One of the most common things I hear in my art classes is, “I’m not creative" or "I'm not an artist". It ’s usually said quietly, almost apologetically, as if creativity were a trait some people are born with and others simply missed out on. After years of teaching art to adults and children, I can confidently say this: creativity doesn’t disappear. It gets neglected. And in times of stress, uncertainty, and constant noise, it’s often one of the first things we push aside.

The Next Evolution of Lets Paint: Welcome to the Tea + Art Lounge What started in our backyard garden is now evolving into its very own public space. From the very beginning, Lets Paint has been about more than brushes and canvases. It has always been about people—it has always been about sitting together, tapping into our curiosity, and building confidence through the act of creating. As our community has grown, so has our understanding of what our students (of all ages) tru

Community murals have a quiet kind of power. They do not announce themselves the way monuments do, or demand attention like billboards. Instead, they grow out of shared effort, shared space, and shared vulnerability. They belong to everyone who touches them, no matter how briefly. Our very first community mural taught me this lesson in a way I could never have learned from a studio, a classroom, or a perfectly planned project. It was a powerful experience, and it was entirely

By Sarah Swoffer Why I Started Let’s Paint: Art Classes in Bend, Oregon Rooted in Compassion and Creativity Let’s Paint didn’t begin as a business plan. It began as a response to a real and urgent need. During Covid, I was a licensed teacher in a classroom. Seemingly overnight, our doors shut and students were moved online. Very quickly, we saw how deeply kids were struggling. Routines disappeared. Social connection vanished. Anxiety, isolation, and uncertainty became part of

Creativity is not just for artists - it is for every human being. As an art teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how creativity enriches lives - not just artistically, but emotionally, socially, and even physically. For years I have noticed how being creative impacts people. It is not just me - scientific research shows that expanding your creativity isn't just enjoyable - it is deeply beneficial to your wellbeing, purpose, community, innovation and more. In 2026, I believe more peo

In our fast-paced, hyper-connected world, we’re constantly bombarded with content, choices, and information. We scroll, watch, listen,...

Curiosity serves as the heartbeat of artistic exploration. It drives us to venture into new realms, spurs us on to take risks, and fuels...