Between Roots & Rings

Free 5 Day Creative Challenge:

Short creative invitations to get you unstuck and experiencing the medicines of art

A special event from the Medicine Circle

sign me up!

Melanie Rivers Art

5 days Creative Challenge

Begins August 8th, 2022

It can be challenging sometimes to sit down and create with infinite possibilities, limited time, work and family commitments, health challenges, fear of getting it 'right', and sometimes a tired heart. You are not alone in this. 


You are invited to....

a free event of the Medicine Circle:

  • get creatively unstuck
  • experience the medicines of art-- stillness, joy, play
  • gather inspiration for a creative project
  • connect with other creatives
  • get warmed up to create


Even 10 minutes a day of a creative activity can calm your nervous system and help you connect to yourself.


Get your sketchbook ready...

Between Roots and Rings

Join us in this 5 day challenge

Starts August 8th, 2022

free 5 day creative challenge

  • short daily videos and prompts called 'mini medicines'

  • 1 live Zoom/FaceBook session (and replay)

  • FaceBook group to share and inspire each other

  • wisdom and teachings from the trees

  • preview into the Medicine Circle membership

  • prize draw for participation


Challenge begins

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I'm here to guide you

Hi. I'm Melanie, an Indigenous portrait artist, who teaches online art classes to thousands of women around the world. I help women learn to love their creative time, so they can consistently show up for themselves and experience more joy, relaxation, and energy in their daily lives. I am a trained Expressive Arts Practitioner and experienced educator of 25 years. I am from the Squamish First Nation in Vancouver, Canada and I draw from my traditional ancestry and teachings in my art practice and lessons. I provide gentle guidance and encouragement for women, so they can experience the medicines of art and build their own unique artistic voice. I believe in you.

Melanie Rivers

Between Roots and Rings...

These tree women are strong, grounded. They connect and communicate through their roots-- nourishing each other, expressing their needs and warning each other of danger. Each ring tells a story and situates her present within her life's history--- her periods of growth, times of being stuck, her traumas, when she flourished and where her scars are. Her unique story is found within and between these lines. Their story is intertwined through the spaces between them.


Challenge begins....

Get your sketchbook ready...

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from my community...

"Melanie is such a gentle soul with so much to give. She is very inspiring to a healthy practice involving mind, body, spirit in an artful way." -- Lynn Roberts


"Melanie is REAL and amazing. She truly understands the human spirit and the need to become part of nature and life." --- Mariana


"I thoroughly enjoyed learning. You were very precise with your instructions. You gave generously of yourself and of your knowledge. Your videos were full of details and information. I also like the pace with which you explained and approached the class. I didn't feel overwhelmed or feel burdened that I had to "get" it.  -- Anne-Marie Dekker

Collaborations

My courses have been featured in:

  • Let's Face It
  • Kaleidoscope

How is art medicine?

In my Coast Salish culture, I have been taught that everything is medicine. Some medicines are directly beneficial like a traditional plant that has a healing property and is used to treat an ailment. Medicine can also come from an experience that teaches us something. The experience may be painful at the time, but it may help us grow as a person. Everything has something to teach us and we can choose what we learn and how fast.


Medicine is... a ritual that nurtures the spirit

Medicine is...a teaching or lesson that we learn to better oursleves

Medicine is...a quality of another being or object that we can apply to our own life

Medicine is..an activity of food that helps strengthen our bodies


Engaging in a creative practice is medicine regardless of the 'product' that is created. In the Medicine Circle, we explore the different medicines of art and creativity with lessons designed to engage your playful side, find serenity, build bravery, and connect to your inner wisdoms and the wisdoms of the earth.

Frequently Asked

  • What supplies do I need?

    The supplies you have on hand are the right ones! I'll be demo-ing in acrylic paint in a small mixed media journal. You can access the supply list after enrolling in the free challenge. There are suggestions for alternatives as well as exactly what I used.

  • I'm new to art, will I be comfortable to participate?

    I love introducing people to painting. What's most important is enjoying the process of painting and learning along the way. Every one is it a different place in their journey so be careful not to compare.

  • Will I be able to participate in the live sessions?

    I am rotating times on the live sessions so people on different continents can participate. The sessions will also be recorded and available in the classroom and in the FaceBook group.

  • How long will I have access to the challenge videos?

    August 8th to 18th, 2022. If you purchase the Medicine Circle membership you will have access as long as you are a member.

  • What if I don't have a lot of time?

    This challenge is designed for those that want to create but have little time! Join if you only have time to watch the videos. Join if you only have time to be inspired and cheer others along. Every bit adds to your painting journey.

  • What is the Medicine Circle?

    A new membership community hosted by me. A safe space to learn, express, and connect. Access to my signature art courses and monthly content added.

  • Can I participate in free challenge without buying the membership?

    Absolutely! I welcome all creatives to the retreat with no pressure to purchase the Medicine Circle membership.

  • Do I need to share in the FaceBook group?

    Completely optional. If you are on FaceBook and would like to join the group and be inspired but are not ready to share. That is okay. Join us.

Sign Up Free Challenge

Get your sketchbook ready

What is the Medicine Circle Membership?

The Medicine Circle invites you to set your intentions for your creative practice, learn new skills while being kind to yourself, find guilt free time for you, and experience the medicines of creating. Surround yourself with guidance, inspiration, and encouragement from me and the community. It includes monthly portrait and mixed media art lessons, full length art courses, and live sessions.