Art workshops that provide first aid for the heart & soul.
For helping professionals, folks with medical challenges, and family caregivers.
Art is relief. Art is self-care. Art is joy. Art is validation. Art regulates the nervous system. Art heals.
I believe creativity is your birthright
— and it’s especially needed if you’re deep in the tumble of a challenging, heavy season of your life.
Hi, I’m Cris Sanhueza,
I facilitate online art workshops for medical centers, non-profit organizations, and schools that support people’s well-being and creative expression, backed by my experience as an arts in health professional, social worker, and artist.
Did you know: Art making is anything but frivolous?
Smooshing paint, stitching multicolored threads in and out, cutting out collage elements, and organizing colors becomes a form of meditation. It transforms us from overwhelmed and exhausted to being back in flow with life and remembering who we really are outside of our roles as “person with illness” or “caregiver.”
Find meaning at a time when you may be asking “why me?”
I focus on these particular populations in my work…
Cancer Centers
I facilitate workshops for adolescents and young adults with cancer. When you’re on an emotional roller coaster like this, you need some distraction, community and relief.
Alzheimer's Groups
Alzheimer’s is a challenging condition for both the patient and the caregiver. Workshops are gentle, easygoing, and deeply compassionate.
Helping Professionals
The art classes are a place to calm down your nervous system, get grounded, and take some breaths. They are done weekly during or outside of business hours.
Pregnancy Loss
I offer artmaking workshops to pregnancy loss support groups. I am passionate about helping people going through this most tender of loss because there’s not a lot of community support and you don't have to do it alone.
Family Caregivers
There is burnout in caregiving. I offer artmaking workshops to non-profit support groups or medical institutions, especially for family caregivers. I believe this is a huge, underserved population.
Refugees and Newcomers
As a native Spanish speaker with a degree in social work focusing on practice with Latinx families and children, I am skilled and culturally sensitive.
About Cris
I have a Master’s Degree from the University of Florida’s Center for Arts in Medicine, a global leader in the field of arts in health, where I serve as a research assistant at the Center’s Interdisciplinary Research Lab led by Dr. Jill Sonke.
I have experience on both sides of the desk. My professional experience supports my capability as a facilitator and program manager, while my personal experience as a family caregiver for a family member with Alzheimer’s and decades of work as a helping professional brings my human self to the forefront, as I see and understand the challenges many of my clients face.
People tell me I’m a “Unicorn”
My skill, background and personal experiences give me a unique approach you won’t find elsewhere.
Contractor
Why hire a full-time artist in residence when you can get a senior-level professional contractor at a fraction of the price who knows your needs intimately?
All Inclusive
Bilingual & Culturally Aware
As a native Spanish speaker, I am particularly sensitive to the cultural norms and healing/grief practices of Latinx populations.
Trauma-Informed & Evidence-Based
Interested in me facilitating an online art workshop for your organization?
I can offer a flexible schedule that suits your institution’s needs, whether you want weekly, biweekly or monthly classes, for 3 months, 6 months, or beyond.
Get in touch with your requirements today!