The Bodhi Tree Art School and Studio

"Sometimes a tree can tell you more
than can be read in a book."
~Carl Jung

THE BODHI TREE (pronounced boh-dee) - is an experience-based art school, a place to dream and to grow. It is a working art studio that provides a journey into understanding world cultures through art, music and movement. We use this journey as a tool to explore self-efficacy , who we are and our relationships with others, and our sense of belonging and community with all peoples of the world while using humor, imagination and creative self-expression as fuel for the ride. But most of all, The Bodhi Tree is a space that allows everyone to discover what is extraordinary in each person.
Our name originates from the story of Siddhartha who sat under the Bodhi Tree and awoke to the world, finding what he was seeking. Our goal is to create a safe space full of mystery, adventure and anticipation, so that children of all ages can find what they are looking for. Some may be looking for fun and adventure, some may be looking to grow and learn, some may come with a desire to heal. Whatever the goal, our purpose is to provide the space and necessary experiences for everyone to achieve what they are seeking.
In our studio, children are offered many opportunities to be involved in the group dynamic at whatever confidence level they are at. The Bodhi Tree strives to create an environment that is safe and protective to children who may not be as secure, and yet gently challenging to children who could benefit from a more dynamic group experience.

HEATHER HOGAN-SPENCER is a graduate of Marywood University with a B.A. in Graphic Design and an M.A. in Studio Art/Painting. Heather has done graduate studies at the Instituto Lorenzo de Medici in Florence, Italy, through Drake University. She has instructed students in various media both privately and in groups since 1989. She has ten years experience working in children’s mental health, at Children’s Services Center In Wilkes-Barre, PA and at the E.I.B.I. of the Northeast Regional Autism Center at Friendship House in Scranton, PA where she taught toddlers with Autism. She has spent four years at The Highlights Foundation at Boyds Mills, the non-profit of Highlights for Children Magazine, where children’s book writers and illustrators come to hone their craft. She's also had the pleasure of teaching Art Enrichment at Bethany Children's House Montessori Preschool with the lovely Ms. Alison Myers! Heather is proud to be an employee of Community Vocational Services of Honesdale as a Job and Habilitation Coach for adults with disabilities. Heather’s current work includes children’s book and magazine illustration, studies of the figure, graphic design and photography.

JAMES M. SPENCER IV is a potter and sculptor who has taught work with clay and other three-dimensional art to children and adults both in the therapeutic setting and privately since 1997. He is a graduate of Marywood University and Millersville University, currently holding an M.S. in Clinical Psychology. Spencer has eight years experience as a family therapist, utilizing family, group and art therapies with children, adolescents and adults. He spent five years as a Care Manager at Community Care in Moosic, and is currently the Children’s Services and Intersystems Director at Northeast Behavioral Health Care Consortium in Moosic, PA. Spencer’s current work includes clay pottery, sculpture, and photography.

KATHLEEN M. BOWES is a graduate of Marywood University with a B.F.A. in fine arts and illustration. She has over 23 years of experience as an award-winning graphic designer in various industries including book publishing, real estate, financial, health, entertainment and more. Kathleen has instructed students at the college level and her current works include company branding, painting, photography and jewelry making.