She brings so much warmth and joy to her teaching

If you’re anything like me, you may have told yourself that you’re “not an artist” or that drawing and coloring just aren’t your strengths.

As a child, I used to compare my clumsy drawings to the flowing, effortless art of my friend Priya in Kashmir. That comparison held me back for years—I convinced myself to focus on what I was good at instead of exploring creative pursuits.

But recently, I’ve been on a mission to push past my self-imposed boundaries and simply have fun. When Claudia announced her art class, I signed up immediately. It has been such a rewarding experience! My mom joined me, along with 14 others from across the States, and for an hour, we dove into creating. Claudia gently guided us as we painted trees, offering examples for inspiration.

Armed with colored pencils and pens, my mom and I giggled like kids as we worked on our projects. Our trees turned out completely different but equally beautiful! It was heartwarming to see others share their creations, too. Though many started off shy, saying things like, “I’m not an artist” or “I’m not good at this,” their pieces were uniquely stunning—a reflection of their individuality.

I walked away from that class with a big smile and a light heart. It reminded me how fulfilling it can be to embrace creativity without judgment. If you’re looking for a break during the holidays or a way to explore something new, I highly recommend Claudia’s class. She changes the theme each time and brings so much warmth and joy to her teaching.  ~Shanna