JANE ZAMOST

Sampling of workshops available:
 

* new workshop with Author Rachel Levy Lesser:

what we keep -- 

Anderson Cooper tucked his father’s belts into a box for years. I’ve worn my dad’s cashmere jacket for three decades now. A locket of mine holds strands of Grandma Tillie’s hair from a trim done more than fifty years ago. In my drawers, there are mementos — unused handkerchiefs from my grandmothers, jewels I’ll never wear. I can’t part with them, though I rarely touch them. These treasures aren’t just objects; they’re connections to the past.  We know our stories aren’t unique — it’s one we all share. What keepsakes have you held onto, and why? What do they say about your story? What do they represent in your life? Now is the time to bring these cherished items out of the shadows and into the light. Join Rachel and me as we guide you in reinventing your treasures, turning them into meaningful symbols of the present. Through reflection, storytelling, and creative exercises, we'll help you uncover the deep significance of what you’ve kept and show you how to integrate your memento in a way that inspires and transforms. “What We Keep” is a powerful reminder: the past lives within us and can shape who we are today, broadening the meaning of our present-day selves. Rediscover your treasures. Rewrite your stories. Make them visually and verbally come to life. Join us --

 


creating your peaceful sanctuary

What does your special place look and feel like? ...the place that offers you a respite from the day... Is it the beach, forest, or a special spot in your home? Once you arrive, where will you sit? Where will you go?  In front of a fire, on the beautiful wicker chair in your garden or directly on the earth?  How will you feel upon arrive? Are you reading a book, hiking a mountain or are you viewing the sea? 

With materials found about one’s home or from nature, you will create by way of collage and/or paint your own peaceful sanctuary.

patterns, patterns and more patterns 

There is something so calming about creating patterns - colors grouped together, squares, triangles, circles, words. All around us, we see patterns.  Unbeknown to our conscious selves, these patterns soothe us. They speak to us in subliminal ways. This workshop makes us recognize the joy of creating those patterns we connect with. Materials can include magazines, stationery, newspaper, tissue paper, gift wrap, nature, etc. 

Remember too, that colors can come into play as can shapes and movement. If desired, you can consider the mood you would like to reveal - high energy, calm, neutrality... it's all within the flow of your fingertips. 

 

tree of life

Trees - they change with every season, exemplifying the cycle of life with buds beginning and leaves falling. What tree do you connect with? … Is it the willow arching above, or perhaps, the overflowing maple? The magnolia with its vivid blooms or the elm rising high above? We often find inner peace when we walk amongst the trees, enchanted by their beauty and, perhaps too, their spirituality. Like the tree, we often find comfort in our roots grounding us to the earth and grasping joy when reaching new heights. In this workshop, we will create the tree of life that speaks to you – its colors, branches, production of sprouts and/or leaves. Bring pictures from magazines, your own photos, the colors you associate with your tree – paints, crayons and colored pencils will do. We will explore it all in this workshop and gain connection as we embrace the season together.

what they're saying 

For the first time this fall, our school organized an emotional wellness week. The events of this week varied, with meditation, yoga, and other workshops.  Nearly 25 of our students elected to attend our Art and Healing workshop, facilitated by Jane Zamost, in an effort to explore their emotions through art. Throughout the evening, students created mixed-media projects, and did so with a great sense of ease. The tone in the room was electric, yet serene; it was truly beautiful to see students interact, both with peers and with their projects. Jane’s tone allowed all students to feel comfortable exploring their emotions and her art expertise provided them with the guidance necessary to create works for which they were proud. I would highly recommend this workshop to any school looking to provide emotional wellness opportunities or additional outlets for creative expression.     

-- Joshua Sham, Dean of Students, Sophomore Class, Peddie School

We had the very best time at your class.  You are truly so special! Your demeanor is so easy-going, your talent shines through and we were the lucky recipients to be able to be in your class. 

-- Stephanie C.

Oh how we loved our time with you!  Thank you for such thoughtful kind guidance and such a welcoming, encouraging space. 

--Becky S. 

I've been meaning to thank you specifically for helping me to just dive in.  I have ALWAYS struggled to do this, allowing everything - time, people, place, situation, doubt, pride to crowd in instead... I have begun to find starting a little easier which is wonderful.  Thank you! 

--Janie S.