For the past 25 years, thousands of people have discovered their creative voice at The Center for Creative Exploration, which believes that everyone can paint when given space free from judgment or critique.
“Who would have dreamed that a café on the corner of Chenery and Miguel Streets could be transformed into a longstanding sanctuary for creative exploration?” said Maria Freebairn-Smith, Outreach Director and founding member. “Yet here we are, a living testament to the love and commitment of our community.”
An anniversary celebration Saturday, February 22, from 3 to 7 p.m., will feature collective artwork sharing, community gathering and refreshments by chef Alyssa Cox. A silent auction to benefit the Center opens February 7. See details below.
Under guidance from arts practitioners experienced in hospice care, psychology, and meditation, artists from all walks of life, including working professionals, retirees, families, and spiritual seekers, work intuitively with high-quality tempera and natural bristle brushes. There are no critiques — just the freedom to follow one’s instincts and explore what emerges.
“Often after a class, people tell me they feel completely different,” says Claudia Erzinger, teacher and Executive Director. “They didn’t know they had all these feelings inside. Through the painting process, we touch deep feelings of grief and fear, but also tenderness and love. I see people’s surprise that these paintings came out of them. Creating from the present moment without pressure connects us to our life force.”
For Sula Harris, co-founder of the studio, intuitive painting provided crucial support during personal crisis: “When my daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer, I was flooded with grief and terror. Leaning into decades of intuitive painting provided a container for the tsunami of feelings coursing through me. It saved me, providing a place to deepen into unexplored layers of my experience and follow a stream to a wider view. Painting always met me where I was, giving strength to experience the complexity of darkness interfused with light, to recognize a spark of joy amid grief.”
Intuitive Painting SF is part of a rich Bay Area tradition that began with pioneers Michele Cassou and Stewart Cubley. Today, intuitive painting practitioners from the Bay Area continue developing this transformative approach.
The studio has partnered with private mental health organizations, corporate teams, meditation centers like Spirit Rock and SF Zen Center, and the SF Unified and Jefferson Elementary School Districts. They have also provided continuing education for nurses and worked with other nonprofits such as DrawBridge’s arts program for children in shelters and Horizons, which provides academic and enrichment for children in the SF Mission District.
The studio will commemorate this legacy of creative exploration with a special event:
25th Anniversary Celebration
Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
Time: 3-7 PM; 4PM Collective Painting Sharing begins
Location: 300 Chenery Street, San Francisco
Features: Collective artwork sharing, community gathering, refreshments by chef Alyssa Cox
More info and RSVP: intuitivepaintingsfparty.eventbrite.com
Silent Auction
Date: Going live February 7, 2025
Features: Dining, overnight packages, adventures, gifts, art, services.
Funds support tuition assistance and community programs
Link (live on Feb 7): https://app.galabid.com/intuitivepaintingsf/items