Meet Helen Spaw | President & Circle Leader, Healing Art Circles

We had the good fortune of connecting with Helen Spaw and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Helen, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

I started my business to reach more participants. I have been creating and leading art, outreach, and contemplative programs for 12 years with my work- including Healing Circles. I was also a therapist before that. When I started Healing Art Circles in 2020, it seemed like more people were interested in wellness practices and aware of needing mental health support. Through the format of the Healing Circle combined with art exercises, participants gain insight and experience their wholeness. I want to share this experience with more participants throughout the world.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

As an artist I learned about the process of art making as a wellness practice from a young age. After earning my bachelors from the College of Santa Fe in Psychology and my masters degree in Art Therapy and Creativity Development from Pratt Institute, I began to apply what I learned as a therapist with a variety of populations. Twelve years ago, I became the Director of St. Paul’s Fine Arts Academy, where I also teach individual art sessions and art classes. In 2016, thanks to trainings from Healing Circles Houston and Healing Circles Global, I began leading Healing Art Circles. Combining the format of the Healing Circle with art exercises allows participants to access inner guidance, healing and wholeness. The art exercises in these circles and in individual sessions are used for gaining self-confidence, self-expression, enjoyment, stress relief, and growth in a supportive environment. I have been learning and expanding Circles using the Labyrinth and other tools for contemplative and mindfulness work. Art and community has enabled me to process, grow, and transform from my own challenges in life and I love witnessing and facilitating that experience for others.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Houston has options for everyone! I would share some of the city but I like quiet places in the country or parks and being creative at home.

Food- sushi, pho, and new restaurants with relaxing atmosphere
Art Scene- graffiti, Sawyer Yards/Spring Street Studios
Festivals- depends on time of year
Hermann Park- Centennial Gardens and Japanese Garden
Museums- Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Museum of Natural Science, The Menil
Walk the Labyrinth at St. Paul’s UMC (across the street from MFAH)
Get out of the city and find nature- paddle board and kayak

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Thank you to my family, including my parents, kids and Carlos! Circle participants and favorite volunteers, Jenny- you all inspire me. Thank you to Healing Circles Houston, Healing Circles Global (David, Michael, Becky) for the Healing Circles and support. Thank you to St. Paul’s for everything I have learned through my work there. Thank you to my new intern, Valencia.

Website: https://www.healingartcircles.com

Instagram: healingartcircles

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenspaw

Image Credits
Helen Spaw