The Layered Life
A six-week therapeutic arts course
Next session: Jan. 22 - Feb. 26, 2026
In this six-week immersive course, you'll embark on a self-reflective artistic exploration, using mixed media and found materials to create deeply personal collages and journal pages that capture the different layers of your experiences, memories, and aspirations.
Your Creative Facilitator Keesha Bell will guide you through exercises and creative prompts, where you'll gather inspiration from your past, present, and vision for the future—transforming seemingly ordinary thoughts and ephemera into powerful visual narratives. Tear, cut, paint, and layer your way through the complexities of your life, allowing the tactile process to unlock self-discovery and personal growth.
Whether you're seeking a deeper understanding of your life's path, a creative outlet for self-expression, or simply a chance to play and experiment with mixed media, this course offers a safe and supportive space to peel back the layers and unearth the authentic stories that make up the rich tapestry of your existence.
No prior art experience is necessary – just an open mind and a willingness to explore the transformative power of art as a tool for self-reflection. By the end of the course, you'll have a collection of deeply personal collages and art journal pages that serve as a tangible record of your journey, as well as newfound insights into your authentic self.
6 modules over 6 weeks
6 live Zoom sessions on Thursdays, 6:45-7:45 p.m. EST
$249 CA per participant
Join us on this layered life adventure, where the boundaries between art and self-exploration intertwine, allowing you to embrace the beautiful complexities that make up your life's journey.
This course is NOT psychotherapy.
Why attend?
Participating in "The Layered Life: Collage and Art Journaling for Self-Reflection" course offers several key benefits:
Self-discovery: The workshop will encourage you to engage in self-reflection and exploration, helping you uncover your values, passions, and strengths. This process fosters a deeper understanding of self, which is essential for personal growth.
Creative expression: By engaging in low-stakes, high-impact art, you can explore your creativity without the pressure of perfection. This approach allows for experimentation and play, making art accessible and enjoyable.
Supportive community: The workshop provides a supportive environment where you can connect with like-minded participants. Sharing experiences and insights fosters a sense of belonging and encouragement, enhancing the overall experience.
Enhanced well-being: Engaging in creative activities like collage and art journaling has been shown to improve mental health and well-being. You may experience stress relief and increased mindfulness through the art-making process.
Skill development: The workshop will introduce various techniques and methods in collage, journaling and mixed media, allowing you to expand your artistic skills and find new ways to express yourself.
Here’s what past participants had to say…
“Having no artistic talent, I was a bit tentative to take the course. Even after starting, I still felt self conscious. But as the weeks went by, I felt myself relaxing into each lesson and it made a difference in the journal entries I was able to create. Keesha was also instrumental in her calming and reassuring style of teaching. There was no pressure to be Picasso, just to be your best expressive self.”
~ Anon
“Participating in this course was one of the most nurturing things I’ve done for myself in a long time. Each session gave me permission to slow down, breathe, and take time to reconnect with myself. The art journaling techniques—the thoughtful prompts, collage, and mixed-media layering—felt accessible and powerful. The space felt safe, supportive, and uplifting. In the end, I had a journal full of personal insights and creative pieces that helped me understand what self-care looks like for me. This course also reminded me to show up for myself. I wholeheartedly recommend this course.”
~ Sonya
“The Layered Life course was relaxed and easy to follow. I could participate as little or as much as I wanted. At the end of each session, I was left contemplating some personal revelation that came up along the way. Creative. Meditative. Fun. The time flew by too quickly. “
~ Caroline
“Keesha is incredibly welcoming, and her guidance made the class easy to follow and genuinely enjoyable. I learned so much about collage-making and really appreciated the thoughtful directives. Overall, it was a wonderful class and a really positive experience!”
~ Carly
Frequently asked questions
I have no art experience. Will I be able to do this course?
Yes! No art experience is needed, just your curiousity. We’ll show you some basic techniques to get you started and comfortable with the process.
I’m an experienced artmaker. What’s in it for me?
If you’re already in touch with your creativity, this course offers a dedicated time and space for you to connect with yourself and with a supportive community of women who want to do the same. Consider it your invitation to creative co-working.
How long do I have access to the course material?
You’ll have access to the course material for as long as the course exists, including updates to course material. However, if you want to participate in subsequent live sessions, you’ll need to register and pay for those each time.
What’s the difference between therapeutic arts and art psychotherapy?
I’m so glad you asked! Therapeutic arts is a light and gentle way to support your general sense of wellbeing. Art psychotherapy is delivered by a trained mental health clinician who can take you deeper, towards healing and resolving conscious and subconscious issues. Read more about the differences in this blog post.