Born in Koln, Germany, international artist Elke Scholz has spent over 27 years painting, teaching fine arts and managing her successful art studio in Canada. She has won many awards and recognition for her paintings. She has taught art workshops in France and Portugal and Costa Rica for 2011. Elke has had her work and articles published in over 12 national magazines and books as well as her own award-winning book, Loving Your Life: becoming who you are and loving it through passionate creative living. She has led many retreats and workshops for corporations, galleries, groups and the Board of Education.

She now lives in Bracebridge, Ontario with her family. The dynamic spirit of her work is a reflection of her life. Rich fine acrylic and watercolour paintings are sure and strong. Subjects include traditional and non traditional views of life stories. This year her shows will feature larger canvas work.

She believes that through the arts we can clearly access our true potential. All her life, she has understood the connection between the arts and living, for her the elements interconnect at every level and she is able to simplify concepts and relay them to people in a simple, approachable way. Her work has expanded to art coaching, expressive arts therapy, and grief counselling.

Expressive Arts gives participants the opportunity to identify and express their feelings and situation in a non verbal way; then process through the arts, new perspectives that are meaningful for them.

Expressive Arts can be described as integrating modalities, such as imagery, breathing, painting, drawing, sculpture, movement, music, play, drama, poetry, journaling and more. By integrating modalities the brain is stimulated into new thought. The process is an invitation for self-expression and self-interpretation. There becomes the opportunity to express with art what feelings are to the maker. This expression of emotion or self is unique to the individual as is their own interpretation of the arts that has been applied. The art becomes “a thing” and the maker is able to see it outside of themselves and hopefully see it more objectively. The “art-thing” is acknowledged as it witnessed by themselves, and/or group participants and/or the facilitators. In the summary of the session a harvesting of new perspectives are considered.

For further information about Elke Scholz, for paintings, Expressive Arts, shows, private sessions, seminars, retreats, Europe trips and programs, call or write for appointments: 705-646-2300, escholz@vianet.on.ca.