All About Expressions Art Cafe!
How We Came to Be
Expressions Art Cafe was born from our own deep yearning for a sanctuary – a place where we, and others like us, could freely express ourselves without the weight of judgment. We recognized a void in our community, a lack of truly accessible spaces dedicated to authentic creative exploration. Having both experienced the transformative power of art in our own healing journeys, we intimately understand the pain of keeping parts of ourselves hidden and the profound desire to reconnect with those lost pieces.
Driven by this personal need, we envisioned and built Expressions Art Cafe as the haven we ourselves longed for. It's more than just an art space; it's a reflection of our belief that life's diverse experiences hold profound meaning. Here, you'll find a community where you are truly seen, accepted, and understood. We're committed to offering unique and engaging art experiences, and we're excited to have our community shape our future offerings through their suggestions. You can look forward to a variety of events, classes, workshops, and open art times that will explore many different ways to express yourself creatively.
We also understand that the journey of creative expression, especially within a community, can sometimes bring up challenging emotions. That's why we're dedicated to providing unwavering support. Our aim is to cultivate a safe and comfortable atmosphere where all forms of expression are not only welcomed but honored, even those feelings society often tries to suppress. We're here to guide you, and if we don't have the answers, we're committed to finding the resources that can help. Our deepest hope is that every time you visit Expressions Art Cafe, you leave feeling a little lighter, a little more joyful, and a little more connected to your truest self and a supportive community that understands you.
Meet Julie Rayburn
Hi, I'm Julie, and my life has always been intertwined with the magic of art. To me, any form of expression that comes from the soul is truly breathtaking. From childhood, art and crafting have been my constant companions, a refuge whenever I felt overwhelmed or down. The moment I pick up a brush or charcoal, I enter a world where I can shed my inhibitions and simply be myself. There are no obligations, no expectations – just the pure freedom of creation.
My personal journey through OCD and severe anxiety has profoundly shaped my understanding of expression. An early therapy exercise, coloring outside the lines, initially triggered immense fear. However, through self-discovery, I came to embrace the beauty of imperfection. This realization extended to my art, revealing the liberating truth that things can be simultaneously messy and beautiful, chaotic and elegant. Art, in its essence, is boundless and rule-free – a pure form of self-expression without judgment.
This transformative experience ignited a desire in me to create a safe haven where everyone can discover the freedom and healing power of creative expression. My vision for Expressions Art Cafe is a space where every soul feels empowered to express themselves authentically, in whatever creative language resonates within them. I warmly invite you to join us in embracing and celebrating the wonderfully imperfect and creative beings we all are.
Meet DJ Jacobson
Hello! I'm, DJ, one of the hearts behind Expressions Art Cafe.
Growing up, like many, I navigated various societal and cultural expectations and pressures that sometimes made it challenging to fully express my true self, particularly my innate creativity and love for the arts, so I suppressed my creative passions and steered myself toward the structure and certainty of accounting, but my journey took some unexpected turns. As a CPA, the fear of judgment and the fear of failure still reigned. I was repressed, suppressed, unexpressed which ultimately made me depressed. The long struggle with feeling unable to truly be myself highlighted the urgent need for safe spaces has led to the vision of Expressions Art Cafe with my dear friend, Julie. It comes from a deep understanding that expression and connection is a vital antidote to feelings of being stuck and disconnected.
My hope is that this cafe will be such a space, fostering an environment where vulnerability is met with acceptance, where judgment is replaced with curiosity, and where love is the guiding principle.
Our Purpose
To cultivate a nurturing and judgement-free space where individuals connect and heal through the liberating power of creative expression across diverse art forms.
Our Vision
To help ignite a nationwide movement of creative expression, fostering vibrant communities where individuals from all walks of life feel seen, accepted, and empowered to connect, heal, and elevate the well-being of the collective through the transformative power of art.