We all have examples:
Traits in ourselves we see as less than ideal
Old stories and beliefs that complicate our todays
Difficulty embracing our whole journey, both successes and sorrows
How might it feel to honor ALL of our broken and beautiful experiences?
How might Art provide insight into that process?
Join Workshop Leader Katie O’Connell for a powerful experience of using art as a metaphor for examining our beliefs. Our Art Institute guide, Adjunct Lecturer Gigi Vaffis, invites us to make connections with our own journey while deepening our knowledge of renowned works of art.
Through insightful discussion, journaling, and questioning we’ll:
Investigate personal definitions of “whole” and “broken” and how culture influences those perceptions
Uncover fresh ways to view and accept the full spectrum of life’s experiences
Use art as a metaphor for deeper understanding
Held at the Art Institute of Chicago, we’ll experience the joy of discovery by engaging with select pieces from the Art Institute’s collection. Participants will experience the way art opens conversation in fresh ways. Through thoughtful questioning, rich discussion, and a personally-led tour, you’ll experience opportunities to embrace the unique tapestry that is your journey, and how All of This Is Us.
Your $65 fee includes entry to the Art Institute of Chicago, a $32 value.
Advanced registration required. Limited spots available.
Some light snacks will be included, and there will be a break after the tour for attendees to enjoy the cafeteria or snack areas. Please consider bringing a reusable bottle/cup for water.
Meet Your Guides
Katie O’Connell
Katie writes from the heart. A former writing teacher, Katie enjoys supporting others in their writing process through her business, Heartwired Writing. A lover of all things creative, she’s discovered the healing power of artistic expression and its ability to help us learn more about ourselves. Katie’s essays appear in several editions of the popular Chicken Soup for the Soul series, as well as online publications such as Scary Mommy and Patheos.
Gigi Vaffis
Gigi has always felt that without art, the soul shrinks. Its ability to expand thought, heart, perspective and everything in between encourages us to open up to the beauty, challenges, history, heartbreak and realities of our collective humanity. Gigi has been engaging viewers with the Art Institute’s 300,000 object collection since her two sons were toddlers. “No two gallery experiences have ever been the same. My joy is the ah-ha moment viewers create for themselves.”