Earlier this week I taught a two day workshop at Art Access. It felt good to share a little bit with these kids. I think making and talking about artwork sometimes creates an environment in which people feel safe to be more personal and express more than maybe they would in other situations.

The kids were so different from each other, from different backgrounds. All of them were so sweet and loving those who were challenged with special needs. That bonded the group as much as making artwork together. It made my heart feel good. In two days I learned enough to care about each one of them.

Teen artwork was refreshing. It had a raw quality to it. The kids didn't seem to be trying to impress each other, but truly just expressing their concerns, challenges and desires. It's different teaching teens and adults. With adults I exchange and I care. With teens I am a teacher and a mother. As a teacher I want to give them tools and a vision of purpose. As a mother I want to nurture and protect.

A few more hours together and it could have been Breakfast Club. Art Access was great, once again.

Teaching the workshop at Art Access was as delightful as I wanted it to be. It was a lovely respite, an excuse to paint on a Saturday in the company of new friends. Each artist brought with them diverse stories and experiences through which, I believe, we were all touched and inspired. It's reassuring to me, when I leave the safely of my familiar environment, that there are kind, beautiful people whom I get to interact with.

It was refreshing to see the different styles and techniques used by experienced painters and delightful to watch a few who said they had never painted before. All of the paintings were wonderful. Everyone added something of value to the class. I wish we could do it again.