Megan's Zentangle® Certification

Hello,
    My name is Megan McTavish. I am 27 years old, an Artist in Residence at Studio Channel Islands Art Center in Camarillo and the 2014 recipient of the "Young Arts Leader in the Community" Art Star Award presented by the Ventura County Arts Council. I'm a professional artist with a focus on commissioned portraits in graphite. I also teach drawing classes to children, youth and adults. You may see my work and learn more about me on my website:  http://www.meganmctavish.com/ 

     Drawing is my passion in life and I love to encourage others that drawing can be learned. A few months ago I learned about the Zentangle® Method of drawing and decided to research it. This is what I learned: 
       "The Zentangle® Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Almost anyone can use it to create beautiful images. It increases focus and creativity, provides artistic satisfaction along with an increased sense of personal well being. The Zentangle Method is enjoyed all over this world across a wide range of skills, interests and ages" (quote taken from https://www.zentangle.com/).   Psychology Today calls Zentangle® a "self-help art therapy practice that enhances relaxation and focus ".
      To experience this myself I took a class on Zentangle® and loved it. I found out that my drawing experience didn't matter. It was as new to me as it was to the rest of the class with no drawing experience.  At the beginning of the class I heard many comments about everyone's nervousness to take the class. However, by the end of the class we were all creating successful, beautiful and inspiring drawings. We laughed and enjoyed ourselves, encouraging and supporting one another as we drew.
 
     In order to legally teach the Zentangle® Method I need to become a CZT (Certified Zentangle Teacher). This means a 4 day seminar and trip to Rhode Island, USA, which is stretching my tight budget and the reason I am reaching out to you for support. Once certified I intend to bring this art form to my community as an added benefit to expand the art experience in Ventura County. I also plan to teach this drawing method in Romania this summer where I volunteer at a summer camp for orphaned and other children in need. I believe the kids will not only enjoy this way of drawing but also benefit from the therapeutic effects of it, such as focused attention, calming anxious minds, increasing self-confidence, and cultivating moment-to-moment awareness in a similar way as mindfulness meditation (Psychology Today ).

     I would very much appreciate your help and support of my new adventure to get my Zentangle® certification. This certification is sought after by people all over the world because practicing this art benefits people of all ages and abilities. I'd love to become officially certified so I may bring it to my community as well as teach it on my international mission trips.

All donors are welcome to attend one introductory Zentangle class with a 75% discount. 

Donors of up to $20 will receive 
- One tangle inspired note card (blank inside)
Donors of up to $50 will receive
- Three tangle inspired note cards (blank inside)
Donors of up to $100 will receive
- Three tangle inspired note cards (blank inside)
- 25% off one Zentangle Class for a friend
Donors of more than $100 will receive
- Three tangle inspired note cards (blank inside)
- 25% off one Zentangle Class for a friend
- One printed Zentangle Tile of my design 

Thank you so much for ANY support you are able to give!

Please contact me below if you have any questions and or would like more information about this certification.

With much gratitude,
Megan