OAKHURST – Visitors to the Creative Healing Arts Studio can expect to find ceramics in one room, yoga in another, and a third space for exploring dreams. The public is invited to their grand opening Saturday, Oct. 6. where a festive reception will be held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The studio will be one of the stops on the Sierra Art Trails this weekend.The newly-renovated studio is a collaboration of Oakhurst residents Dave Caris and his wife Jeannemarie Caris-McManus. Dave already offers popular clay classes three times a week, along with three levels of yoga. Part of their space is dedicated to ceramics, while another room is cleared for yoga classes, including meditative, limited mobility and wheelchair yoga.
In a third room Jeannemarie will engage individuals and groups with dream work and creative imagination therapy. The common thread among these artistic expressions of clay, yoga and imagination exploration is the emotional, physical and spiritual healing that neuroscientists believe results with practice of the disciplines.
The couple believes the Studio venture will become the epicenter of a flourishing creative community, focusing on arts that promote physical and psychological well-being. Yogi Dave estimates he has already taught yoga to over 1,000 people in the last dozen years.
“Our goal is to work with the creative arts in this community and we believe that such work can bring healing to those who choose to participate,” says Dave. “We are open to other teachers using the studio’s space as long as the teachings are in alignment with our mission.”
Jeannemarie recently earned her Doctorate in Depth Psychology, a hundred-year-old practice, and intends to offer additional programs on meditation and nutritional health, along with creative embodiment.
“We now know that the creative imagination is a sense, like your other senses, and that working with the creative imagination and body can be healing,” explains Jeannemarie. The studio is designed to attract, “lots of interesting people who need to come out and play.”
In the future, Dave and Jeannemarie hope the studio will be “a jewel for the community,” with workshops, lectures and classes offered on a wide variety of arts and practices.
This Saturday’s open house provides the curious and contemplative an opportunity to view the space, meet the owners and see Dave’s work, along with that of artist Rona Adler, for Sierra Art Trails (#43-44). Light refreshments will be served.
The studio is located at 49269B Road 426 in Oakhurst.
