What is Expressive Arts?
Expressive Arts is a liberating creative practice where movement, music, visual art, and improv collide to unlock playfulness and self expression. It’s not about perfection—it’s about diving into spontaneity and discovering new ways to connect with yourself and others.
Why do Expressive Arts?
Whether you're an experienced performer or just looking to tap into your creative side, it's all about breaking free, having fun, and letting your imagination run wild. Through creative expression we can transform "stale" energy in our lives and reconnect with dreams.
upcoming programs
The play-centered practice blends arts-based exercises with moments for self-reflection. Each session, participants will be guided through a progression of exercises that utilize theater, movement, visual art, writing, and music, designed to foster self discovery, connection, and transformation as we bring our internal selves gently into the external through the supportive structure of the arts. No prior experience in any art form is needed. Participants come as they are, ready to embrace whatever arises. Each activity invites participants to find joy in the act of creation, silliness through letting go, and deep insight through watching what arises.
ABOUT THE Facilitators
Jackie Bookstein first fell in love with improv in 2006 when she realized she would never have to leave play behind her. She started performing and organizing events in San Diego in 2014, going on to start the youth program at Old Town Improv Co. where she then become a teacher and Program Manager. With the theater's permanent close in 2020, Jackie refused to let the joy peter out and pulled the community back together to form Mockingbird Improv. She now passionately shares the joys of improv with all people willing and able - the freedom of spontaneity, the embracing of intuition and the connectivity of creating with another person. She believes strongly in the power of improv as a heartfull art form and tool for healing self expression.
Libby Ellison is an expressive arts facilitator based in San Diego. She works with children and adults in both individual and group settings, using movement, visual art, writing, play, and embodied imagination to support self-reflection, emotional resilience, and authentic connection. Her work invites people out of performance and productivity and into presence, curiosity, and creative risk-taking. Libby’s approach is experiential, non-judgmental, and process-oriented. She is currently completing her master’s degree in Expressive Arts Therapy and hopes to bring warmth, depth, and playfulness to every space she holds.
