Heather Hartwick Gladden, CZT

Before 2012, when the subject of art was brought up, you would hear me say "I can't even draw stick figures!" I've always been a creative person, I have degrees in music performance, play in local symphonies, doing other crafty things like counted cross stitch. However, drawing was something that always escaped me. It changed when my Mother, Cherie Hartwick, in my book an artist - she has a degree in Art Education and is completely amazing, introduced me to Zentangle®!  

    One afternoon after getting together for Sunday dinner, Mom said, “I went to a class and I think this is something you may like.” I think, “Ok, we’ll see!” as she hands me a little piece of paper and a felt tipped pen and a pencil. Then she proceeded to explain the Zentangle method showing me a couple tangles. As I tried them, I was AMAZED at the result. “THIS, came from MY HAND?!?!” I say to myself. At that point I was addicted! Addicted with amazement at what was coming from my own hand. I had made ART! I had to try more and more tangles and kept practicing. 

     In 2015, Mom and I decided to become Certified Zentangle® Teachers (CZT™) in order to best share the Zentangle concept. It's so much more than just putting pen to paper and following a pattern for a particular tangle. Each person's journey is their own. For me, I have increased creativity and a new confidence. I didn't realize this until it happened; there is something to be said about conquering art class!! Amazing!! Besides the stress relief, I have found a lot of other cool “side effects” as I continue my journey in the Zentangle Method. For all of these reasons, I LOVE sharing the Zentangle Method with others!!