Visual art piece created by Tammy Ford, pictured above. Her artwork can be described as “Reiki color therapy” and uses repetitive intentional marks, as shown. (Image via Facebook)

There is energy in art, a surge that travels from your shoulders down to your fingertips. For many artists – when the flow is just right – it can fill up an afternoon’s worth of time, as well as a canvas or a blank sheet of paper.

Tammy Ford, the artist behind “tHE ART Studio,” knows this better than most; she takes the process a step further by using the creative process as a medium for spiritual engagement – with art as the conduit.

This month, Ford will reintroduce her services as an energy artist, mindfulness mentor, creative expression guide and Reiki master at her studio’s grand opening on April 25 in Chippewa Falls (16949 County Hwy J).

Her artwork can be described as “Reiki color therapy” and uses repetitive intentional marks in mindful patterns. In personal practice or classes, Ford teaches color and line techniques to assist the brain’s ability to grow.

These art practices may be paired with mantras, mandalas, inspirational quotes and various symbols as she finds connection between what it means to be an artist and what it means to be a soul experiencing the human journey.

Attendees of classes held at tHE ART Studio are often locals who hope to find more within themselves through visual art; many have either discovered Ford’s artwork organically or received word-of-mouth referrals.

“When clients come to a session, they may have a difficult time getting out of their head, so we usually start by having them write down on the canvas or paper what’s on their minds,” Ford said.

Then, attendees will create over those same mantras and turn them into something beautiful. If it isn’t beautiful right away, additional layers are then added, she continued.

“Layering creates multi-dimensions, just like us. We’re multifaceted. Your artwork becomes a changing aspect of your life journey,” Ford said. “The artwork doesn’t have to be finished at any one time. You can always alter it. There are no mistakes.”

The Weaver’s Grove, another area organization rooted in spirituality services, draws inspiration from tHE ART Studio’s mission to connect with locals through other offerings such as yoga, tea and ceremonies, massage or sound bath experiences.

Tammy Ford, pictured above. (Image via Facebook)

Its Facebook following online offers a calendar of upcoming events – housed within Ford’s studio – for locals to engage with. At the April 25 grand opening, both tHE ART Studio and The Weaver’s Grove organizers will use the in person space to highlight their respective services.

Classes with tHE ART Studio are intimate, often with three to seven participants taking up mediums such as watercolors, acrylics, pens and collage. Ford’s recent classes have included inspirational card-making with mixed media art.

Adding these practices to your routine – whether it be through visual art or spirituality – welcomes the opportunity to feel energized, refreshed and calmed in the process.

Ford said through tHE ART Studio, she will continue to inspire and encourage others to push through their interpersonal challenges and engage in new passions to find their greater purpose.

“It is not my intention to teach people how to be an artist, but to teach them how to use art as an expression of their human life through color, shape and form,” Ford said.