Lisa Tollner

I’ve noticed something that happens about twenty minutes into an art class. When people first arrive, there’s usually a lot of energy in the room. Friends are catching up, people are choosing seats, some looking at the project, pouring a glass of wine or water, and wondering what they’ve gotten themselves into. There’s often a little nervousness too. Someone will tell me they haven’t painted since elementary school. Someone else wants to know if they’re using the right brush. And almost...

And unlike many traditional team-building activities, nobody has to perform. There is no competition to win, puzzle to solve fastest or expectation that everyone will suddenly become more outgoing.

Being creative isn't about having all the answers. It's about having the courage to make the first brushstroke. Everything else grows from there.