Spring has a way of inviting us to start fresh. Longer days, more light, and a shift in energy make it the perfect time to reconnect with creativity, not as something reserved for artists, but as something available to everyone.

We see creativity as a daily practice, one that supports focus, relaxation, and even joy. Whether you haven’t picked up a paintbrush in years or you’re simply looking for a new way to unwind, this is a great season to begin.

Easy Ways to Reignite Creativity This Spring

You don’t need a full studio or hours of free time. Start small:
​

• Set aside 10–15 minutes a few times a week to create
• Keep a notebook or sketchpad nearby for ideas, doodles, or journaling
• Try working with your hands, painting, clay, or collage
• Let go of perfection and focus on the process

Creativity doesn’t require expertise. It just requires space.

Simple Tools to Get You Started

If you’re not sure where to begin, a few accessible materials can make it easier to take that first step:

For Painting & Color Exploration

• Beginner-friendly acrylic paint sets
• Small canvas panels or acrylic paper pads
• Basic brush sets with a mix of flat and round brushes

For Relaxed, Everyday Creativity

• Mixed-media sketchbooks or visual journals
• Fine-tip pens or paint markers
• A tabletop daylight lamp for working in the evenings

For Hands-On Projects

• Air-dry clay for simple sculpting at home
• Starter pottery tools or texture rollers
• A pottery board to create on any surface

Books to Inspire Your Creative Practice

Sometimes the spark starts with a shift in mindset. These recent and relevant titles offer approachable ways to reconnect with creativity, whether through journaling, habit-building, or simply seeing the world differently.

• The Book of Alchemy: A Creative Practice for an Inspired Life – Suleika Jaouad 
  A guided journaling-based approach to creativity, with prompts designed to help you reflect, process, and create consistently. 
• The Creative Act: A Way of Being – Rick Rubin
  A widely discussed recent release that reframes creativity as a way of living, not just making, accessible and reflective rather than technical. 
• You Are an Artist – Sarah Urist Green
  A practical, prompt-driven book that encourages everyday creativity using simple materials and ideas. 
• Could Should Might Don’t: How We Think About the Future – Nick Foster
  A newer title that explores how thinking differently can unlock creativity and innovation in everyday life. 

Look for books that feel approachable, something you can return to in small moments, not something that feels like a task.

Create in Community: Upcoming Workshops with SOMA Adult School

​If you’re looking for a structured way to get started, our Founder, Simone Anthony-Brown, will be facilitating upcoming classes through the South Orange–Maplewood Adult School, held at Columbia High School.

Adult Workshops (7–9 PM | 1 session):

• Figure Collage: Stylized Bodies in Shape, Color & Texture — Code 0308 (Thurs, April 23)
• Impressionist Spring Florals in Acrylics — Code 0320 (Thurs, May 7)
• Hand-Building Pottery Workshop — Code 0309 (Thurs, June 10)

Teen Camps (9:30 AM–12:30 PM | 4 days):

• Clay Lab: Pottery Workshop — Code 5100 (July 6–9, 2026)
• Studio Remix: Mixed Media + Acrylic Painting — Code 5110 (July 13–16, 2026)

All materials are provided.

To register, visit: https://www.somadultschool.org/ and search by course code.

Art in the Community: Spring & Summer 2026

Express Yourself Studios continues to bring creative programming into communities across New Jersey.

Registration is handled directly through each host organization.
Upcoming Workshops:

• Tuesday, April 7 – Brandywine by Monarch Communities, Summit, NJ
  Senior Pottery Workshop
• Thursday, April 23 – SOMA Adult School
  Figure Collage Workshop
• Monday, April 27 – Chatham/Madison Adult School
  Adult Pottery Workshop
• Thursday, May 7 – SOMA Adult School
  Spring Florals in Acrylics
• Monday, May 11 – Linden Public Library
  Tween/Teen Pottery Workshop
• Thursday, May 28 – Westergard Library, Piscataway
  Children’s Pottery Workshop
• Wednesday, June 10 – SOMA Adult School
  Adult Pottery Workshop
• Wednesday, June 17 – Union Township Senior Center
  Senior Pottery Workshop
• Wednesday, July 1 – Piscataway Public Library
  Children’s Pottery Workshop
• July 6–9, 2026 – SOMA Adult School
  Teen Day Camp
• July 13–16, 2026 – SOMA Adult School
  Teen Day Camp
• Tuesday, July 21 – Union Public Library
  Children’s Pottery Workshop
• Wednesday, July 29 – Verona Public Library
  Teen/Adult Pottery Workshop

A Fresh Start Through Creativity

​Spring is a reminder that growth doesn’t have to be dramatic, it can be small, consistent, and intentional.

Whether you’re picking up a sketchbook, joining a class, or simply making time to explore something new, creativity has a way of meeting you where you are.

At Express Yourself Studios, we’re here to support that journey, through workshops, community programs, and creative resources designed to help you begin.
​
Learn more at:
www.expressyourselfstudiosllc.com

As we move through 2026, Express Yourself Studios continues bringing creative experiences directly into schools, libraries, senior centers, and community organizations across New Jersey.

From children’s pottery workshops celebrating Black History Month to adult education classes and summer teen programming, this season reflects our ongoing commitment to making art accessible, engaging, and meaningful for participants of all ages.

Below is a look at where we’ll be in the coming months.

February 2026

• Monday, February 9
  YES Program
  William F. Halsey Jr. Health & Public Safety Academy – Elizabeth
  (Private Workshop)
• Thursday, February 12
  Millburn Public Library
  Children’s Pottery Workshop – Black History Month
• Tuesday, February 17
  Chelsea Senior Living – Fair Lawn
• Saturday, February 21
  Belleville Public Library
  Children’s Pottery Workshop – Black History Month
• Wednesday, February 25
  Livingston Public Library
  Children’s Art Workshop – Black History Month

February programming focuses on reflection, storytelling, and creativity in celebration of Black History Month, offering young artists opportunities to explore clay and mixed-media projects inspired by themes of culture, resilience, and community.

March 2026

• Thursday, March 12
  SOMA Adult School
  Adult Pottery Workshop
• Wednesday, March 18
  Union Township Senior Center
  Senior Pottery Workshop
• Thursday, March 19
  Union Public Library
  Children’s Pottery Workshop – Women’s History Month
• Thursday, March 26
  Union Public Library
  Adult Pottery Workshop

March workshops expand our intergenerational reach—from seniors exploring hand-building techniques to children and adults engaging in themed creative experiences connected to Women’s History Month.

April 2026

• Thursday, April 23
  SOMA Adult School
  Figure Collage Workshop
• Monday, April 27
  Chatham/Madison Adult School
  Adult Pottery Workshop

Spring programming introduces collage-based storytelling and continued exploration of clay for adult learners seeking both technical skill-building and creative community.

May 2026

• Thursday, May 7
  SOMA Adult School
  Spring: Florals in Acrylics
• Monday, May 11
  Linden Public Library
  Tween/Teen Pottery Workshop

May sessions embrace seasonal color and energy, combining acrylic painting with hands-on pottery experiences for teens.

Summer 2026

• July 6–9, 2026
  SOMA Adult School
  Teen Day Camp
• July 13–16, 2026
  SOMA Adult School
  Teen Day Camp
• Tuesday, July 21
  Union Public Library
  Children’s Pottery Workshop

​Our summer teen day camps provide multi-day immersive creative experiences designed to encourage experimentation, collaboration, and confidence-building through art.

Fall 2026

• Tuesday, October 6
  Union Public Library
  Children’s Pottery Workshop

Continuing the WorkExpress Yourself Studios remains committed to:

• Creating welcoming, inclusive art spaces
• Supporting wellness and reflection through hands-on creative practice
• Partnering with community organizations to make art accessible

Registration for each workshop is handled directly through the host organization.
​
If you represent a school, library, senior center, or community group interested in partnering with Express Yourself Studios to bring a workshop to your community, we welcome the opportunity to connect.

Let’s continue building community through art—together.

As we step into a new year, Express Yourself Studios begins 2026 grounded in purpose, collaboration, and the belief that art has the power to bring people together in meaningful ways.
​
This year, we continue our work as a mobile arts organization—partnering with libraries, schools, community groups, and civic organizations to create accessible, welcoming spaces for creative expression across New Jersey. From pottery and painting to collage and community artmaking, our programs are designed to support reflection, connection, and learning through hands-on experiences.

Art as Service: MLK Day Mini Mural Project in LivingstonWe are honored to share that Express Yourself Studios will participate in Livingston’s 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service by leading a community art project titled “Pieces of the Dream.”

Taking place on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM at the Livingston Senior Community Center, the MLK Day Mini Mural Project invites families and community members to create individual 8” x 8” canvases inspired by Dr. King’s teachings on unity, hope, service, and belonging. Each canvas will serve as a “tile” in a larger collaborative artwork—“Pieces of the Dream: Livingston’s Community Mural”—which will be publicly displayed throughout February.

The project is facilitated by Simone Anthony-Brown, Founder of Express Yourself Studios, and a member of the Livingston Committee for Diversity and Inclusion (LCDI). Designed as an intergenerational, welcoming activity, all materials are provided, and participation is free to the community.

This initiative continues a long-standing tradition. Since 2008, Express Yourself Studios has used art to honor Dr. King’s legacy—previously through the annual workshop “Celebrate Dr. King: Explore the Dream Through Art” in Maplewood. The Mini Mural Project carries that work forward in a new, collaborative format aligned with Livingston’s broader Day of Service.

Art, in this context, becomes a shared language—one that invites participation, reflection, and collective responsibility.

Art in the Community: Where We’ll Be in Early 2026

As we begin the year, we’re excited to share where Express Yourself Studios will be bringing art programs in the months ahead.
Registration for each program is handled directly through the host organization.
January

• Tuesday, January 13 – Junior League, Essex County, NJ Art & Self-Care Event (Private Event)
• Monday, January 19 – Livingston Committee for Diversity & Inclusion
  2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service – “Pieces of the Dream”
• Thursday, January 22 – Florham Park Library Adult Pottery Workshop
  (Winter Themed)

February

• Monday, February 9 – YES Program
  William F. Halsey Jr. Health & Public Safety Academy, Elizabeth (Private Event)
• Thursday, February 12 – Millburn Public Library Children’s Pottery Workshop (Black History Month)
• Wednesday, February 25 – Livingston Public Library Children’s Art Workshop (Black History Month)

March

• Thursday, March 12 – SOMA Adult School Adult Pottery Workshop
• Thursday, March 19 – Union Public Library Children’s Pottery Workshop (Women’s History Month)
• Thursday, March 26 – Union Public Library Adult Pottery Workshop

April

• Thursday, April 23 – SOMA Adult School Figure Collage Workshop
• Monday, April 27 – Chatham/Madison Adult School Adult Pottery Workshop

May

• Thursday, May 7 – SOMA Adult School Spring Florals in Acrylics
• Monday, May 11 – Linden Public Library Tween/Teen Pottery Workshop

Later in the Year

• Tuesday, July 21 – Union Public Library Children’s Pottery Workshop
• Tuesday, October 6 – Union Public Library Children’s Pottery Workshop

Looking Ahead

As we move through 2026, Express Yourself Studios remains committed to creating thoughtful, inclusive art experiences that meet people where they are—physically, creatively, and emotionally.

If you represent a school, library, senior center, community organization, or civic group interested in partnering with us, we welcome the opportunity to collaborate.

Art is how we gather.
Art is how we reflect.
Art is how we build community—together.

​For more information contact Express Yourself Studios.

As we close out the year and look ahead to 2026, it’s the perfect moment to reset, refocus, and make space for creativity. Whether you’re an artist, a lifelong maker, or someone looking to bring more creative moments into everyday life, a few thoughtfully chosen tools can make all the difference.

This guide features inexpensive, art-inspired essentials to help you kick off a creative year, items that are practical, versatile, and easy to incorporate into daily routines.

Creative Essentials for a Fresh Start

Perfect for warming up your creativity or trying something new:

• Compact acrylic or watercolor paint sets
• Small canvas panels or mixed-media paper pads
• Detail and all-purpose paintbrush sets
• Refillable water cups with brush rests

These are ideal for quick sessions—no full studio setup required.

Collage & Mixed-Media Tools

For artists who love layering, texture, and storytelling:

• Precision scissors and craft knives
• Glue pens, adhesive rollers, and double-sided sheets
• Decorative or handmade paper packs
• Palette knives or silicone texture tools

These supplies make it easy to experiment without pressure.

Clay & Hands-On Making

Great for grounding, tactile creativity:

• Air-dry clay (small packs)
• Mini pottery tool kits
• Texture rollers or stamps
• Non-stick work mats for easy cleanup

Perfect for beginners or anyone inspired by our pottery workshops.

Creative Organization & Everyday Inspiration

Sometimes creativity starts with staying organized:

• Roll-up pencil cases or supply pouches
• Tabletop organizers for brushes and pens
• Color-inspired mugs or studio accessories
• Daylight desk lamps for winter creativity

Functional tools that make creating more inviting.

Simple Ways to Add Creativity to Your Day

You don’t need hours, or a studio to stay creative. Try this:

• Set aside 10–15 minutes a few times a week to sketch or paint
• Keep a small sketchbook or collage pad nearby
• Create while listening to music or a podcast
• Work in short bursts instead of waiting for “perfect” time
• Let projects stay unfinished, progress counts

​Creativity grows through consistency, not perfection.

Art in the Community: Where We’ll Be in 2026

Express Yourself Studios will continue bringing hands-on art experiences to schools, libraries, and community spaces throughout 2026.

Registration for each workshop is handled directly through the host organization.
​
Upcoming Programs:

• Thursday, January 22 – Florham Park Library
  Adult Pottery Workshop 
• Monday, February 9 – YES Program
  William F. Halsey Jr. Health & Public Safety Academy, Elizabeth
• Thursday, February 12 – Millburn Public Library
  Children’s Pottery Workshop (Black History Month)
• Thursday, March 12 – SOMA Adult School
  Adult Pottery Workshop
• Thursday, March 19 – Union Public Library
  Children’s Pottery Workshop (Women’s History Month)
• Thursday, March 26 – Union Public Library
  Adult Pottery Workshop
• Thursday, April 23 – SOMA Adult School
  Figure Collage Workshop
• Monday, April 27 – Chatham/Madison Adult School
  Adult Pottery Workshop
• Thursday, May 7 – SOMA Adult School
  Spring Florals in Acrylics
• Monday, May 11 – Linden Public Library
  Tween/Teen Pottery Workshop
• Tuesday, July 21 – Union Public Library
  Children’s Pottery Workshop
• Tuesday, October 6 – Union Public Library
  Children’s Pottery Workshop

A Creative Year Ahead

​Whether you’re gathering new supplies, joining a workshop, or simply making space to create at home, 2026 is an invitation to explore, experiment, and connect through art.

We look forward to creating with you in the year ahead.

Learn more about our programs, workshops, and creative resources at: www.expressyourselfstudiosllc.com/

The holidays are a perfect time to celebrate creativity—whether you’re shopping for a loved one who paints, sketches, sculpts, or simply loves beautiful things that inspire. This year’s Express Yourself Studios Gift Guide is filled with thoughtful, practical, and creative picks that will brighten any artist’s studio (or kitchen table).

1. The Everyday Artist’s Essentials
You can never go wrong with a beautiful set of acrylic paints paired with high-quality brushes. Look for a versatile brush set that includes both flat and round tips—perfect for blending and detail work. Add a multi-pack of stretched canvases or mixed-media sketchbooks to complete the set.

2. Tools for Creative Exploration
For the artist who loves to experiment, consider a portable easel and palette combo that folds up for easy storage or travel. Pair it with a heavy-body gel medium or textured modeling paste—perfect for adding depth to acrylic or mixed-media pieces. A handheld heat craft tool can also be a surprising favorite, great for speeding up drying time during creative marathons.

3. Gifts That Spark Mindful Creativity
Art is as much about the process as the result. A ceramic paint-water cup with a brush rest or a Pantone mug brings artful flair to daily routines. A tabletop daylight lamp is another thoughtful addition, helping artists work comfortably through shorter winter days.

4. For the Collage and Mixed-Media Enthusiast
Those who love layering paper, paint, and texture will appreciate a curated bundle of acid-free adhesive sheets, precision scissors, and washable glue pens. Combine that with a mini paper trimmer and a set of decorative handmade papers to encourage endless possibilities for creative storytelling.

5. Pottery and Clay Lovers
For anyone inspired by our pottery workshops, a tabletop pottery tool kit makes a wonderful gift. Include air-dry clay, texture rollers, and a banding wheel—ideal for hand-building at home. Round it out with a clay carving tool set and an art board to make clean-up easy.

6. Stocking Stuffers for Artists
Small but mighty gifts: paint pens, gelly roll markers, fine-liner pens, and mini watercolor travel palettes are always a hit. A rolling art supply organizer helps keep everything tidy while adding color and inspiration to any creative space.

7. Prints and Artful Finds from Express Yourself Studios
Alongside art supplies, don’t forget that original and limited-edition fine art prints from Express Yourself Studios make meaningful gifts. Explore collections like Ink & Impact and Blooming Essence for artwork that celebrates beauty, culture, and joy.

Inspire Creativity Year-Round
While art supplies make great gifts, the real magic happens when creativity becomes part of everyday life. Encourage the artists in your world to set up a small creative corner at home, take a local class, or explore new materials that push their imagination.

Express Yourself Studios will continue sharing inspiration, projects, and community programs throughout the year—offering ways to learn, create, and connect wherever you are.

Stay tuned to our blog for upcoming workshops, creative ideas, and opportunities to make art part of your daily routine.

To explore upcoming workshops, prints, and creative offerings, visit:
www.expressyourselfstudiosllc.com

This fall has been full of creativity, connection, and community.

We recently wrapped up the Expression of Art Through Pottery program—a six-week collaboration with the Darren Clark Jr. Memorial Foundation and the YMCA of East Orange. Youth from across New Jersey explored clay as a form of self-expression and wellness, creating six unique pottery pieces. The program concluded with an inspiring showcase where families and friends gathered to celebrate their work. Programs like this demonstrate the powerful role art can play in fostering focus, confidence, and community among young people.

Earlier this month, our Bold Fall Florals: Acrylic Painting for Beginners class at the South Orange-Maplewood Adult School was a beautiful evening of creativity. Participants painted vibrant floral compositions while enjoying the relaxed, supportive environment that makes creating in community so rewarding.

Last week’s Pottery Workshop at the Chatham Adult School was equally inspiring. From hand-built face mugs to textured pots, participants embraced the process, experimenting with clay and letting their creativity take shape. Workshops like these remind us why we love what we do—helping people explore, create, and build confidence through art.

Up Next: November & Winter Workshops

Join our Founder, Simone Anthony-Brown, in her next adult school class:

Expressive Collage: Stories in Layers – November 12 & 19 (Class Code: 0304)
Participants will create collages inspired by Simone’s Echoes of Heritage and Legacy Woven series, using a focal image to explore storytelling through layered paper, paint, and texture.

Additional upcoming workshops include:

• October 29 – Kids Fall Pottery Workshop, Union Public Library Vauxhall Branch
• October 30 – Kids Fall Pottery Workshop, Union Public Library Main Branch
• November 12 & 19 – Expressive Collage Workshop, SOMA Adult School
• December 3 – Pottery Workshop, Florham Park Library

* Please register with the hosting organizations.

Art in the Community

If you represent a school, library, senior center, or community organization interested in bringing hands-on, wellness-focused art programming to your members, contact us to collaborate.

Let’s create something meaningful together. Contact us!

This past Saturday marked a successful start to Expression of Art Through Pottery, a collaboration between the Darren Clark Jr. Memorial Foundation, the YMCA of East Orange, and Express Yourself Studios.

Youth from across New Jersey gathered to explore clay as a tool for creativity, focus, and wellness. Each participant began their very first piece and, over the next six weeks, will complete a total of six unique projects. The program will culminate in a community art show where family and friends can celebrate the participants’ work.
​
Programs like this underscore the power of collaboration in bringing art and wellness opportunities to youth. We’re honored to play a role in making these experiences possible.

Upcoming Fall/Winter Workshops

​Express Yourself Studios continues to bring art programming into communities across New Jersey. Join us at one of our upcoming sessions:

• September 13 – October 25 – Youth Pottery Series, East Orange YMCA
• October 8 – Youth Pottery Workshop, Livingston Public Library
• October 16 – Bold Fall Florals Painting Workshop, SOMA Adult School
• October 23 – Pottery Workshop, Chatham Adult School
• November 12 & 19 – Expressive Collage Workshop, SOMA Adult School
• December 3 – Pottery Workshop, Florham Park Library

Mobile Art Parties – Now Booking 

We’re currently booking mobile art parties for late October through December. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or team gatherings, our parties are fully customized with themes and creative projects designed to engage your group.

Partner With Us

If you’re an organization—school, library, senior center, or business—interested in bringing creative, wellness-focused programs to your community, we’d love to connect. Together, we can create experiences that inspire joy, learning, and connection through art.

📩 Contact us today to start the conversation.

Express Yourself Studios proudly announces that Simone Anthony‑Brown, Founder of Express Yourself Studios, and her son, Aaron Brown, a rising senior at the School of Visual Arts, have been independently selected to present their work at the 2025 Newark Arts Festival (NAF 2025). They join more than 115 visual artists exhibiting across Newark this fall.

• Simone Anthony‑Brown will exhibit her mixed media collage series “Not a Threat – Rooted in Place” in the group exhibition at Newark ArtSpace. The work reassembles Newark street photography into layered urban environments inhabited by vibrant silhouettes that reclaim space and visibility.
• Aaron Brown will present his comic-inspired poster series “Ink & Impact” during “Glimpse of Joy,” a public Art Block installation curated by Abigail Alabre and presented by the Newark Downtown District in partnership with Newark Arts. The installation will take place on Thursday, October 9 from 4–7 PM along Halsey Street.

While Simone and Aaron are mother and son, each brings a unique and independent artistic voice to this year’s festival, rooted in personal experiences, bold storytelling, and cultural reflection.

About Newark Arts Festival 2025
Now in its 24th year, NAF 2025 runs from October 8–12, turning Newark into a vibrant citywide celebration of art, music, and culture. With exhibitions, live performances, installations, talks, and more, the festival invites audiences of all backgrounds to explore how JOY functions as a radical, creative force.
​
The festival is produced by Newark Arts, founded in 1981 to strengthen and support the arts in Newark. Under the leadership of Daryl Stewart, Festival Producer and Director of Programs, and Adrienne Wheeler, Lead Curator, Artistic Initiatives, Newark Arts Festival continues to evolve as New Jersey’s premier destination for artistic expression and community impact.
​
For the full schedule and festival map, visit: newarkartsfestival.com

​Upcoming Workshops:

• September 10 – Senior Pottery Workshop, Union Township
• September 13 – October 25 – Youth Pottery Series, East Orange YMCA
• October 8 – Youth Pottery Workshop, Livingston Public Library
• October 16 – Bold Fall Florals Painting Workshop, SOMA Adult School
• October 23 – Pottery Workshop, Chatham Adult School
• November 12 & 19 – Expressive Collage Workshop, SOMA Adult School

Kick off the school year with a creative project that’s easy, fun, and perfect for kids, teens, and families. This Personalized Back-to-School Pencil Case is a functional art project that lets you carry your creativity with you every day.

Materials:

• •    Canvas pencil case – plain, unlined, zipper closure
  •    Acrylic paint set – variety of colors
  •    Fabric markers – fine tip for details
  •    Small paintbrush set – assorted sizes
  •    Painter’s palette or paper plate for mixing
  •    Cardstock or thin cardboard sheet – to place inside the case
  •    Cup for water and paper towels for cleanup
  •    Mod Podge for Fabric – to seal and protect your design

Download the full Instructions here.

At Express Yourself Studios, we believe art is a powerful tool for connection, dialogue, and joy—and we love bringing that experience directly to you. Whether you’re a school, library, community organization, or business, our workshops and programs are designed to inspire and engage.

📩 Ready to collaborate or learn more? Visit expressyourselfstudiosllc.com or email us at info@expressyourselfstudiosllc.com start the conversation.

Express Yourself Studios proudly announces two new impactful art collections available online:

• Crown Resistance: A fine art print celebrating themes of Black fatherhood, dignity, and resilience.
• Ink & Impact Poster Series: A compelling series combining vibrant illustrations with thought-provoking social commentary, ideal for creative spaces, classrooms, and workplaces.

Both collections are accessible through the online shop.

June Creative Projects
Express Yourself Studios invites everyone to explore creativity this month through thoughtfully designed projects reflecting themes of family, freedom, and pride:

​