Open Hearts Nature Connection

For the past 8 years, Maya & Sean have provided open-ended arts & craft playshops for children and adults using natural and recycled materials to inspire a deeper connection to the earth & the artistic process.

Maya is a heart-centered preschool teacher. Her degree is in Early Childhood Education with a specialization in Anti-Bias Curriculum. She has been working with and for children for over 8 years. Her work is inspired by her dedication to conscious communication, mindfulness, and presence. She strives to provide a safe space for children to explore and be themselves while nurturing their abilities to be kind and caring. She is rooted in her devotion to our Mother Earth and encourages all to connect deeper to nature. At the core of her practice is respect for children as equal sentient beings.

Sean is an Earth Scientist working to protect native plants, pollinators, and clean water in Santa Cruz. He especially enjoys silently hiking through the redwood forest to communicate with nature spirits, reading landscapes, and untangling interconnected ecologies. Recently, Sean has teamed up with Project Pollinate in Santa Cruz to protect bees and pollinators by planting organic gardens. He also self-publishes a visionary skate zine called Realize Zine that promotes positivity through self-expression. Sean is passionate about connecting people to their local environment and is excited to share his plant wisdom and their healing potential with the next generation.

Workshops & Presentations

  • Weaving Project for Kids: Ojo de Dios (God's Eye)

    60 min | Dome of the Space Wanderer

    This workshop is an all level- beginning to advanced weaving class for kids (and kids at heart!). Using sticks that represent the four elements- earth, water, air and fire- participants will choose yarn colors to weave and have a finished product to take home. In folklore, it is said that at the intersection of the sticks and yarn, god's eye exists to see things that we cannot. This weaving project will support children's fine motor skills, concentration and perseverance. We look forward to creating with you!

  • Nature Mandalas

    60 min | Dome of the Space Wanderer

    Mandalas represent balance and harmony and help us drop into a more grounded state of mind. In this open-ended art project, kids will use natural materials like flower petals, leaves and other treasures from nature to create a mandalas to take home. This workshop is accessible and open to children of all ages.