St. Nicholas Sculpture, polymer clay and fabric, 10in h x 6in w

Lauren Parmelee Murphy experiments primarily with painting, sculpting, and mixed media. She is a National Board Certified, Licensed Professional Counselor with a PhD in Expressive Therapies. Her doctoral research in creativity and wellness identified pathways to expanding creative thinking. She leads Creativity Enhancement workshops for artists, inventors, and business leaders. Her trademarked BrainZipper strategies are garnered from years of research. Her first career was teaching art. In 2001 she received Teacher of the Year as a New Jersey elementary school art teacher. In 2005 she founded Atelier 7, a New Jersey non-profit organization that uses art to help people thrive. Her workshops in Expressive Art Insights use art making to help individuals identify and rectify maladaptive thoughts and behaviors, to manifest joyful and healthy living. Dr. Murphy has retired but occasionally still conducts workshops. Her artwork is currently exhibited at Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook, Connecticut.