearing them speak of their mandalas, the process and the revelations that occurred. Art truly does create hope!”
~ Sheila O'Malley ~ (California)
"I love learning new ways to be creative, and my husband was tired of being left out of my adventures, so we both came. I found the experience of Touch Drawing to be very relaxing and therapeutic. It was fascinating to see my emotions on paper and then quickly move to the next sheet and record another emotion. My husband was able to find his creative side quickly, which surprised both of us. He expressed the constant grind of life and his frustrations. He talked with me for hours afterward and we discussed ways for him to find stress relief. He is the one pressing to go to the second class and rearranging his schedule to do so. What a great way to get people to share their real selves. We spend a lot of time on the surface, not allowing ourselves to feel, or ask who we really are. The open communication that evolved from our experience is priceless. My husband wants to have a family Touch Drawing event."
~R.F.~ (Oregon)
