Liverpool Arts and Wellness Center

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the Grand Opening Celebration and Open House of the Liverpool Arts and Wellness Center, Gift Shop, Classroom, Fine Art Gallery & Art Studio located at 215 First St. (Blue building across the street from The Retreat). The gift shop and treatment room is in the blue building and the classroom, studio and gallery are located behind it on Lake Drive towards the park/Salt Museum.

Sandra Fioramonti, previously of the Liverpool Arts Center, Doreena Clifton and Betsy Sims of Healing Arts have worked tirelessly in creating this space that is pleasing to all the senses and inspires creativity and curiosity. The gift shop is in earthy colors with artwork by Sandra very prominent reflecting an affinity for Native American imagery and spirituality. There is quite a bit of beautiful jewelry, crystals and stones with stories of their own. Smudging supplies, incense and essential healing oils are in good supply providing the shop with a scent that is very relaxing. The music playing was understated but worked with the perfumed air and works of art to provide a harmonic and healing atmosphere.

Doreena and Betsy will be providing karuna reiki for healing and instruction, intuitive consulting, classes and discussion groups. Sandra offers weekly art studio classes for adults and children. She also does healing with art workshops with focuses on mediation, color and connecting with your creativity with a focus on spirituality.

The gallery space held some of Sandra's paintings and the effect a rich colorful experience. There is an open monthly drumming circle (everyone is welcome!) planned at the Onondaga Lake Park on second Fridays. Tai Chi and Jewelry classes are also offered weekly as well. Please visit www.healingsecrets3.com to join a mailing list that will give you the scheduled workshops and also www.liverpoolartscenter.com for more information.

I attend art classes with Sandra and find her to be an excellent teacher. These classes are unstructured, you pick it up and start. She observes you and intuitively offers suggestion and assists you with technique. It is a nurturing method of teaching that immediately disarms those who are scared of trying something new creatively, especially those who have never attempted painting or drawing before. There is no lengthy list of expensive supplies to purchase, you test drive your chosen medium at the studio with supplies there and then eventually purchase your own for home and studio use as you progress.