Resilient Heart 4 Art
About
"Shadow artists are gravitating to their rightful tribe but cannot yet claim their birthright."
~ Julie Cameron, The Artist's Way
"Inside you there's an artist
you don't know about.
Say yes quickly, if you know,
if you've known it
from before the beginning
of the universe."
~ Rumi
Peggy Matthews-Nilsen (she, her)
Amherst, Massachusetts
Experience/Background
​
For more than 25 years, I was a psychotherapist in private practice in Bethesda, Maryland. Many of my clients were involved in some form of the arts, so whatever issues initially brought them into therapy, often at some point in our work together, self-expression and issues that blocked creativity would emerge.
In response, I began to facilitate groups based on Julie Cameron's book, The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity. In her book, I recognized Julie Cameron's description of "shadow artist" within myself, but it was only after a 2009 move to Amherst Massachusetts, that I begin to explore different mediums of self-expression.
This website reflects my explorations in painting, collage, found object assemblages, monotype printmaking, pottery and photography. I created the website logo of a riveted "resilient heart" to symbolize my belief that strength and resiliency are forged from life challenges, much like metal is forged in fire. The heather at the center of the logo, is a nod to my Scottish ancestry.
Education
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1982-84 - Masters in Social Work (MSW)
1989 to 2009 - LICSW, Psychotherapist in Private Practice
2000 to the present - Diamond Approach student
2007-2015 - Diamond Approach Teacher Training (completed)
Art Exhibitions
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Nov 2016 - Forbes Library, Hosmer Gallery, Northampton, MA, Student Art Exhibit, Cottage Street Art School
Monotype Prints
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Jan 1-Feb 14, 2017 - Hope & Feathers Gallery, Small Works Show, Amherst, MA,
"Ripening Into Wisdom" - Monotype Print (Sold)
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Feb 10-12, 2017 - Barnes Gallery, Nasty Women Art Show, Leverett, MA,
"The Third Wave (Pussyhats)" - Monotype Print
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Feb 4-27, 2017 - Sawmill River Arts Gallery, Small Works Exhibit, Montague, MA,
"India Leaf" - Monotype Print (Sold)
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Dec 2019 - Emily Dickinson Museum, Postcards to Emily Exhibit, Amherst, MA
"A Postcard to Emily" - Mixed Media
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October 1-22, 2020 - Windows Into Art Show, Arts Night Plus, Amherst, MA
"Monsters at the Door" - Mixed Media Collage
"Dracarys (Dragonfire)" - Assemblage, Reclaimed Metal
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Dec 1-Jan 12, 2022 Hope & Feathers Gallery, Small Works Show, Amherst, MA
"Winterberries" - Monotype Collage
Windows Into Art Exhibit, Amherst, MA, Oct. 2020
Postcards to Emily Exhibit, Amherst, MA, Dec 2019
