Creativity
Conjuror
at your service.
Bridget Matros,
community art educator
in midcoast Maine.
Upcoming events
CREATIVE OASIS
2nd & 4th Thursdays
I'm thrilled to continue offering a free drop-in art & craft space for adults, 10am-12pm. Accessible, peaceful, low-pressure, no skills necessary! Use our materials to explore a stress-reducing activity or bring a project from home to work on. Learn or share new skills! Enjoy coffee and tea with friends.
WEEKLY WINGDING
Thursdays are about to ROCK for 2 - 4 year olds and their Bigs. Meet Bridget and her goat puppet, Jared, in in the Art Barn for singing, dancing, scribbles and paint! We'll feel the beat in our bodies, raise our voices and explore a different art material every week. Learn more about this parent-child class and other upcoming programs here!
Barnaby Hill, Northport
Thursdays 4:15 - 5:00
4/30 - 5/28
CAMPS!
We've got a vacation camp running
April 20- April 24 at The Commons in Belfast. And a couple summer offerings in the works! Check it out!
About Me
I'm an informal art educator with over 20 years experience leading family workshops, preschool classes, teacher trainings, gallery programs, afterschool art clubs, in-school residencies, private events and memorable public programs.
I'm trained for and experienced with teaching all kinds of learners - from toddlers to seniors and folks with disabilities - in ways that work for them.
I'm passionate about using the arts as medicine, increasing joy in the community, and protecting children's creative develpoment so they can thrive in the 21st century.
Testimonials
Bridget was so great with the kids— speaking at their level but not babying them. Perfect blend of empowerment and joyful whimsy. The part my kiddo and I talked about on the drive home was how to listen to and honor your artist’s heart. How creativity should be for you, for your heart. It was so lovely to have someone encouraging unabashed, introspective creativity and individuality… it was really perfect. And hilarious.
Amanda H. N.
“I learned more from her in 20 minutes than I did taking a whole class... she understands how to explain things in plain English and gets that not everyone is a cookie cutter artist...”
Betsy M.
“Bridget, your contributions to this community have been extraordinary. Through a commitment to creative expression, you have changed lives and in many cases, helped save them. You created spaces where people could be seen, heard, supported, and inspired, and the ripple effect of that will continue for years to come.”
Karin O.
My Offerings
Trainings
I love providing early childhood professionals resources, tips, tricks, and ongoing support, helping them identify, protect and grow creativity in their spaces. From in-service days to classroom visits, I can make "process over product" totally accessible and easy for teachers - and I am always on call for advice and ideas.
Private lessons
Have a creative kid who needs more time and depth of instruction to satisfy their artistic passion? A young adult with disabilities who requires in-home visitation? Are you curious to see if my claim is true - that anyone can learn to draw, at any age?
Have skills, patience, and years of informal education experience, will travel!
School Programs
Invigorate your curriculum with a visit they won't soon forget. Choose my 45 minute Zen experience, Suminagashi, for a captivating lesson that incorporates Japanese culture and history, Eastern aesthetics, meditation, and science.
Every student will have at least one sheet of one of a kind marbled paper and options for follow-up activities.
Afterschool Art Clubs
I have an up to date background check for working in public schools and daycares, so I can deliver quality learning and growing experiences to students at their own schools. Creativity Clubs are for all kids - we play games, build, and experiment to become flexible problem-solvers and out-of-the-box thinkers!
Private Art Parties
Throw a ladies night with wine, friends, and a truly one of a kind art experience in your own home. Set up, materials, clean up - all taken care of by yours truly. My Japanese paper marbling experience is a top pic for those without art experience looking to unwind and come away with a gorgeous project, but I've got plenty of other options for different vibes and settings.
Sessions For Seniors & Adults with Disabilities
Did you know the arts' impacts on health are so significant that insurance companies are starting to cover prescribed art experiences? I'm trained in delivering activities that lower blood pressure, reduce cortisol, strengthen immune response, coordination, improve mood, stave off dementia and cognitive decline. I use music and movement to engage those with dementia in soothing sensory experiences. I also enjoy providing adaptive activities for creatives with cognitive and physical disabilities, boosting confidence, mood, and social connection.
Gallery
Contact Me
Hit me up for more info on upcoming events, inquiries and leads on potential gigs.
I am committed to continuing to work in my community with my beloved partner organizations - and am up for grantwriting.
So reach out with ideas and let's dream big together!