Since December 2006, The Art of You has offered unusual creative arts classes in an open-studio style. Participants are encouraged to work with the materials that inspire them in the moment. They can choose from painting, movement, collage, sand tray, clay, music, writing or other mediums to express themselves freely.

“It’s more about spontaneity and creativity than technique,” said Christina Brittain, owner, who also uses the studio as her private Expressive Arts Therapy practice.

She explained that what makes The Art of You unique is that it’s primarily a studio for “non-artists.”

“It doesn’t matter if you have never picked up a paint brush before – it’s not about making ‘art,’ as much as it is about creative exploration,” Brittain said, noting that the studio is the perfect place to start in a safe, supportive, critic-free environment.

“I’ve used the arts for healing, self-empowerment and self-understanding for my entire life. As an expressive arts therapist and artist, I’ve worked with a variety of populations – from eating disorders, to grief and loss, to battered moms and kids,” she said.

Brittain’s passion has always been to help others experience freedom, increased options and self-awareness.

“I feel like an activist, because I’m making a place for people to be who they are, authentically,” Brittain said, noting that she thinks art helps people be more real. “Everybody deserves to feel free in their life. Art is just the most powerful thing I’ve found to support that.”