Nicole Salimbene leads participants in a series of writing and art exercises as tools for reflection, inquiry, and meditation. No prior art skills needed. These workshops inspire curiosity and invite participants to experience the transformational power of art-making. Through creative experimentation, these workshops provide space for a deeper awareness of the internal and external matters guiding your life and work.
Nicole Salimbene has created a method for using the artistic process to develop mindfulness and to enrich vocational wellness. She has brought this approach to various academic institutions, community settings and professional associations, including American University, Clark University, Lama Foundation, The Center for Contemplative Mind in Society, Wesley Theological Seminary, Ghost Ranch and World Wildlife Fund.
“A real love letter is made of insight, understanding, and compassion. Otherwise it's not a love letter. A true love letter can produce a transformation in the other person, and therefore in the world. But before it produces a transformation in the other person, it has to produce a transformation within us. Some letters may take the whole of our lifetime to write.” ― Thich Nhat Hanh
A love letter is a way to build a bridge. You stand at one end–understanding where you are–and you imagine your loved one where they are. Between you is the space you cross with language. A birdsong. What do you want to communicate? In the silence between you and your beloved, What do you imagine they long to hear? Writing a letter is a practice in holding and beholding, and requires deep listening, internally and externally. Communing.
Please join me in writing love letters to our most trusted and loving partners in the natural world. We are all nature, but we live in partnership with the more-than-human. In the spirit of reciprocity, let’s write love letters to bridge what separates us.
We will be using both written and visual language to craft our letters.
If you are interested in hosting Opening To Your Creativity: Art as A Contemplative Practice workshop, series, or retreat Please contact me at[email protected] for more information.
Selected Workshops/Teaching 2020 Halcyon Arts Lab, Washington, D.C. 2018 World Wildlife Fund, Washington, D.C.
2016 CFI Faculty Workshop: Opening to Your Creativity, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA Opening to Your Creativity, Rhizome DC, Washington, D.C.
2016-17 Opening to Your Creativity, DC Arts Studios, Washington, D.C. 2015-16 Opening to Your Creativity,Crossings|A Center for the Healing Traditions, Silver Spring, MD
2010-15 Contemplative Environmental Studies: Pedagogy for Self and Planet, American University School of International Service,The Lama Foundation, San Cristobal, NM
2014 Wisdom Sharing: A Deepening Retreat-Alice Walker, Gloria Steinem, Dr. Chung Hyun Kyung, Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, NM Earth Honoring Faith/Listening to Earth, Opening to God,Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, NM Contemplative Retreat for Educators: A Day of Practice, Center for Contemplative Mind and Society, Washington, D.C.
2013-14 Mindful Choices Program, Curriculum Advisor, Mellon Foundation grant for Clark University, Worcester, MA
2011 Art Studio, Examination Paper Scroll, American National Nursing Credentialing Center Magnet Conference, Baltimore, MD
2009 ShadowPlay1“Borderlands,” Text/Image/Crafting Workshop with Nicole Salimbene & John Borstel, Atrium Gallery, Takoma Park, MD
2008 Art & Carbon Footprint, American University, Washington, D.C.
2006-08 Contemplative Sustainable Design, American University, School of International Service Summer Program, The Lama Foundation San Cristobal, NM