Small School Talk: Rilana Vorderwuelbecke

Presencing in Resonance – Let’s Play!

In this lecture, I will explore my creative and intellectual journey, shaped by personal experiences and socio-cultural contexts. Starting with my formative years in divided Berlin, I will discuss how the city’s geopolitical landscape influenced my early artistic development. I will trace my academic path from studying Fine Arts in the U.S. to pursuing a Master’s in Art Business in London. Upon returning to Berlin, my work as an art dealer provided new perspectives on the art market and curating practices with diverse artists.

At my children’s art school, I integrated artistic expression with art therapy principles, which reshaped my understanding of art as a dynamic, interactive process. This lecture will examine how these interdisciplinary experiences led to a holistic approach to art, creating a resonant space for healing and transformation. I will also discuss the role of horses in the creative process and how this practice fosters deeper engagement with art.

Lastly, I will present my research on transgenerational collective healing through integrating Expressive Arts and Equine-Guided Education. To conclude, I will guide the audience through an experiential art activity, inviting participants to engage directly in the creative process in the gallery space.

Rilana Vorderwuelbecke is a German expressive arts therapist living and working in Berlin. After receiving her BA in Fine Arts in Sculpture and Art History from Boston University and MA in Art Business from the University of Manchester/Sotheby’s, Rilana worked as an artist and art dealer in Berlin for many years. In 2008, she founded an art school for children and has subsequently expanded into art therapy through studies at the Medical School in Hamburg, and healing work with Ariana Strozzi Mazzuchi (California), using horses as healers. Through Skyhorse Academy, Rilana offers workshops that combine the fundamentals of healing with horses and the application of the visual and expressive arts.

Small School and Artspace are partners on this and many other events.

Host or Publisher Small School