Libby Lynch, TAA Visual Art Director, is the art instructor and founder of the high school yoga program at University School of Jackson, Tennessee. She is passionate about sharing simple, fun, inspiring, mindful, and expressive art and yoga activities to help students de-stress and express themselves. Lynch has been teaching art for more than thirty years and began practicing yoga seriously five years ago. Realizing how beneficial the multiple facets of a regular yoga practice could be for busy high school students, she decided to pursue her own certification in order to start a yoga class at her school.
As many educators continue to experience some combination of in-person and virtual teaching, it is more important than ever that they stay centered and create a balance between personal space and workspace. What better way to do this than to practice mindful art and yoga? The arts offer their own unique tools to help people deal with everyday stress. However, when combined with the mindfulness of yoga, the arts can be even more effective as people are confronted by issues related to the pandemic. Each session will start with breath work and a guided meditation. During the Tuesday session, the concept of mindful art will be introduced with a short slide presentation. This will be followed by an activity in which participants use the art materials on hand. While not necessary, it is suggested that a few pieces of paper (copy paper is fine), a pencil, markers, a fine point sharpie, crayons and watercolors be available. On Tuesday, participants will complete at least one mandala. On Thursday, the session will dive into intuitive collages with a surreal twist. Both lessons will offer ways for these practices to be shared with students of any age. These activities are great sketchbook activities that will awaken the creative spirit in everyone.