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Sanctum Artistry

  • Welcome
    ​to your 
    ​Creative 
    ​Sanctuary.

    An art-based, process-oriented, 

    artifact-creating, safe space 

    to explore the human condition.

    Based in Oahu, Hawai'i


    coral

  • Sanctum Artistry offers 
    ​
    art groups and lessons for
    ​
    all 
    ​
    ages, 
    ​
    using art and 
    ​
    creative journaling 
    ​
    as gentle, transformative pathways 
    ​
    for healing, 
    ​
    creativity, and connection.

    ​


  • ​​Meet the founder:​

    Hi, I’m Mary!

        I grew up in a Baltimore suburb where much of my childhood was spent using my imagination—we didn’t have cable TV or gaming consoles, and cell phones weren’t really a thing until my senior year of high school (my first phone had an antenna!). I’ve always loved, and found it easier, to express myself through writing, journaling, and poetry, but it wasn’t until high school that I really started to consider what I wanted to be when I grew up. I landed on “something art-related,” to which my dad replied, “Okay… and what else?” followed quickly by, “How are you planning to pay your bills?”

    That’s when I added teacher into the mix (because we all know the exorbitent amount of money that  teachers get paid).

        I attended Towson University, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in Art Education. Because art teaching positions can be limited—and often underappreciated—finding a job wasn’t easy, but I remained determined (partly because I believe deeply in the work, and partly because I couldn’t let my dad be right). As a fail-safe, I earned additional certification in Special Education, followed by a master’s degree in Trauma-Informed Education. I have also studied Intentional Creativity and Healing Arts with Shiloh Sophia, founder of Intentional Creativity©. During that time, I created a large body of art and writing—an artifact of my own healing journey—which eventually became a self-published book of original poetry and artwork, created with the intention of purging what I no longer needed, and helping others feel less alone.

        My goal is to share all of the art knowledge I’ve gathered over the years with others—especially if it helps people feel less afraid of creating their own art. So many of us lose that creative spark in middle school, when self-consciousness begins to take over. I want to help reignite that spark, or make sure it never goes out in the first place. Having a creative outlet to return to is essential. Creating art places us in a flow state—almost meditative—allowing the brain to relax so ideas, answers, and reflections can rise to the surface. We need to create, and creation, by its very nature, is healing.

        Most of my personal work is painting and scratchboard art, but I don’t limit myself. I create based on feeling, using whatever materials I have on hand. The process matters more than the medium. I hope you'll peruse the site and take a gander at some of my recent pieces. 🤍🤍🤍

    My latest work
    My Credentials
    selfie


​
​
​Explore. Create. Connect.

Sanctum Artistry offers visual art experiences where creativity and process open pathways for exploration, self-expression, healing, and connection for all ages. 




Forget everything you’ve ever told yourself or been made to believe about your artistic abilities. Art is never about being perfect—it’s about exploring, experimenting, and discovering what you are capable of. Every person has the ability to create, and skill is what grows over time, through repetition and practice. But, the creation of art-- that's all the beautiful mess that happens in between.


  ***  While Sanctum Artistry offers healing-centered creative arts experiences, these sessions are not art therapy and do not replace clinical mental health treatment. While trauma-informed and supportive in nature, services are facilitated by a licensed educator and healing artist—not a licensed therapist—and focus on creative exploration, reflection, and empowerment through art.

MISSION

Our mission is to offer art as a sanctuary—an accessible, trauma-informed space where creativity supports reflection, self-expression, and healing. Through process-oriented and skill-building experiences, individuals of all ages are invited to explore identity, build trust, and engage in meaningful learning, connecting with both the world around them and the world within—while feeling safe, supported, and valued.

VISION​​

Our vision is a world where art is recognized not only as enrichment, but as a vital and accessible tool for connection, self-care, and resilience—where creative spaces foster safety, belonging, and trust, and individuals of all backgrounds and abilities can use art to understand themselves, connect with others, and move forward with confidence.

VALUES

  • Safety & Trust: Emotional and physical safety are prioritized, creating environments where participants feel secure enough to explore, take risks, and be themselves.

  • Trauma-Informed Care: Our approach recognizes the impact of trauma and emphasizes choice, predictability, empowerment, and respect for boundaries.

  • Self-Expression & Voice: Each individual’s story, identity, and creative voice will be honored, valuing process over perfection.

  • Inclusivity & Cultural Responsiveness: We celebrate diverse cultures, identities, and lived experiences, meeting participants where they are, with no expectations.

  • Process Over Product: While skill development is supported, the creative process itself is valued as a meaningful and transformative experience.

  • Creativity as Self-Care: Art is offered as a tool for reflection, regulation, and personal well-being—not performance or pressure.

  • Sustainability & Mindful Practice: thoughtful use of materials, environmental awareness, and sustainable creative practices that respect both people and the planet.

  • Growth & Lifelong Learning: Creativity evolves across ages and stages. Whether you are a beginner, a hesitant artist, or someone seeking deeper exploration and skill development, you will be supported no matter your ability level.


🎨​​​   Personalized 
​      skill-building lessons 
​      for any age
​
🎨  After-School and 
​      Home-School 
​      Enrichment Groups
​
​🎨   Caregiver & Me 
      Pre-School Groups
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​🎨  Adult Groups
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🎨  Healing-Centered Groups
​
​🎨  Art-in-the-Park 
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​🎨  Corporate Events
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​🎨  Wellness Retreats
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​🎨  Self-Care 🤍​


What do we offer?

Sanctum Artistry