I’m Emma Freeman, a Heart-Led Contemplative Mixed Media Artist and Enthusiastic Art Teacher living in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. I love exploring slow, meaningful and fun creative expression and connecting with people through mindful, playful, peaceful art making. My life, my art and my teaching are all about meaningful moments and being fully present to joy, happiness, awe, wonder, sadness, grief, beauty, love and all that it means to be human. I use art making to explore my emotions and my mind, my memories, home and relationships, ephemeral experiences like hugs and seeing a hummingbird in my mom’s garden for the first time in the spring, grief and loss, the power of touch, and personal stories. I use textiles, slow stitching, mixed media book making, mixed media collage, repurposed materials, poetry, and gathered nature in my art practice currently.

Throughout my life, I have been deeply transformed by the healing power of creativity. Making art has supported my mental, emotional and physical health, it has helped me process trauma, navigate addiction recovery (I’m 5 years sober and counting), understand myself more deeply, build positive life skills and grow meaningful relationships with people. I love making containers for creative experiences to happen between me and other people through classes, workshops and retreats.

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Art, Philosophy and Visual Studies from Alverno College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and have worked in the arts for almost 25 years as a professional artist and educator. I love teaching mindful, contemplative and playful art practices to adults and kids to support their creative expression and overall well-being. Encouraging and supporting people to make beautiful things with their hands and their hearts brings me so much joy.

I practice living my life rooted in peace, curiosity, compassion, kindness, gratitude, joy and love every day. I love to laugh, be silly and playful, feel deeply, appreciate colors and patterns, dance, sing, dress in eclectic outfits, listen to stories about peoples lives and learn new things. I’m also deeply inspired by Buddhist teachings and incorporate many of them into my life, my art and my teaching.

Thank you for being here, I hope you find something that inspires you!