North Bend local Ashley James, an artist, educator, and certified recreation therapist, has dedicated her life to the therapeutic power of art and nature. Through her work, she has created transformative experiences for individuals across a spectrum of needs—from the military community to local women seeking empowerment.
Her business, Works from the heART, represents the culmination of her expertise in recreation therapy, creative arts, and mental health, all while fostering a deep connection to her community.
Ashley’s path into therapeutic art stems from her upbringing in a family dedicated to service—her father was a law enforcement officer, and her mother a registered nurse. With a bachelor’s in psychology from Towson University and a master’s in recreation therapy, she embarked on a 13-year career focused on mental health. She worked with populations including military servicemembers, adolescents, and adults through organizations such as the Wounded Warrior Project and the USO.
After years of working with military populations, Ashley found herself burned out and sought a new direction. “I learned very quickly that I wasn’t as skilled with compartmentalizing with adolescents as I was with adults, and before I knew it, I was extremely burnt out with very little resources,” she reflects.
This realization prompted her to combine her love of art and recreation therapy into Works from the heART, launched in 2023.
The inspiration for her business came from a desire to bring together her professional skills and personal passions. Ashley saw a need for more arts-based mental health programs in the Snoqualmie Valley.
Encouraged by friends, family, and clients, she started her first art journaling group from her Wilderness Rim home. This group has since evolved into a popular monthly program hosted at Pearl and Stone Wine Co. in North Bend.
Art journaling, for Ashley, is more than a creative outlet—it’s a powerful tool for improving mental health. She began incorporating this method while working with soldiers and military spouses in Italy and later at the Wounded Warrior Project, where it remains in use today. “I began using art and journaling as a means for improving soldiers’ and military spouses’ quality of life and mental health,” she says.
Her Women’s Art Journaling Group now regularly attracts 10 to 16 women, providing a safe, judgment-free space for participants to explore their creativity and share their personal stories.
Moving the group to a public venue has eased any initial anxiety new participants might feel. “I think opening it up to a venue such as Pearl and Stone Wine Co. has calmed any anxiety they might have previously felt going into someone’s home that they’re just meeting for the first time.”
One memorable participant is a woman who, after attending two retreats, is now preparing to lead her own group for individuals struggling with codependency issues—a testament to the impact of Ashley’s work. “My ultimate passion is helping women feel empowered through their own creativity and meaning in life,” she says.
Beyond the art studio, Ashley worked at Roots Outdoor Education’s summer camp, where she worked with preschoolers in nature. This love for the outdoors led to her “Painting in the Wild: The Art of Adventure” program, combining hiking and painting.
Participants choose subjects from their surroundings, embracing the artistic process and mindfulness, fostering personal growth through nature and art.
“Most times, we are so busy with the idea of reaching our destination that we fail to observe what is around us in an intentional way,” Ashley explains. “Painting in nature helps us to slow down and actively engage all five senses.”
Ashley’s work is grounded in the belief that everyone’s healing journey is unique, and art can be a powerful tool for processing trauma, anxiety, and life’s challenges. She adapts her sessions to the needs of each participant, whether working with military veterans, adolescents, or adults, ensuring that everyone feels supported and empowered.
Her flexible approach, honed during her time with the Wounded Warrior Project, has influenced her civilian art therapy practice. She tailors each session to offer different creative outlets—from structured activities like paint-by-numbers to more freeform methods like watercolors—allowing participants to engage with their creativity in their own way.
Looking ahead, Ashley envisions expanding Works from the heART into a collaborative space for families, children, and adults to create, explore, and learn. She’s also focused on growing her immersive multi-day women’s retreats, which offer participants deeper opportunities for connection with art and nature away from daily distractions.
At its core, Works from the heART provides a safe space for self-expression and mental health through art. Ashley sees art journaling as a way to process emotions and experiences that may be too difficult to articulate.
By focusing on the creative process rather than the end product, her sessions ensure that everyone feels welcome regardless of skill level. Participants are encouraged to explore their thoughts and feelings through words and images, creating a visual narrative that helps them navigate life’s challenges.
Ashley James has become a vital part of the Snoqualmie Valley community through her blend of art, mental health expertise, and outdoor education. Her work empowers individuals to explore their creativity, connect with others, and find healing.
Her mission remains clear as she looks to the future: to help others navigate their journeys with support, empathy, and artistic expression. For Ashley, art is more than just a medium—it’s a pathway to healing, empowerment, and human connection.
If you’d like to get in contact with Ashley or view her upcoming classes, you can check out her website at http://www.worksfromtheheart.org or follow her on Instagram at @works.from.the.heart. Ashley will be opening her own Makerspace in Fall City, WA, in November 2024.
