JAN GADSON LOUISSAINT

In 2018, I created the Artful Meditation Workshop Series as a way to help heal from the trauma of surviving breast cancer. Each Silk Blooms flower arrangement I created at my kitchen table brought me immense joy and encouraged my healing as I walk this survivor path in faith. This prompted me to share my joy of living with my community.

I began sharing with the older adult community because of my previous work. Since 2010, I have worked as a family case manager and a senior resident services coordinator. In these roles I was engaged in training, securing community resources, and developing programs for older adults.

I began presenting Silk Blooms Flower Ministry through Boston Public libraries and community centers as part of my recovery process. I have met many wonderful older adults and seniors in support groups, senior fitness centers and over 55 housing co-ops and developments.

Each workshop I present is an opportunity to share my talents while continuing to heal, learn, and grow. You can do a little thing that makes a big difference in someone else’s life. I am grateful and blessed for each day of life and inspired to share with as many older adults as I can. In 2023, I continue to offer crafts & floral workshops to adults and seniors in a variety of venues. My workshops have proven to help participants learn new skills, decrease social isolation, encourage a sense of achievement and experience creativity. Boston Senior Magazine graciously capture the essence of my work in the November 2022 issue.

Artful Meditation Workshops

Current Workshops Available

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Spring, Fall & Holiday Wreaths

Floral Wall Art on Canvas

Coffee & Tea Floral Art Arrangements

Decoupage Arts

Never 2 Late & Artful Collages

Creating Ancestor Shoes

Mason Jar Blooms

Holiday Theme Plates

Bicycle Floral Design

Decorated Gratitude Journals: It’s Your Story

The Artful Meditation Workshops are two-hour healing arts and crafts activities for older adults and seniors residing in Boston neighborhoods. Artful Meditation Workshops aim to bring the joy!!! We advocate gentle, thoughtful teaching with a focus on finding an individual approach to creativity. Workshops include meditation, hand exercise, and music to transform the group experience. These workshops encourage relaxation, help relieve stress and anxiety, and decrease social isolation. I never take for granted the impact that one can have in someone else's life as I work with my community. I am able to share my passion and talents with others through discussion, demonstration, instruction and encouragement as many seniors try new things that can also help them blossom.

Group sizes range from 8 – 15. Workshop fee is $375 or 2-3 pack series from $700 (2) - $900 (3). All workshops include individual art bags, and opportunities for participants to win raffle gifts. Since 2019, workshops have been supported by the City of Boston, Office of Arts & Culture, Mass Housing Finance Agency, Tenants Assistance Programs. Most recently we will receive the Massachusetts Cultural State Grant Award in Spring 2023.