Explore the power of community and creative expression at CreativeMornings Montclair, where diverse speakers share insights on overcoming fear, finding balance, and the biological benefits of making art just for yourself.
Creative Mornings Montclair’s 10th event focused on the theme of “Create,” featuring speakers Larissa Jaye, Marco de Mel Pedersen, Alison Pirie, Shivani Verma, Garlanda Washington, and Vicky Winkler. The gathering included a community choir performance, advice on starting creative projects without perfectionism, a trivia session about New Jersey art institutions, and personal readings. Scientific data was shared on how brief creative sessions can lower cortisol levels, alongside a live musical performance to reinforce that everyone possesses creative potential.
About the speaker
Our theme is CREATE & we're passing the mic to you, our wonderful community, to share what that means to you!
OUR SPEAKERS:
Marco de Mel Pedersen is a Human, Licorice Fan, and Brand Identity Consultant. In random order. Marco loves drawing, taking photos of trash, and designing all things graphic design, and to connect with real humans in the real world.
Larissa Jaye is a master-level Certified Fearless Living Coach (CFLC), mentor, and workshop facilitator, whose personal brand is a mix of creativity and compassion. She prides herself on creating safe spaces for self-expression - plus making room for the sense of alignment, aliveness, and connection that it often fosters. As the Director of Rock Voices Montclair, an 80-person community rock choir for adults, Larissa brings her additional passions for music, voice, design, and sound healing to the party, along with an abundance of inclusivity and fun.
Alison Pirie is an artist, curator, and cultural producer based in Montclair. For the past three years, she has co-led Garden State Art Weekend, a statewide celebration of visual art in New Jersey. She is passionate about fostering a more supportive and sustainable art ecosystem for fellow artists and art institutions across the state.
Shivani Verma is the Founder of Shiv Studios: a coaching practice for humans navigating work-life and exploring their personal brands. She also serves as Brand Strategy Lead at Women in Innovation, advises undergrad students at New York University and mentors women through WE NYC. Shivani lives in Jersey City with her husband Luke and their fluffy little dog, Remy.
Garlanda Washington is a writer, reader, and theatre professional with a wide range of experiences, as well as a self taught lacemaker interested in the fiber arts and all things creative.
Vicky Winkler is the founder of Wildly Creative Wellness, where everyday people discover that creativity has always lived inside them. Through art journaling workshops, online retreats, and one on one support, she helps people slow down, reconnect with themselves, and find fulfillment through self-expression. Her work is rooted in the belief that making art isn’t just for artists, it’s for anyone who wants to feel more alive.
Favorite quotes from this talk
Hosted by
Lackawanna Station
1 Lackawanna Plaza
Montclair, New Jersey United States 07042
Date
Partners
Lackawanna Station
Burgers Donuts Potatoes
RecRoom
Entwined Studio
Overall Builds
Registrar Luke Ward
Videographer Erica Varlese
Host Michelle Ward
Photographer Angie McCaffrey
Graphic Designer Eva Darron
Social Media Manager Maria Bouchard
