We are excited to welcome Marisa Haedike and Sean Hogan, a creative couple who are offering some great workshops in the studio this month! Both are passionate about their creative pursuits and equally as motivated to help others find their comfort in creating.

Marisa began the website Creative Thursday with the hope that “you feel inspired to be more creative in your own life, and to surround yourself with color as you can’t help but feel happy and alive in its presence.” With that contagious outlook on life, she is offering a Gocco Printing class and A Painting in a Day at the end of this month.

Sean Hogan has over 8 years of Groudlings and screenwriting experience under his belt. He will be teaching Improv For Artists next week in our studio, why? Because improv is a fun and theraputic experience for everyone (not just actors!) Sean says about his class, “It is designed for anyone who wants to learn the basics of improvisation. There is no requirement of any acting or performing experience. All you need is the desire to learn the techniques that make truly spontaneous creation easier and more fruitful.”

Here is my mini interview with them!

What inspires you to teach?

Marisa:
I believe that everyone is creative, and I believe that expressing our creativity brings the best sense of fulfillment, joy and peace. And seriously, why not have more of that in our everyday lives? Since it took my a little while before I finally trusted my own creative voice, I am passionate about encouraging others to find, trust and expand that voice within themselves.

Sean:
I really enjoy helping someone overcome shyness, as I suffered from this high school. Improv can change someone’s life and I am proud to be the agent of that change.

What should students expect in your upcoming class/classes?

Marisa:
A relaxed, safe, supportive, encouraging environment to be creative, have fun, and feel inspired.

Sean:
They should expect to discover unknown creativity reserves that are blocked by self doubt
and fear of ridicule. They will receive relentless positive support from me and then be able
to hear their own voice sending positive messages whenever they take a creative risk.

Los Angeles is a unique environment build artistic communities in. What are your thoughts on this magical city? :-)

Marisa:
The energy to Los Angeles is incredible and intense. A city filled with endless possibilities, and dreams about to happen in any moment; I see it as an environment that both encourages individuality in those pursuing all of the creative arts and challenges one to become their best.

Sean:
There is opportunity here. It’s up to each of us to take full advantage of that and not take it for granted.

Do you remember the first record/tape/etc. you ever bought?

Marisa:
Flashdance, the soundtrack to the movie. I requested for my 9 year old birthday gift

Sean:
It was the ‘Hey Jude’ Album by the Beatles. It was that, or Led Zeppelin 2.

What people or artists inspire you most in your work?

Marisa:
Most of the people who inspire me are the working artists of today, those I consider my colleagues and friends who I follow online. It’s amazing the creativity that is shared within the blogging world alone. Specific artists that have inspired and influenced me are Monet, Basquiat, Robert Rauschenburg and Joe Sorren

Sean:
John Stewart. Stephen Colbert. Louis CK. 

Thanks Marisa and Sean, and welcome to the U.C.C community! :-)

Sunday June 26th from 1-5pm
@ The U.C.C and Edgemar Center For the Arts

Vendors include: * Cheryl Cambras * Clay Road Collectibles * Flying Cup Clay studio * Love2Bloom * Maneecho * Minimalista Clothing * Phiffer Books * Rebe * * Revival Vintage Design * RoyaBoya’s * SewnClever * Sew Kors * Stacy Wong *

More info about the Main Street Soulstice Events here

Workshops include:

Mommy & Me: Embroidery and Tea, 11am-2pm
Mothers and Kids Ages 4-7
Tea bags filled with organic teas and embroidered handkerchiefs create the perfect Mother’s Day treat. Led by special guest teacher Nicole Ichtertz, your child will delight in being able to create something you both can use together. Mom will enjoy combining organic rooibos, peppermint, chai and more to create a signature blend of hand crafted teas, delicately embellished with embroidered designs.
$65 per pair, 15% discount for members

Hand Sewn Plush Cuddlephants, 12-3pm
Join local plush toy designer Ashley Long this Mother’s Day to make one of nature’s most awesome animal mamas, the elephant! Work from the instructor’s provided pattern and then customize your felt and fleece creation with sequins, ribbon and other embellishments. We’ll be using basic, easy to pick up hand sewing techniques – all crafter levels welcome!
$55 per person, 15% discount for members

Woven Palm Roses, 1-3pm
Create a matching bouquet of hand woven roses for you and mom! Join mountain man Mike Metzger as he shares his knowledge of the outdoors and teaches this traditional craft that is both versatile and beautiful. Use our selection of ribbons, trims and dried flowers to personalize your creation.
$30 per person, 15% discount