Fuel your creative well-being with our supportive community!
“At its core, creativity is a generative, transformative, life-giving force for good.
—Merideth Hite Estevez”
We offer two Zoom creative cluster cohorts per year, both free of charge.
From February to May and September to December, we alternate using Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way” and Merideth Hite Estevez’s “The Artist’s Joy.”
Keep reading to learn more and register!
To receive an email when the next creative cluster registration opens, click here.
One of the top-selling self-help books of all time, The Artist’s Way has transformed the creative process for millions of artists.
After hearing many friends and fellow artists report that they couldn’t get through the book on their own, I created online creative recovery clusters through Artists for Joy. Dozens of times through the book, thousands of artist-participants later, I believe more than ever in the power of creative recovery to change everything.
Join us on Tuesdays starting February 11, 2025 as we begin the 13-week adventure to experience joy in our creative practice among friends and fellow artists. Sessions are on Tuesday evenings from 7:00-8:30 PM EST via a secure Zoom meeting and run until May 6th (Here is a nifty time zone converter if you’re unsure of the start time where you live.)
When you support Artists for Joy on Patreon at any level, you have access to meeting recordings the following day, as well as handouts, prompts, and coaching exercises to try. Learn more here.
Email hello@artistsforjoy.org with any questions!
You will receive a confirmation email immediately after signing up. (If you didn’t receive it, check spam!)
Not available this winter/spring? Join us in the fall for the next cluster!
Are you ready to unlock the joy in your creative practice?
Join us in September for an exciting new creative cluster group discussion exploring The Artist's Joy, Dr. Merideth Hite Estevez's inspiring guide for creatives of all kinds.
Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your creative journey, this group is designed to help you:
Discover a sustainable and joyful artistic practice
Connect with your core values and find deeper meaning in your work
Break free from the "tortured artist" stereotype
Engage with Merideth’s book in a supportive and enriching environment for FREE with the author
Join us in September to embark on a journey toward a joyful and meaningful artistic life!
*The Artist’s Joy Creative Cluster is a new addition to our yearly group rhythm. We will continue to lead The Artist’s Way Creative Cluster each February-May and then The Artist’s Joy from September-December. The books work really well in conversation, and we are excited about this new creative recovery flow!
o join the next cohort (Fall 2025), click the the button below
FAQs 🧐
What Does this Cost?
It is FREE! We believe all artists deserve to benefit from the transformative power of creative community. If you’d like to donate to this cause and support Artists for Joy, do so here. We also hang out on Patreon, where, for only $5 per month (cancel anytime), you get bonus content, monthly group coaching, and a behind-the-scenes look at the Artists for Joy community.
Are these meetings recorded?
To protect the privacy of our participants and encourage them to share vulnerably, the majority of the meetings will not be recorded. The exception is Acts 1 and 3 when Merideth is teaching and/or explaining an exercise. This is a shift from our previous policy and will be discussed more during Week 1. If you miss the meeting and would like access to replays/recap videos, you gain unlimited access when you become a paid supporter on Patreon at any level.
Do I need to let someone know if I'll be late or absent?
Nope, we do not take attendance. Come when you can! (Just a reminder we are in breakout groups from 7:30-8:00, so if you arrive then you'll be put straight into a room!)
Is the zoom link the same every week?
You betcha. Save it in your notes app so it's just a click away.
What if I didn't do the reading? Can I still join in?
Oh yeah! Some folks read every word and do every task; others just show up as they are. We believe you will get something out of it either way.
Is this a religious group? Is it only for Professional artists?
Artists for Joy, LLC invites artists into community to unleash joy. From workshops to podcasts to performances, we craft creative well-being support for anyone seeking more joy and less overwhelm. Artists of all backgrounds and faith traditions welcome, aspiring and amateur alike. Read more about what we believe below, or click here to read an excerpt from Merideth’s book, The Artist’s Joy, entitled The Higher Power Elephant.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW?
We want this to be a place of support for you and your creative recovery/discovery. Read more below about our vibe. Thanks for helping us do that by being open-minded, generous in spirit, curious, and kind. Staying muted when you aren't speaking is always helpful, too :)
What we believe
Welcome! We are so excited you're here. Below, you'll find some agreements and best practices we live by in the Artists for Joy Community. Please take time to read through them; you’ll be asked to accept them before you join the first call.
🫶🏽 Language matters
Whoever you are, wherever you come from, regardless of your experience or ability level, you are welcome here.
Help us welcome everyone by:
Naming your experience without making assumptions about others'
Creating space for all voices to be heard. (Hang back if you share often or nudge yourself forward if you have yet to share, as you're comfortable!)
Never using language that is racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, classist, or xenophobic, as it will not be tolerated at Artists for Joy events.
Being mindful that sometimes discussions can touch on personal experiences that may be sensitive. Open communication is important, but we also need to be mindful of our collective well-being. If you choose to share an experience that may be sensitive or triggering, please be aware of the potential impact on others. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, please don't hesitate to take a break.
✨Creativity is soul-work
Be gentle with yourself and others as you discover and recover your creative impulse. Name what you need and honor others as they do the same. Never give unsolicited advice; the simple act of listening is incredibly powerful.
🤭 Have fun
There is an energy when a gaggle of fellow creative spirits comes together. It’s seriously the best thing ever. So, let the joy spill over when it comes. You aren't too late. You aren't out of time. You are right where you need to be. Here is your permission slip to enjoy yourself.
🗣️Speak up
The facilitators are here to help (you will know who they are by the word "facilitator" at the front of their name.) Do not be afraid to ask them questions by directly messaging them in the chat or emailing Merideth, the lead facilitator, at hello@artistsforjoy.org. Please report any concerns or questions directly to them, and we will help however we can.
What people are saying:
“The Artist’s Way Cluster with Merideth allowed us to slowly open up with each other and share stories of dreams and struggles. It is rare to find that openness in the world, and Merideth’s willingness to be that way, in addition to her excellent workshop organization, helped spur us on to more openness as well. It is a class that resonates for a long time after the final meeting.”
“Merideth leads “The Artist’s Way” course with quiet joy, opening a space for people to connect with each other and with their inner creator. The book says, “Each of us had an inner dream that we can unfold if we will just have the courage to admit what it is.” The experience was like a symphony, where synchronicity and harmony unfolded, too. ”
“What I know about this class and this work is that it creates profound transformation. It’s not something you see immediately; it’s progressive and subtle and you only realize it when suddenly you had the courage to try writing a song, or finally dyed your hair purple, or had one of those hard conversations you had been avoiding. This work will bring your heart courage, and you’ll make great friends along the way. Thank you Merideth for a wonderful experience.”