We just recently hosted a fantastic online Seminar. For three intense days, we talk, we tangle, and we share as much as we possibly can with our students about the Zentangle Method. We go in depth about tangling techniques, philosophies and what it means to be a Certified Zentangle Teacher. Always at the end of our teacher training events, we are all filled with joy and gratitude and excitement as we welcome new teachers into our community of CZTs. It is wonderful to hear their stories and passion for the method. We also know that when we part ways at the end of CZT training, it is only the beginning of the new teacher’s journey. What will each of these inspiring artists bring to the method and where will it lead them?
It is hard to explain how proud we are of our CZT community. The way our worldwide group of CZTs shines is overwhelming. When Rick and Maria hosted the first CZT Seminar, I am not sure that they knew how it would grow. They certainly trusted the process and nurtured what it could be. As we look back over the years, we have so many memories of when we first met CZTs. We exchange stories, we talk about what we see them doing, how they are sharing the method. We watch, we admire, and we are consistently amazed by what our CZT community has done.
At CZT training we aim to give all the attendees the tools to launch and push themselves to learn from their experiences, to grow in their practice, and to inspire others. There is an old proverb that says, “The goal of the teacher is for the student to surpass the teacher.” We could not agree more. In so many instances, we learn from our CZT community. We watch in awe and see how they are leading the way. We see and hear beautiful passionate stories about how so many of them are inspiring minds and changing lives for the better. We cannot emphasize this enough, ZHQ has received so many emails of how practicing (and teaching) the method has had a positive impact, has truly made a difference in the quality of someone’s life, and it is because of these teachers, teaching all over the world, that it is possible.
To all our CZTs, we thank each one of you for all you do. To the CZTs who teach often and share openly and to those who share quietly and less often, we appreciate all of you. We know it takes all kinds and we are grateful for that. Thank you for being unique. We cherish all that you do as we grow and caretake the Zentangle Method.
Is there a particular CZT that has touched or inspired you that you want to give a shout out to? We will pick one commenter at random and send something special to you and your special CZT.
You can find a CZT in your area here.
I would like to give a shoutout to Sandy Kelley-Jones! She inspires me with the 2 Facebook groups she manages (no easy task there) and is always so patient and giving of her time. There are so many other inspiring CZTs out there also.
Kathy Cody on
My shout-out goes to ZenLinea. Her 100-day video series taught me so much about shading and using a white charcoal pencil. She creates such beautiful work. As the comment above says, I now have people commenting on my art because of all I’ve learned from her YouTube videos.
Ruby McGuire on
I’ve had the pleasure of taking many classes over the years. I don’t want to miss anyone. But know you are all amazing. I learn something from every single teacher. I treasure the friendships I’ve gained within this community also. I like to think we are a unique breed – we Tanglers.
Deb Bowyer on
Alka Sood on
sue trrembeth CZT 38 on
Alice Steuck Konkel on
A big thank you to Anica (@zen.linea)! You inspire me every day with your art work, videos and tanglelab. For me you are the biggest role model. You are a great artist. Thank you for your ideas, the love and passion for Zentangle. 🫶🏼🙏🏼❤️
Rahel Müller CZT EU 6 on
I want to give a shout out to my first two teachers. Back in 2012 when I found Zentangle online, I was going through a very stressful time with family illnesses and deaths. Drawing the repetitive patterns soothed my soul and helped me cope. I couldn’t find a CZT anywhere though, to take a Basics class from. There was very little online in those days. Finally, I decided to call ZHQ with the intention of asking for help to find a local CZT. After chatting for a bit and mentioning I was an adult education teacher, I was asked if I was interested in registering for an upcoming seminar. I was petrified. I couldn’t draw. I didn’t know much about art. However, a month later in February 2012, my husband took me on a ten hour drive to Providence, and I took my first Zentangle class at Seminar 8.
Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts, you both were my first and thee most wonderful teachers anyone could ever have. To this day, you are my mentors. I will never forget your patience, your kindness, your generosity and your attitude of gratitude. Thank you ❤️
Brenda Shaver on
Huge shout out to Kelly Barone and Sonya Yencer for all their free, easy to follow tutorials during 2020. This enhanced my belief in the Zentangle method and encouraged me to become a CZT that year!
I also want to thank my dearest friend Radhika(lost her last week to a very tragic accident) for being a permanent student, eager to learn. She wasn’t a CZT, but her enthusiasm to learn and practice the Z method was very inspiring!
Rashmi Agarwal on
Micah Morgovsky is an amazing teacher! I had no idea that I would love the zentangle process, but after one class with her, I was hooked. She has a lovely manner and way of starting classes, and when I teach, I can hear her voice coming out of my mouth. She always reminds us to be kind to ourselves, and to enjoy the process. When I first saw some of her work and other people’s work, I thought that I could never do that, and now people say that about my work. Through her teaching, I started creating art that I had no idea I could ever do, but it really is about following the steps. It was also Micah who encouraged me to become a CZT. Through classes with her I have had the opportunity to discover this wonderful art, and to share it with others. I feel so lucky to have her in my life to learn from and share my love of this art form with.
Amy Lilien-Harper, CZT32 on
Stephanie Funke made this stick person artist into one who feels she could do anything. She taught me how to stay chill along the way. She truly makes Zentangle an approachable joy for us all. Now I am a CZT too. Yay!
Maria Slowinski on
Christine on
LovelyRita on
PamS on
Barbara Langston on
I’ve been studying under Eni Oken as part of her online Art Club for over 3 years now. She is an absolute wealth of knowledge: from art history to technique, from Zentangle basics to practices and processes to grow yourself as an artist. I can honestly say my art and personal style have grown directly as a result of the weekly classes in which I participate. Eni, if you’re reading this, THANK YOU for everything you do for Art Club and your students!
Matthew Weier O'Phinney on
My shout out goes to Jan Brandt. She has inspired me since our first meeting in 2013. Even though I moved from her area in Reno, Nevada the next year we have stayed in touch through group challenges and my occasional visits back to Nevada for live classes with her. She is a very inspiring teacher and has helped me to improve my skills as well as encouraging me to tangle often. Thank you Jan!
Sandi Buchspics on
CZTs on zoom. The artistic style of both of these women is very inspiring. I love Annie’s botanical color layering and the additional cultural scenes from Austria that she has been gifting us with in her newest videos. I have learned many new artistic techniques from Tracy Anne and miss not being able to find her in recent months.
Donna Potharas on
Stefanie Spikell on
Anita Stovall on
Sabra Brown Steinsiek on
Misty Johnson on
I, too, want to thank Annie Reiser for introducing me to the Zentangle Method through the Denver Botanic Gardens pandemic lessons. After one lesson with Annie, I became a voracious consumer of all things Zentangle. After several online lessons, I did have the opportunity to meet Annie in person in Estes Park, CO. Lovely person. She has now moved to Austria and continues to post beautiful lessons that include delightful tours of her new locale. I became a CZT thanks to Annie’s encouragement. (CZT37)
Kitty Canupp on
From my very beginning with Zentangle in 2011 I am still so very grateful for the influences and inspirations of Laura Harms, Margaret Bremner and Sandy Bartholomew. They were instrumental in developing my interest in the Zentangle Method and providing the wings for me to move forward in my many endeavors both with hosting online groups, such as Square One, and Zentangle retreats which joined CZTs across the borders. Along with the Zentangle founders and their families, these three women changed my life for the better in so many ways. I am so thankful.
Chris Titus on
Lisa Barreto CZT32 first inspired me to try Zentangle. I met her while volunteering for Ribbons of Life, a breast cancer support group. Her positive outlook on life in the face of health struggles inspired me, in the midst of my own health concerns. The philosophy of “anything is possible, one stroke at a time” has been crucial to my everyday life, and Lisa was right there to emphasize it. I am a proud member of CZT class #34. We still communicate, even though we now live on opposite coasts! And, we both still find joy in the journey of Zentangle, sharing and caring that others can also find that same joy and calmness.
Thank you for allowing me to give a shout-out to my “sister of the pen” Lisa Barreto!
Ginger White on