First of all, you can pronounce it like you wish: Oz One, Ozone, O-Z One; it is actually encouraged for you to be creative and personalize the pronunciation of the name. Having cleared that up, let’s get back to explaining what Oz One is really all about.

Oz One is an Artist’s Way Collective group show that opens with a public reception on June 11 and will be on display until July 9 at the Arts and Entertainment Center, located at 3026 University Ave. in North Park. Artists include Earl Storm, Veronica Bear, Beth Bolwerk, Kathleen Cudahy, James Gonzalez, Cobi Maravilla, Lisa Roberts and Danielle Siembieda.

You might remember Earl Storm, the mastermind behind the project, if you have been an avid reader of the Gay & Lesbian Times over the past 10 years. Storm was the creator of the comic strip “Such As Life” which ran for a couple of years in the GLT starting in the summer of 1994.

“Such As Life” has evolved into the Internet-syndicated “Quack City,” which, Storm says, “chronicles the adventures and attitudes of Buckminster Duck, a just-happens-to-be-gay duck, as he comments on anything from polyester to politics to pop culture, but from a festive and feathered perspective.”

Storm, who understands the trials and tribulations of the creative process, has been a passionate student, and now certified facilitator, of Artist’s Way, which is based on the popular book of the same name by Julia Cameron. The book inspired Storm to overcome his personal blocks to the creative process, and now he helps his students overcome them as well.

Working directly with artists and “creatives” of all mediums, Storm invites his students to explore how to nurture and celebrate their creative expression, artistic growth and playful imaginings. Students experience the playful and practical tools that can move their creative blocks into an experience and celebration of their creativity.

Priorities in Storm’s workshop include, but are absolutely not limited to, establishing the student’s art as a high priority in their lives, and helping them achieve a deeper sense of who they are as an artist. To achieve a stronger sense of where the student is and wants to go as an artist, they receive “playful” and practical tools that move their art forward.

All artists participating in Oz One are Storm’s Artist’s Way students.

Experiencing an insightful and artful journey to a creative life, let’s not forget it, is actually a necessity for a healthy and happy life. Storm says these workshops can help open our awareness to that creative innate ability in all of us. Where you choose go with that ability or not is entirely up to you.

Artist’s Way workshops take place Tuesday nights from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., June 21-Sept. 13. For more information, call Earl Storm at (619) 234-8880, or link to his Web site via this article at www.gaylesbiantimes.com.