"Gallery of Achievements: Celebrating my Artful Journey in 2023"

As we bid farewell to 2023, it's time to reflect on the vibrant palette of accomplishments that filled the canvas of Martha Mabe's artistic journey. This year has been a whirlwind of creativity, growth, and community engagement.

Monthly Workshops at the Mercantile: At the heart of Martha's artistic mission were the monthly workshops hosted at the Mercantile. These gatherings became not just sessions of learning but lively celebrations of creativity.

Blooms of Knowledge at Indigo Iris Flower Farms and the LOOM: Spring blossomed with workshops held amid the colorful blooms of Indigo Iris Flower Farms and the inspiring setting

of the LOOM. Participants immersed themselves in the beauty of nature, translating it onto their canvases.

Gallery Showings: Martha's art found homes in prestigious galleries, including Daniel Stowe, Matthews Art Center, Bliss Gallery, Charlotte Artist Guild, and the Rock Hill Art Center. Each exhibition showcased the evolution and diversity of her artistic expression.

Artwork on Display: From the Mercantile to the Jingle Bell Bazar and Chester Arts Center, Martha's artwork adorned various spaces, offering patrons the opportunity to bring a piece of her creativity into their lives.

Commissions and Collaborations: The year saw Martha undertaking several commissions, adding personalized touches to her portfolio. Joining artist groups like the Gaston Artist Plein

Group and Guild of Charlotte Artist opened avenues for collaborative exploration.

Looking Forward to 2024: As the canvas of 2023 unfurls, Martha sets her sights on the future. Plans for 2024 include continuing the monthly workshops at the Mercantile, expanding with extended classes in the Rock Hill/Lake Wylie area, and showcasing her art in new locations. Excitingly, Martha is slated to be the featured artist at "The Social Cork Wine Bar" in Fort Mill, SC.

2024 promises to be a year where Martha Mabe's art continues to bloom and inspire. Thank you for being a part of this colorful journey!

"Anxiety and depression can be helped with art therapy"

Living with anxiety can be a constant battle, but there's a remarkable ally you may not have considered: art. As an adult who knows the struggles of anxiety all too well, I've discovered the incredible power of creativity in keeping those anxious thoughts at bay. So, let's talk about just creating.

As a fellow artist once wisely told me, "Just create, and everything else will fall into place." You see, you don't need to be an expert in design, color theory, or photorealistic portrait-drawing for art to work its magic in your life. Whether you're painting, writing, or sculpting, the act of creating is a therapeutic journey that can bring immense relief.

For those of us who battle anxiety and depression, art can be a beacon of hope. When you're immersed in the creative process, your mind shifts away from those nagging negative thoughts. It's like a mental vacation, allowing you to focus on the beauty you're crafting instead of your worries.

The beauty of art lies in its deeply personal nature. How you choose to express yourself is entirely up to you, and that autonomy can be a liberating way to combat stress and prioritize your inner well-being. Anxiety and depression can be helped by art therapy.

In a 2010 study conducted by researchers at National Jewish Health in Denver, the impact of art therapy on children with asthma was explored. While asthma is a physical condition, the emotional toll it takes on children's mental health is undeniable. The study, which involved seven weekly art therapy sessions, revealed that the kids who participated exhibited significant improvements in anxiety levels and overall quality of life, with these positive effects lasting up to six months after treatment. (1)

Today, researchers are not questioning if art therapy works but rather how it works. Universities across the globe are delving into the transformative power of art therapy for individuals who've experienced trauma. Art therapy is gaining momentum, and its effectiveness is now backed by expert endorsement.

Therapists are exploring various techniques, including blind drawing, hand/finger painting, color mixing, and nature painting (creating art with natural elements like leaves and flowers). These methods offer a unique path to healing and self-discovery.

In conclusion, if anxiety or depression has cast a shadow over your life, consider picking up a brush, a pen, or any tool that speaks to your creative spirit. The act of creation can be your guiding light toward inner peace, and it's a journey well worth embarking on. So, why not give it a try and let art be your trusted ally in the battle against anxiety?

1

A Beebe, EW Gelfand, B Bender, A randomized trial to test the effectiveness of art therapy for children with asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol 126, 263–266, 266.e1 (2010).

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"Unleash Your Creativity: Fall Watercolor Workshops Now Open" Painting fun

Welcome to Martha's Fine Arts --Fall Lineup

As the summer is winding down and thoughts of crisp air and vibrant colors of autumn begin to paint the world around us, it's the perfect time to embrace the beauty of the season through art. Our upcoming Fall Watercolor Workshops are designed to let you capture the essence of fall in your creations. #localartist #artforall #watercolorworkshops #fundayout #artisticdelight

photo by Martha Mabe- some of the activities offered in the workshops

JOIN US For A Fall Watercolor Workshop

Join us for an artistic journey where you'll learn to capture the warmth of fall leaves, the coziness of pumpkin-spiced moments, and the serene beauty of autumn landscapes. Our workshops are suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned artists.

These workshops offer a unique opportunity to connect with fellow art enthusiasts, explore various watercolor techniques, and create your very own fall-inspired masterpiece. You'll be guided by our experienced instructor who is passionate about sharing their love for watercolor art.

If you are looking for a unique and creative activity to share Look no further

Whether you're looking to enhance your artistic skills or simply immerse yourself in the joy of creative expression, our Fall Watercolor Workshops have something to offer for everyone. Don't miss out on the chance to turn autumn's beauty into a work of art!

Visit our website www.marthasfinearts.com to learn more about the workshop schedule, themes, and how you can reserve your spot. Let's celebrate the season together through the magic of watercolors! 🍁🎨

Tickets and schedule of workshops can also be found on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/marthas-fine-arts-creations-54228962993