TRUCKEE, Calif. – Where does play and creativity fit into this age of industriousness, productivity, and information? Creativity is the freest form of self-expression. Expressing oneself openly and without judgment is often satisfying and fulfilling. The ability to create something from personal feelings and experiences can reflect and nurture one’s emotional health on many levels. How do we loose this empowering tool as we age? Maybe you’ve subscribed to someone else’s ideas about what’s right for you. Mainstream media and the economy driven consumerism ignore the creative spark that makes us feel fully alive.”Play and creativity carry potency, they transform lives. Both generate new neural pathways within the brain. Facilitating growth and development. Enhancing capacities to engage opportunities. Such benefits translate into our relationships and the ways in which we relate within community,” said visual artist Jhana Bowen. Parent and Child ExplorationWednesday, Feb. 12, 10 a.m.-noon. Catalyzing Creativity Playshop with Jhana Bowen and Gail Holbrook. Your body, heart and mind are at their most creative in the state of play. Creativity and play bring relaxation. Explore movement, stillness, creativity, fun and musical painting.Ski/Skate Week Full Day SessionsMonday, Feb. 18, for students ages 5 to 14″Drums, Rhythm & Culture” with Laurie Martin of Rhythm U and Pocket Art. Rhythm is a universal language that bridges differences of culture, race, and gender. For children of all ages, playing a drum or rhythm instrument in a safe and fun environment gives them a new voice to express themselves and interact with others. Begin reflecting on the morning’s rhythms, and turn that energy into a visual creation to carry for strength or hang as a reminder of the Kindred community.Tuesday, Feb. 19″Upcycled Peace Bird and Raspberry Preserves.” People around the world are working for peace. Create this universally recognized symbol of harmony as a reminder of what you can do to help. Students will use conceptual thinking and design to create a three-dimensional hanging sculpture to bring peace and joy to the home. Throughout the day students will also make raspberry preserves for tasting and to take home and share with family.Wednesday, Feb. 20″Ice Skating, S’mores, Coco and Art.” Join a day of skating, s’mores and ice-related art.Thursday, Feb. 21″Catalyzing Creativity Playshop” with special guest artist Jhana Bowen and Gail Holbrook. Your body, heart and mind are at their most creative in the state of play. Creativity and play bring relaxation. Explore movement, stillness, creativity, fun, musical painting, plus a cooking session that includes a yummy food sculpture recipe.Sessions include healthy snacks. Students will need to bring a water bottle for all sessions and a sack lunch for full day sessions. Pre-registration is required.Sunday, Feb. 24Kindred Community Day, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.Create a mindful project that families or individuals can do together and at their own pace. February will feature Catalyzing Creativity Playshop with special guest Jhana Bowen and Gail Holbrook. Your body, heart and mind are at their most creative in the state of play. Creativity and play bring relaxation. Explore, movement, stillness, creativity and musical painting. A $10 donation is suggested.The community inspires Kindred – this inspiration is what Kindred is all about. For more information visit kindredtruckee.org or like them on Facebook.To register call 530-205-7336 or email nmartin@kindredtruckee.org. Kindred Art and Folk Institute is located at 10015 Palisades Drive, Ste. A4, Martis Village Complex.