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Send us Fan Mail What happens when the world takes an art break together? In this episode, Lisa and Lauren sit down with World Art Break Day hosts from Bolivia, Baltimore, San Diego, New York City, and India to share what really happened on Art Break Day 2026. From chalk drawings on the sidewalks of Washington Square Park to an intergenerational art session with octogenarians and their grandchildren, from a rainy guerrilla art break that ended in a living room to a police officer in Ocean Beach who said "art brings order to the chaos" — this year's hosts showed up with what they had and made something beautiful anyway. Together they explore what it means to create art in community, why free and accessible art experiences matter, and how simultaneous global art making can shift something in a neighborhood, a city, and the world. Whether you're an artist, an educator, a community organizer, or someone who has never picked up a paintbrush, this conversation will remind you that everyone deserves an art break. World Art Break Day is a free, annual global event that invites individuals, schools, workplaces, and organizations of all sizes to host an art break in their community. Now in its 16th year, the movement spans continents and age groups — proving that creativity has no age limit, no skill requirement, and no borders. 🌍 Learn more and sign up to host: artismoving.org  🎨 Join the movement: #WorldArtBreakDay #TakeAnArtBreak #ArtIsMoving Support the show Learn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Lisa and Lauren of Art Is Moving sit down for an unscripted conversation about a question that shapes everything they do: how does process art help you process? They trace the idea back to their own childhoods and training as artists, exploring process art as purge, purification, and self-discovery rather than a pursuit of a finished object. Along the way they talk about creation and destruction in the studio, the difference between making art for an audience versus making art no one will ever see, letting go of perfectionism and control, and why struggle itself can be part of the process for some artists. They also reflect on 18 years of creative partnership, how their very different approaches to art-making are rooted in the same tree, and what all of this means for World Artbreak Day and the practice of taking an "art break." A candid, meandering conversation about creativity, identity, and what it means to trust the process. Support the show Learn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, hosts Lisa and Lauren sit down with Holly Woods, founder of the Emergence Institute and creator of the Living Portal initiation, to explore her perspective that creativity isn't reserved for a select few who call themselves "artists," but a life force moving through everyone, and that reclaiming our own creative expression directly shapes the world we leave behind. The conversation moves through the inner voices and childhood experiences that often keep people from expressing themselves, why discomfort around art is often a clue rather than a dead end, and how getting to know and integrate the parts of ourselves we've pushed away can unlock a more authentic, creative life. Holly also shares a moving story about a client who, after doing this inner work, found the courage to show up more fully, with real and unexpected results. A reflective, big-hearted conversation about creativity, generational patterns, and what it means to become more fully yourself. More from Holly: https://livingportal.co/ Support the show Learn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.

Send us Fan Mail In this rich and wide-ranging conversation, hosts Lisa and Lauren sit down with Cathy Malchiodi, expressive arts therapist and psychologist, to explore one of the most fundamental questions about human creativity: what can art actually do for us emotionally? Cathy draws on decades of experience to explain why art has been humanity's go-to healing tool long before psychology ever existed, and why the body, not just the mind, is central to that process. The conversation digs into the difference between being "creative" and being "expressive," why most of us stopped making art around age ten, and how "art wounds" from early experiences can follow us into adulthood. Lisa and Lauren also bring in their own observations from World Art Break Day, exploring why sitting down to make art alongside strangers unlocks surprisingly deep conversation and connection. The episode also ventures into the challenges of our device-saturated world, the importance of getting people physically together, and the question of what, if anything, AI-generated art can offer the human spirit. A thought-provoking listen for anyone who has ever said "I'm not an artist" and a reminder that you don't have to be. More from Cathy here: https://cathymalchiodi.com/ Support the show Learn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an inspiring conversation with London-based artist Carrie Reichardt, whose work transforms craft into a powerful tool for healing, social change, and connection. Carrie shares her journey from personal trauma to using art as therapy, how community-focused projects and “craftivism” gave her a voice, and the ways she’s used creativity to bridge divides and amplify stories that might otherwise go unheard. This episode explores the transformative power of art - for oneself, for others, and for the world. More from Carrie here: https://carriereichardt.com/ Support the show Learn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.

Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Samorn Selim, daughter of Lao refugees, Berkeley Law grad, and career coach shares how she moved from poverty to Big Law, faced a toxic workplace, and rebuilt a life anchored in truth, art, and service. She talks about journaling as a “place of truth,” the power of five-minute practices to beat burnout, and the shift away from always chasing more. Along the way are tender moments, hard-won clarity about self-worth, and practical ways to find joy and energy again. If you need a gentle, grounded nudge to reconnect with yourself, this one’s for you. Get to know Samorn more at https://www.careerunicorns.com/. Support the show Learn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.

Send us Fan Mail Lisa and Lauren have a conversation with 2025 Art Break Day hosts from all over the world about why they hosted Art Break Day this year, how it went and tips for anyone interested in hosting an Art Break Day in the future. Learn about each host on their websites here: Tessa Hollingsworth with Moon Sluice Art (https://www.moonsluice.com/), Krupa Jhaveri with Sankalpa: Art Journeys (https://www.instagram.com/sanka1palam/) and Noelle Imparto with Painting for Life and Union Square Association (https://noelleimparato.co/) Support the show Learn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.

Send us Fan Mail In this podcast episode, Lisa and Lauren chat with Cali Gilbert, the founder of Tower 15 Productions (https://www.tower15productions.com/), about using art as a way to reconnect with someone. From sparking shared memories to creating new ones, art has a unique way of bridging distances — both physical and emotional — and opening doors to deeper understanding. Support the show Learn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.

Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring conversation, we sit down with Bethel Afework, the founder and director of a thriving recreational art center, to explore how art can be a powerful connector across cultures, generations, and backgrounds. She shares how creativity often transcends spoken language—allowing people to express themselves, connect with others, and build a sense of belonging in their communities. Whether you’re passionate about community impact, curious about the deeper role of the arts, or dreaming of starting your own arts center, this conversation is full of wisdom, heart, and practical advice. Don’t miss her actionable tips for turning a creative vision into a welcoming, inclusive space for all.  More from Bethel and Alcove Centre for the Arts here: https://www.alcoveartscentre.ca/ Support the show Learn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.

Send us Fan Mail Lisa and Lauren talk with Anna Reyner about the magic of making art together as a group and what happens to the individual and the community as a whole when people sit down and get creative together. Art is the "secret sauce" that breaks down boundaries between strangers and helps them connect with one another. Anna also speaks to the benefit of teaching caretakers, social workers, nurses, teachers and other service providers how to use art as a tool for stress relief, trauma informed care, and social emotional development. Learn more about Anna and her work at https://www.creativeplayla.com/ Support the show Learn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.

Send us Fan Mail  Lisa and Lauren are joined by Stacie Aamon Yeldell to discuss the ongoing situation in Los Angeles, California, following the wildfires. They reflect on the devastating impact on local communities and the emotional toll on residents as they navigate recovery challenges, including temporary displacements, uncertainty about rebuilding their homes, and potential environmental changes affecting the area in the future. This is the first episode of a two-part podcast series with Stacie. It begins by exploring the importance of discussing trauma and normalizing the emotions surrounding it. The conversation then shifts to finding a path toward healing by learning how to ask yourself, "What do you need?" and meeting those needs with the resources available. The second episode will delve deeper into Stacie's workbook, offering guidance and hope to the LA community and beyond.  Support the show Learn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.

Send us Fan Mail Lisa and Lauren chat with current President of The American Art Therapy Association, Founder of Creative Studio, and Professor of Continuing Education at the Anáhuac University in Mexico City, Nadia F. Paredes (https://www.artfooddreamers.com/)  and the positive impact that can have on them, their community, and the world. They also talked about the challenge of when a creative person hits a wall, falls into a funk and that not making art is also part of the process of creating and making art. If your someone who has never considered themselves creative or if you are feeling a creative block, this podcast is for you. Check it out. Lauren mentions a past podcast episode, and you can listen to that conversation at https://artismoving.org/feed-your-creative-life/ Support the show Learn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.

Send us Fan Mail Lisa and Lauren chat with a few of this year's Art Break Day hosts about their experience hosting and what tips they have for anyone thinking of joining the Art Break Day event next year. Admittedly, we had several issues with this podcast, both technical and schedule wise. Check out the webpage to get written reflections from some of this year's hosts. And, feel free to learn more about Art Break Day here: https://artismoving.org/artbreakday/ Support the show Learn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.

Send us Fan Mail Anger has been on the rise for the last several years. Erica Curtis, LMFT, ATR-BC noticed this in her own community and her own research. Knowing that she can people manage anger, she felt as though that maybe there are other things we need to do with anger - express it, harness it, soothe it, have a conversation with it and so much more. Check out her recent book, "Working Through Anger Creatively," that inspired this conversation. Check out the book and more from Erica at https://therapywitherica.com/books-articles/ Support the show Learn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.

Send us Fan Mail Lisa and Lauren chat with the creators of Recipes for Connection (https://www.recipesforconnection.com/) about the benefits of the arts when it comes to social emotional learning in schools. Dr. Jessica Bianchi and Amber L. Cromwell share some of their art-based social and emotional strategies to support student mental health, strengthen relationships and create positive school communities.   Support the show Learn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.