Environmental Learning Center

Environmental Learning Center

Joanne Helfert Sullam

Reconnecting with Nature and Creativity

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to lose touch with both nature and our inner selves. JoAnne Helfert Sullam, an accomplished artist, wildlife handler, and author, is offering a unique opportunity to reconnect with both. Her lecture, “A Force of Nature: Reconnecting with the Earth and Your Inner Self,” and accompanying workshop, “A Force of Nature: Reconnecting with the Earth Through Art & Sensory Awareness,” provide a transformative experience designed to inspire mindfulness, creativity, and a deeper connection to the natural world.

The Lecture: A Journey Into Mindfulness and Connection

A Force of Nature: Reconnecting with the Earth and Your Inner Self
Date/Time: TBD
Cost: $30 (ELC members get 10% off)
Location: ELC Vero Beach, Florida

JoAnne’s 45-minute lecture is based on her book, A Force of Nature, and focuses on practical ways to rekindle your connection with the earth. Key themes include:

  • Harnessing the transformative power of nature to enhance personal growth and creativity.
  • Sensory awareness techniques to help you fully experience the world.
  • Incorporating mindfulness and creativity into daily life.
  • Exploring how environmental stewardship fosters a sense of purpose.


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The Workshop: Creativity Through Nature and Sensory Awareness

TA Force of Nature: Reconnecting with the Earth Through Art & Sensory Awareness
Time: TBD

Building on the lecture, this 2-hour hands-on workshop dives deeper into the connection between sensory awareness and creative expression. JoAnne guides participants through a series of sensory exercises to heighten awareness of sight, sound, touch, and smell.

Activities Include:

  1. Sensory Exploration: Guided exercises to attune your senses to the natural world.
  2. Art Creation: Participants create a unique piece of artwork inspired by their heightened sensory experiences.
  3. Group Reflection: Share your creations and explore how these techniques can enrich your daily life.

By the end of the workshop, participants leave with a completed piece of art and practical tools to integrate creativity, mindfulness, and nature into their routine.

Why Attend?

This lecture and workshop are perfect for anyone looking to:

  • Deepen their connection with nature.
  • Unlock their creative potential through mindfulness.
  • Explore art as a means of personal transformation.

Whether you’re an artist, nature lover, or simply someone seeking balance, this experience offers a holistic approach to growth and self-discovery.

Details for Attendees:

  • Date & Time: TBD 
  • Location: ELC
  • Cost: $30
    ELC members receive a 10% discount. Please note: the cost is non-refundable. Materials ($10) are included in the total price.
  • Pre-registration Required: Minimum of 8 participants, maximum of 25


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Timeline for Lecture and Workshop

Lecture: A Force of Nature – Reconnecting with the Earth and Your Inner Self (45 minutes)

  • Introduction to A Force of Nature: Overview of the book and exploration of how reconnecting with nature fosters peace, personal growth, and creativity.
  • Preview of the Workshop: A brief introduction to the hands-on activities, focusing on sensory awareness and creativity.

Q&A Session (15 minutes)

  • Open discussion for participants to ask questions, share reflections, and explore how the lecture concepts can be applied to their lives.

Break/Walk (15 minutes)

  • A short interlude to relax, reflect, and prepare for the workshop’s creative activities.

Art Session: The Osprey Painting a Totem Animal & Enhancing Our Senses Through Creative Expression (45 minutes)

  • Sensory Exploration Exercises: Guided activities to sharpen awareness of sight, sound, touch, and smell, connecting deeply with the natural world.
  • Art Project Introduction: Begin creating a painting or sculpture inspired by sensory experiences
  • Creative Time: Hands-on art-making with personalized guidance from JoAnne, translating heightened awareness into artistic expression.
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Group Sharing and Reflection (20 minutes)

  • Participants share their artwork and reflect on how sensory and mindfulness practices influenced their creative process.
  • Discussion on maintaining connections with nature and creativity in daily life.

Closing Observations (10 minutes)

  • Final thoughts on integrating mindfulness, creativity, and nature into everyday routines.
  • Information on resources and opportunities to continue personal and environmental growth.

Meet the Speaker: JoAnne Helfert Sullam

JoAnne Helfert Sullam is an artist, wildlife rehabilitation expert, and author of A Force of Nature and Evolution of a Wild Heart. Drawing from her unique blend of artistic and environmental expertise, JoAnne inspires audiences to reconnect with nature and unlock their creativity. Her workshops and lectures provide actionable steps for fostering personal transformation through mindfulness and a love for the natural world.