What Unfurlers are saying.
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"I love the positivity, commitment, and encouragement to write, share and celebrate efforts. Writing is hard and having a community takes away some of the sting."
— Kimberley Lovato | Sausalito, California
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"I'm so grateful for friendships and a safe harbor here. Over the moon to be around such talented people that exude pure creative energy. I have loved the growth I am experiencing."
—Annette Mason | Solana Beach, California
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"The community is supportive, honest, talented, and our amazing leaders are all of those things and then some. I just had my first piece accepted which never would have happened without the support, feedback, and encouragement from this group."
— Anne Giordano | Ridgefield, Connecticut
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“Studio Unfurl has been a gift. I feel like I've grown so much as a writer, and I'm delighted to have discovered sketching and watercolor. The community is a safe supportive space in which to learn, and it was easy to develop a deep trust with the instructors and other members. I'm grateful to have found this honest, talented, and encouraging group, especially so early in my creative journey.”
—Christa Jones | Winnipeg, Canada
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“Being a member of Studio Unfurl has been a big part of my creative life. Having access to mentors and other artists (writing and visual arts) has opened up and nurtured my soul and helped me produce much more than I would have on my own. The kindness and generosity of other members of the studio has helped me be a better writer. This intimate group has cheered me on as I discovered art as a new medium to illustrate my words and I am forever grateful for that. Studio Unfurl is now part of my creative DNA.”
— Lisa Boice | Austin, Texas
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"Unfurl is a vibrant caring community where creativity takes place. My writing has grown in skill and illustration thanks to our leader Lavinia, and the group of talented and dedicated writers who weigh in. Learning to draw and paint with Collette, in a safe and encouraging environment, has added another dimension of expression I would have never considered. Growth, discovery, and the beauty of creating = Unfurl."
— Carmen Bellos | Valencia, Spain
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“I joined Unfurl for the community. That said, as a goal-oriented person, I wanted to hit certain publication milestones in 2024. This community and Lavinia's mentorship are the reasons I achieved my publication goals (and then some) this year. I'm so grateful for friends who have become family and the unwavering cheerleading of this group of writers. Of course, creativity begets more creativity and for me, the painting classes have been a palate cleanser, a meditation and an outlet to let go of expectations and freely unfurl."
— Lisa VanderVeen | Mendham, New Jersey
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"Looking for a compassionate, creative community that will improve one's writing skills, but also help you survive the minefield of daily life? Look no further. Not only has the Unfurl community pushed me to improve my craft and ability, it has also been essential in navigating creative goals while life keeps punching. Not an easy task. It is a fun, innovative, organic exploration of craft and skill, and still holds one's feet to the fire of rigor and constraint. In addition, while I don’t fancy myself a visual artist at any level, the process of putting brush to canvas has been an unexpected delight for brain, body, and soul. Lavinia and Collette have hit upon something quite revelatory. This remains one of the best decisions I have ever made for my creative growth."
—Ginger Tolman | Park City, Utah
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"I've loved being part of Studio Unfurl’s inaugural year. Colette, Karen, and Lavinia have created a sanctuary where creativity, growth, and connection thrive. This supportive environment has pushed me to explore new styles, experiment with formats, and even take up painting—a challenge I wouldn't have embraced without Colette's encouragement!. Writing often feels isolating, and I joined Unfurl seeking inspiration, motivation and purpose. I found so much more in the camaraderie that transformed our year into a shared creative journey. It reignited my confidence and helped me work through a long period of writer’s block. Beyond that, I never expected to have found such a deeply considerate group. With the support and mentorship from our incredible teachers and fellow members we’ve all established an environment of both (gentle) accountability and touching, genuine care. Unfurl is more than a community; it’s a collective of kindred spirits, cheering each other on, sparking new ideas, and celebrating every step of the creative journey. I’m profoundly grateful for this safe space that has helped me grow as both a writer and a person."
— Emma Morrell | Singapore
Unfurler 2024 Accomplishments
