Aimee Coughlin

When I signed up for an art playshop with Aimee, I only had a small sliver of an idea of what we’d be doing together. All I knew is that it felt like a full YES in my system. As a healer, I knew I needed to carve out some space for myself to receive, to play, to nourish my inner child, to get messy, to create, and to connect with other like-hearted people in a sacred space. Aimee’s offering brought all that and more. I was able to unearth some powerful stories that I’d suppressed into the shadows, and reveal them to myself in both words and paint. The way Aimee structured our time together felt incredibly supportive. There was spaciousness, grace, and sooooo much joy! 

Aimee’s Art Escapes are a true treasure to be experienced. I can’t describe the freedom and euphoria during these classes. You’re pushed to go beyond your normal, beyond what you think is “right” or “acceptable”, literally you can paint with your feet if you want! As someone who was always taught to be tidy and neat, it was LIBERATING! To be able to paint with my body, throw handfuls of paint and glitter at the canvas, to do whatever I want and it be accepted as beautiful art was deeply healing for me. As a multi-session attendee, I 100/10 recommend it, and afterwards you can cross the road to visit the river which is always a bonus!

During Aimee’s amazing healing art playshop I was able to let go and release all expectation for myself and my art. That is something I have a difficult time letting go, but with Aimee’s guidance and the narratives she helped us create, it felt like a part of me was unlocked. Thank you Aimee for giving me a space to freely express myself through the paint that touched my hands and flew across the air onto the canvas! 

I have never had so much fun creating in my life! After years of struggling with childhood traumas, I released years of pain that had been buried within and replaced it with waves of JOY. My past kept me from creating for many years but through the healing art experience with Aimee, I am now excited to paint again! Thank you!

Wow! I have never experienced anything like this before. I was uncertain of what to expect and I was amazed at what this process brought up and out for me. It was liberating to be given the freedom to express with childlike wonder and abandon! When the painting was complete, I had created a reflection of myself that was stunningly beautiful and told a story of the things I wanted to release and those I wanted to call into my life. Burning the canvas at the end was the crowning jewel on this life affirming experience. I am forever grateful to you, Aimee!

From the moment I entered Aimee’s whimsical and mischievous studio/ art space I knew that I was in for a fabulous surprise and  experience.  We talked, shared, told stories and made art. Aimee provided the expertise and enlightenment so that our staff could come together and have a remarkable shared experience that was authentic, honest,  mindful and playful.  This was exactly where we were meant to be and needed most on this final day of our school year.  I learned much about myself, but also about my colleagues that I will both treasure and value and learn from.  Aimee has a talent for  bringing out that creative piece that just sort of bubbles on the surface and we created such beautiful art and stories.   This was  definitely an experience I have since shared and talked about over and over again and I can’t wait to return.  

Carole Jensen

Teacher at Friends of Willow Tree Waldorf School