The Beauty of Community and Creativity
Self Esteem Through Art is a safe, judgment-free space where we encourage you to lose yourself in art while simultaneously finding yourself again.
Proudly Self-Taught
Believing there are distinct camps of artists and non-artists is self-destructive and defeatist and it robs you of joy! Jenn Pipe, Self Esteem Through Art’s founder, brings an “if I can teach myself how to do it, you can too—especially with my help” vibe to the party. Many years ago, when she was rotting in a cubicle, she returned to her art practice as a way to not only tolerate her soul-sucking employment situation, but also to rediscover herself and reimagine what her future could look like. She’s never looked back and is extending an open invitation for you to do the same.
What's So Great About Making Art?
Um, have you seen the world we’re living in and the chronically unprecedented times we’re living through? We ALL need a healthy outlet and a meaningful release! A creativity practice is like that trusty friend who you might not have seen in decades, but you can show up as your messiest, most authentic self and pick right back up where you left off. In addition to that, art gives you a voice (even when you feel like you don’t have one). It boosts your self confidence and elevates your self-esteem. It gives you access to a private, judgment-free space of your choosing where you can explore, feel, and simply BE. And, it’s a huge middle finger to a system that wants you consistently stressed, overworked, and distracted. Middle fingers up, folks—let’s get started!
What We DON'T Do Here...
We will not let ourselves get stuck in a never-ending perfection spiral because perfection is unattainable. We will not be our own biggest bully because the world has enough bullies as it is, and bullies really suck. Our progress and our process shall not be compared to another’s. Art is no different than the clothes we wear, the hairstyle that tops our head, or the way we decorate our homes—in all things, it’s best to bring our own brand of amazing to each and every one of our avenues for personal expression!
Let’s dive in and make magic together!
The Secret to Our Success Is…
Jenn is really freaking good with people! It’s as simple and as complicated as that. Jenn has a commanding presence, knows how to read a room, has a compassionate, patient, love-infused teaching style, and can break things down into easy-to-comprehend instructions for even the most hesitant of artists. She acknowledges that there’s a lot of anxiety, fear, and hesitation around creativity. Why wouldn’t there be? We’ve ALL been conditioned for almost the entirety of our lives to believe that being creative is a fool’s errand and we’ll never have the time, money, or talent to be good enough at it. But she also knows that’s a load of rubbish that’s been fed to us by the people who benefit off our time, labor, and insecurities!
Self Esteem Through Art exists to nurture your long-dormant creative spirit. Regardless of your age or your perceived ability level (because almost everyone we’ve come in contact with is far more talented than they give themselves credit for), you’ll be encouraged to show up as you are and tasked with creating and connecting from your heart. There is absolutely no artistic experience necessary in these all-levels expressive art classes. All you have to do is be open to the process!
When in our company, you will:
- Learn to be your biggest cheerleader!
- Recognize that new things can be challenging, but they can also be beautiful
- Focus on the process more than the outcome
- Learn a BUNCH about mixed media, the expressive arts, and (most importantly) YOURSELF!
- Reclaim your voice
- Begin to trust yourself again, both in art and in life
- Have more FUN than you thought possible
How I Lived My Childhood Became How I Run My Business
When I was a little kid, I was a whimsical, resourceful, and creative sprout. I never got bored and I never needed anyone else to entertain me. The world was FULL of “art” supplies and fodder for my wild, untamed imagination!
I can remember sitting outside and building elaborate thoroughfares and roadways for my matchbox cars with nothing more than what the earth deposited at my feet. When I got bored with one race track, I would wipe it all away and start again.
I spent HOURS creating cities and hidey-hole villages out of the tunnels and crevices formed by my crumpled up comforter. Using marbles as people (or occasionally bringing my Weebles in), I would remove myself from the world I existed in and become a part of the one I created. If a city didn’t live up to spec, I’d crumple the blanket up and create anew.
I collected stickers and made paper dolls and had little scrapbooks with things I cut and collected. I built towering structures out of my Nancy Drew books. My diary was a place for me to figure myself out and write down the things I was too afraid or ashamed to say out loud. I had toy horses and I would brush their manes and have them act out the scenes from the Black Beauty books. And when I got to spend a day at the beach?! FUGGETABOUTIT! 🙂
I didn’t know it at the time, but those moments were the fire that forged the iron of who I am today. I never had to call myself an artist—I simply allowed myself to be a kid who liked to have fun and look at the world through her beautifully unique and creative lens. I gave myself permission to see stolen moments as opportunities to do something creative, making art out of mostly unconventional materials.
Fast forward numerous decades and a few detours off the Creative Superhighway, and I now bring that curious, youthful spirit to everything I do. It’s the method behind my teaching style. It’s how I connect with the world around me. And, it’s what makes my programs so enjoyable. I’m infusing things with a spirit of WHAT IF and WHY NOT and I’LL NEVER GET THIS PARTICULAR MOMENT AGAIN.
Because, truly—there are so many other things in life that deserve our angst; the way we live our creative lives shouldn’t be one of them! When something doesn’t go according to plan, I simply learn what needed to be learned, chart my growth along the way, and, just like I did when I was a kid, I create anew. Mistakes and missteps can and will happen…why am I going to waste precious energy getting all hung up in my feels about it? (HINT: I’m not)
If you’re ready to oxygenate that childlike wonder that lives inside you, if you’re ready to say WHAT IF? WHY NOT? and maybe even a little WHAT THE FUCK? (and you don’t mind hearing some cussin’ along the way), I’m probably the instructor for you. Let’s work together and learn from each other!
Get to Know the Artist!
If there’s one thing Jenn knows in her bones, it’s that creativity is not a luxury. IT’S MEDICINE! Her art practice and her writing are the things she has turned to time and time again to help her foster courage, connection, and to help implement meaningful change.
What’s Your Favorite Kind of Art?
It’s impossible for me to pick! You know how people talk about their “hyper-fixation meals?” Well, I’m a hyper-fixation artist. I might work with nothing but alcohol inks for six months. Then do nothing but art journaling. After that, I might work with resin. Or go on a bender with mixed media assemblage or altered books. I divinely guided by my mood, my innate curiosity, and the seasons.
What Do You Do When You’re Not Actively Creating?
In addition to working on the unglamorous parts of being a business owner, I’m probably planning and dreaming about the next thing(s) I want to create or classes I want to teach. Some of my favorite non-business things to do are writing in my journals, reading books (always), lifting weights in the gym, taking pictures of nature, gardening, seeing live music, going to the beach, and beachcombing for seaglass and assorted ocean treasures. I’m solar powered and love being outdoors!
Does Your Art Process Involve Any Rituals?
Not really. More often than not, I’ll have music playing in the background (I have a special playlist called Make Art that I love). The only really consistent thing about my practice is that I’m much more motivated to create when the natural light in my home studio is the best. When the light starts to fade, I’ll either follow the light and move to a new location in my house or call it quits altogether until the sun makes its triumphant return.
Does Anyone Else in Your House Make Art?
Sadly, not really. My favorite (and almost only) memory of us all making art together was during a recent family vacation to Portugal. We all took a tile decorating/glazing class and it was an absolute blast—especially since I had never done glazing before! Each one of us got to make two hand-decorated tiles in the traditional Azulejos style—they all came out beautifully. We have the tiles scattered throughout our house and every time I walk by one, I’m reminded of that special trip!
My Typical Clientele and the Ways We Work Together
I truly love working with people of all ages and artistic abilities! My programs are reciprocal environments where I learn just as much from my clients as they learn from me. I do have a particular soft spot in my heart for the curious lifelong learners. And the underdogs—the ones who lack confidence and need a soft space to land. My heart also cracks wide open for the women who feel stuck, undervalued, and are questioning their identity and place in the world. Seeing the light come back to the eyes of a woman who has lost her way and become disconnected from her purpose fills me full to bursting with joy and gratitude!
Just because I no longer have a brick and mortar location to call my own doesn’t mean that we don’t have lots of awesome avenues to work together. In fact, it’s just the opposite! My hybrid business model affords options for in-person, online, and custom classes and workshops. How exciting is that? I’m loving the broader reach and the opportunity to work with a diverse new clientele.
In Person
I’ve been teaching in-person art classes since 2007. I feel undeniably alive when I’m in the company of and teaching other people. There’s no doubt that teaching mixed media, expressive arts is one of the things I was put on this earth to do. Since 2022, my flagship event is the annual Seaside Art Retreat for Women, which takes place in early June in Newport, RI. The pride I feel around this event each year is indescribable! I also create sporadic art-based events and workshops, both in my home and at various locations in the surrounding area. I hope we find ourselves in each other’s company one of these days!
Online
I’m experiencing unexpected freedom and flexibility since offering more of my programs online and I LOVE it! There’s something really beautiful about building out classes without time constraints or demographic limitations. I can take my time a bit more. Build in more step-by-step instruction. Make changes on the fly. Embrace the thought of people working on their own time in the comfort of their very own creative spaces. After covid, I wasn’t sure if I’d want to return to online teaching, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how much I’m enjoying it. Hopefully my students feel the same way, too.
Custom/Private Options
There’s no limit to the kind of things we can create together! Event for your business? Let’s talk! Bachelorette event? Absolutely! Family reunion event? Why not? Want to become a private client? Let’s dream it up! Got class ideas? I’d love to hear from you!
Where my imagination is boundless, the time I have to dream it up, market it, and implement it all on my own is not. That’s why I love hearing from and partnering with people like YOU! Let’s do this! I have no doubt we’ll make a great team.
The best way to learn about what kinds of events are on the horizon is to sign up for my newsletter! You can also follow my Instagram account (and don’t forget to pay close attention to my stories!)
Testimonials
Additional testimonials can be found on our Testimonials Page.
“Jenn’s combination of self-esteem, empowerment, and art is a game-changer for anyone who spends time in her programs! She has created such a positive, warm, and loving environment. As a woman and mother of two girls, I am acutely aware that I lost my innate creativity somewhere along the way. I feel such a boost when I give myself “me” time with Jenn and explore my life in this artistic way.”
“Jenn delivers her messages from a wide-open heart. She encourages personal growth, helps people get “unstuck,” and is truly committed to making the world a better place. I would highly recommend Jenn’s programs to girls and women of all ages! She is a hidden gem for all who have ever struggled with self-doubt, self-esteem, or are just wanting some time for themselves in a supportive, judgment-free community.”
Frequently Asked Questions
If your questions don’t get answered here, you can visit our Resources page for additional information.
What is your refund policy?
Refund policies vary depending on what kind of course we’re offering and how we’re offering it. You should check specific product listings to make sure you have the most up-to-date refund information. As always, if you have any questions, you should get those questions answered prior to registering.
Why Aren't Your Online Programs Listed Here?
I built this Web site by myself and I do not have the technical know-how to create the kind of classroom setting that I would need to teach my online programs. For that reason, I am using Teachable for all of my online classes. There are currently a variety of paid and free offerings in the platform. And, there classes and workshops of different lengths. You should definitely check it out!
What If I'm Not Artistic At All?
My question back to you would be: who told you you weren’t artistic? Was that messaging given to you by someone else? Or is it something you believe about yourself? I’d counter with: we are ALL creative beings. We start out that way and we continue on that way until and unless the world tells us we shouldn’t. Creativity is like riding a bike: the muscle memory comes back to you the second you get back in the saddle. And, I’m here to run alongside you and hold your banana seat until you feel confident enough to take off the training wheels and pull away on your own.
Why Don't You Have Any Children's Programs Listed?
Gosh, I miss teaching kids each week! This business started with children’s classes and I taught kids’ classes consistently for almost 15 years. But, without a physical studio location it’s challenging to schedule youth programming right now. That being said, I’m happy to put together custom programs for small groups (either in-person or online). Contact me directly to discuss!
About Jenn
Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Self Esteem Through Art
In 2007, Jenn founded the Self Esteem Through Art program out of a deep desire to create what she so desperately desired: safe, judgment-free, all-levels art classes that consistently fostered a sense of community. She wanted to formulate unique curriculums that focused not only on the art itself, but on the self-discovery and personal growth aspect of a creative practice. Jenn combines her innate ability to connect with and relate to people with her unique, art-based approach to healing and empowerment. Whether you are an adolescent or an adult, Jenn will help you fall in love with the art of being creative all over again. Her goal is to positively impact the world through the magical combination of community and creativity.
