Judith Greer Essex, Ph.D. founded the Expressive Arts Institute in 1998 with a big mission in mind.
"I wanted artists to have a place at the table of helpers and change agents. Artists know much that other helping professionals do not, and I think what they know is vital to healthy living, and essential to healing, change, and growth."
Essex was part of the pioneering spirit in San Diego bringing the arts into mental hospitals, residential treatment centers and other places where people needed the boon of the arts.
Judith has always been near the nexus of arts and community in San Diego. In the 1970′s she created Dance Jam, a monthly movement experience that still runs in San Diego “I wanted to create a place where dancing was not a prelude to a pick-up, but rather a form of free personal expression.”
On September 15th 2001, The Expressive Arts Institute on Ray Street participated in the first Ray@ Night art crawl, an event which has now grown from a single short block, encompass the entire heart of North Park. This event was the foothold needed to revitalize the neighborhood.
In 2006, with the predictable gentrification driving rents through the roof, she took a gamble on a new, unfinished space in the heart of a revitalized Naval Training Center: the proposed Arts and Culture District of Point Loma’s Liberty Station. In the original wave of tennants, the institute has seen its neighborhood become a visual, lively and performing arts center.
Today, institute graduates work in numerous settings across the county and the country, and around the globe, bringing the work of expressive arts into nearly every conceivable setting: from schools to hospitals, from nursery to hospice, the arts are helping improve and enliven the breadth of human experience.
In spite of the larger cultural outcomes, Judith states the inspiration for the creation of an Institute was very personal.
"My youngest brother Danny was a poet and an artist. He knew so much about generosity and the power of the arts. He was only 42 when he died in 1996, from complications of his diabetes, I had to do something in his memory, or simply drown in my grief. I had to decide what was worth doing for the rest of my life."
Tara Graviss White
"As a lifelong learner and dedicated volunteer involved in arts and education I approached the E.A.I. introductory class with curiosity and some trepidation. A few prior E.A.I. graduates were in my circle and I highly admired them all, but didn’t really imagine taking on such a large commitment or inspiring to make such a shift in my career path or life direction. I was awestruck by the end of the weekend. Having never so clearly before been exactly where I should be. My overwhelming feeling was “this is who I am, this is what I do.” I haven’t looked back and am on the most fantastic journey of my life."
Zamira Pla
"When I attended the Intro Course, I said to myself, “this is what I have been looking for… for so long.” Before the weekend was over, I was already planning the next two years and what I would do to be in this beautiful place. So, yes! Of course the introductory course changed my life, without a doubt! It was the beginning of another era, another way of feeling and seeing the world around and inside me."
Amy Shamansky
Judith is the most gifted facilitator I have ever encountered. Her complete embodiment and use of the arts in healing brings amazing results. A whole new world opened up to me after being guided by her expertise and heart-warming sensitivity to the human condition. Whether she is hired as a private therapist, speaker, or teacher, I believe she is worth more than money could ever buy.”
Anita Carter
“Dr. Judith Greer Essex, director of the Expressive Arts Institute, provides an exemplary education for those seeking a healing profession through the arts. Her knowledge of the philosophy and practice of expressive arts is articulated with intelligence, compassion, and delightful humor. As a student, I was encouraged and supported throughout the program with great insight and honesty. Dr. Essex is truly a wise woman who knows how the arts can help us find our way. I fully recommend Dr. Essex and the Expressive Arts Institute for education and training in expressive arts.”
Victoria Garcia
“I have known Judith, who I call Greer, for over 35 years. We met when we worked together at the first domestic violence shelter in San Diego. Without at doubt, she is one of the smartest women I know, and she is my go-to person whenever I need insightful, wise advice. Greer has built her school and career from the ground up with dedication to cutting edge creativity and academic grounding. You will benefit greatly from working with her, I guarantee it.”
Marissa McInerney
“You have prepared us so well, thank you. All the vocabulary for us makes total sense- some folks have not a clue what the professors are saying. We do 🙂 Thank you, thank you. This experience has been exciting, motivating and extraordinary so far. And it’s really only just begun. I wanted to send my thanks to our Momma EXA bear ♥”
Jose Roberto Nascimento
“Greer is a raw driving force beneath and within. The depth of her blue eyes, and the magnetic smile, is a pure invitation to try…, experiment…, or just to stay still. I always enjoyed when the existence connects us. It is an experience to take with me anywhere I might go.”
Sharon Goodlove
"Oh, how marvelous to be led in creative expression — especially when technology and its offspring run amuck around us, especially when Judith is role modeling, teaching, leading, gamboling with Light and Love."
Michelle Josey
"Dr. Essex is a professor and mentor I’m fortunate to have. Her expertise in facilitating a learning environment that allows experience, open-ended growth of trust and competency on both the individual and group levels is uniform. She has taught me to stretch the boundary of current ideas and relations in the modern world, encouraged individual creativity and thought."