The Center has always designed and conducted classes, workshops, and other activities which emphasize humor and a light heart. We are now emphasizing even more strongly the aspects of humor and play in our learning and exploring. We do this in step with current medical findings that play, laughter, and creativity activate and increase the effectiveness of the immune system, reduce stress and, in general, tend to enrich our lives. It is our desire to offer classes and workshops that promote our healing as a people and as a planet.

Instructors

Kay Gould-Caskey: author and artist, Kay is founder/ owner of The Center for Creative Pursuits and co-owner of Falling Water Books & Collectables in Ann Arbor. Kay has been teaching creative and spiritual development since 1970. She is the author of Within the Bones of Memory.

Jim Johnston: co-owner of Falling Water Books & Collectables. Jim has taught creative writing through public education systems and privately since 1973. He is the author of Solitary, Beneath the Rushing Moon, a volume of poetry.

Quotes from Students

 "It's easy to see why Kay's classes are so valuable. She is a top-notch teacher. She has a talent for giving and listening. She reaches out to each of her students and leaves them with a gift far beyond their expectations."  ~ Laurel Reynolds, Michigan

"It was not until 1981, when I was 36 years old that I found the teacher who would change my life. I took a drawing class taught by Kay. This was followed by her other classes where she taught meditation, looking within, and about seeing the invisible. There is no room here to tell the whole of it, but she was the first person in my life that understood the way I instinctively experienced the world. She gave me a door to a whole new world...a world I still live in today."  ~ Grace Maestas, New Mexico

"Taking Kay's drawing class has truly been an eye-opening experience. As a young child I felt I didn't have the ability to draw and I carried this over into adulthood. This class has not only taught me otherwise, but has also given me new confidence in other areas of my life. For me, drawing calms the turmoil inside and removes the stress of day to day events. I now realize that everyone has unique creative abilities and that talent is not just the possession of a few 'gifted' individuals."  ~ Chris Molinaro, Michigan

"This is the most profound class that I ever had the opportunity to take. Kay Gould-Caskey is a 'creative teacher'. Art has now become an important part of my life." ~ Raymond Van Meer, former superintendent of Chelsea Schools, Michigan

"Your drawing classes for me are more than just learning to draw a nose, an eye, a mouth. It is like being a part of a small village with a common focus, interest and purpose, with a deep appreciation for each person's efforts."   ~ Dora Borenstein, Michigan

"Kay has a gift for igniting the passion, creativity and self-confidence of those she teaches. My daughters carry her as a positive influence in their lives nearly 30 years after taking her first classes. Kay is magic."  ~ Susan Golden, Michigan

"My voice as a writer was asleep for almost 20 years. Kay and Jim opened the door and invited me to wake up. I did. If the writer stirs within you but needs a nudge...take this class. You'll love it." ~ Glenda Haskell

"I've always searched for two key elements in life ~ the creative and the spiritual. Kay and Jim offer me both and so much more. I'm about to take my third consecutive writing class with them and have never written more in my life. They've not only helped me find my voice, they've given me a place where people deeply listen to my writing. I'm a 'lifer' in this class."  ~ Mary Rezmerski