I believe the following steps will be followed through all the class sessions. The book we are using is a Shambala Publications book, Art is a Way of Knowing, by Pat B. Allen.

1. First step is to form and intention.
We are to form or find or call an intention to ourselves. We have a lot of chatter in our minds, the teacher suggested writing to call a focussed intention to ourselves.

2. Second step is to start working with the materials.
When the intention is clear, we start to work with the materials. Our first two classes will be drawing... we can use chalk pastels, oil pastels, charcoal, pencil, pen.

3. Third step is to witness.
Witnessing consists of sitting and quietly witnessing the art that came. Then we write about it. We can write about what it was like creating it, what the work before us says to us, we can give it voices and let it talk or the elements within it talk.

4. Fourth is to share. It's optional.
Sharing: this is the most unusual step. If we are ready or want to share, we may. The class is asked not to make any comment and to refrain from asking questions. Silence is called for. We look at the art. The person who's art is being shared may, and is encouraged to read what they wrote during the witnessing. The viewers remain silent.

PERSONAL aspect: To share fully with you, (in regard to this class) I offer my witnessing and intentions from each class and assignment on each page. It's sometimes absurd and childish, but it seems to add a lot to the experience of the art.