CZT Instructors St. Jacobs 2025

Chari-Lynn Rethmeier CZT

Dorothy Erieau CZT

Hi, I’m Dorothy, a retired computer programmer.  In my retirement I’ve been pursuing my dream career of artist.  I’m largely self-taught but in 2020 became a Certified Zentangle Teacher.  I began with Calligraphy in 1999 and have also explored paper arts, mixed media, scrapbooking, pottery, bookbinding, knitting, crocheting, embroidery and watercolor. My favorite things are paper, ink and fibers. In July of 2019 I began renting space in an art studio/gallery and began selling what I created. Three years later I opened my own art gallery and studio in Auburn, Indiana.  I sub-rent space to a very talented oil painter.  Together we explore our artistic journey often drawing on each other for encouragement and inspiration. I’ve learned that I love to encourage others to explore artistic expression and teach methods I use.  Often I learn much more than I teach and that keeps me teaching.

Rashim Bhargava CZT

Rashim is a CZTEU#4 and an accomplished educator and artist with nearly 30 years of experience in teaching. Her passion for literacy earned her the Nation Builders Award, while her deep love for art shapes her current endeavors. Her art is driven by a deep belief in the power of creativity to connect and spread sunshine. Rashim’s love for Zentangle is rooted in its therapeutic qualities, where she combines teaching, well-being, and art to help others unwind, and tap into their inner creativity. As a retired Principal, Rashim now blends her expertise in education and art, sharing the transformative qualities of Zentangle through workshops that foster creativity, peace, and personal satisfaction. She co-founded the Zen Gulf Café, where she continues to promote the Zentangle Method, helping individuals from diverse backgrounds connect through art. Her workshops focus on more than just learning techniques; they aim to create a sense of joy, community, and mindfulness. Rashim’s art style combines traditional elements with contemporary influences, reflecting a rich cultural diversity. She also enjoys applying her background in furnishing design to create functional art pieces. Through her social media presence as Vyaan Art, Rashim inspires to embrace creativity, build meaningful connections, spread warmth and encouragement across borders.

Priscilla DeConti CZT

Priscilla is an artist and Certified Zentangle® teacher who lives and works out of her studio in Kingston, New York. She resides there with her husband Mark and their 2 cats Donny and Treena.  Priscilla was introduced to Zentangle via Beckah Krahula’s book, One Zentangle a Day, while attending a group for the Artist Way. She took several classes and was encouraged to attend the training. She became a Certified Zentangle® teacher in 2018, travelling to Providence R.I. for her training. She has taught the Zentangle ®Method to many and continues to teach for Lifespring in Saugerties, New Paltz Lifelong Learning Center and the Brielle Grace Breast Cancer Group in Poughkeepsie. She has had her art displayed and sold in many different venues including The ASK gallery in Kingston, Art-Mid Hudson as well as being a participant in the Catskill and Saugerties Outside art programs. Priscilla’s love for learning continues as she has begun to explore different mediums such as watercolour, colored pencils and art forms such as collage and paint pouring. Yet she always comes back to Zentangle which inspires her still to this day by the wonder and joy of letting each stroke and line tell its own story.

Sheila Jarvie CZT

Sheila discovered Zentangle® in 2013 and became a Certified Zentangle Teacher that same year. She also became a Neurographic Specialist in 2020 and enjoys combining it with the Zentangle method. Now retired, teaching was the foundation of her working career in the public education system, health care and senior community support. Recently, she has been involved in developing and offering online art courses via Zoom. Artistic interests include acrylics, stained glass, calligraphy, fabric arts, Neurographica and Zentangle. Sheila lives in the town of Wellesley, near Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario in the heart of Mennonite country. She is a lifelong learner and gets great enjoyment in sharing different art forms with others. The blessing of two young grandsons brings her great joy, love and inspiration. Sheila is excited to participate in Autumn in St. Jacobs.

Tina Coutts CZT

I discovered Zentangle in 2013 when a photo popped up on FB that intrigued me.  With a long history of doodling to survive work meetings, this seemed like a good idea.  I found Brenda, and started taking regular classes.  In 2016 when I retired, CZT training was my retirement gift to myself.  Life has taken its own road, and today I regularly tangle, teach when asked, but for the most part bring Zentangle and all the other paper arts I have dabbled in over the years to book making.  The lessons of Zentangle stay with me.  One stroke at a time.  There are no mistakes, only creative opportunities.  Believe in yourself.

Beth Adams CZT

Beth is a fun loving artist and a lifelong learner. Her friends would say she has a giving and sharing spirit and always wears a smile. She spent her teaching career first as a secondary school Family Studies teacher then as a Librarian.

In retirement Beth found Zentangle and  became a CZT 20. In addition to her Zentangle activities, Beth also does Calligraphy, Chinese Brush Painting, Book Binding and Jewelry Making. Her greatest joy is helping others whenever she can.

Brenda Shaver CZT

Brenda found the Zentangle Method ® in January 2012, and became a CZT 8 the following month in Providence, Rhode Island. Immediately she knew this amazing art form was special and a natural progression to her already innovative career.  Brenda has spent her entire life involved in the arts and crafts industry as an entrepreneur and teacher. She is a passionista about bringing people together and learning from others. Brenda is a personal testament that the benefits of Zentangle work as she shares its magic in workshops and retreats with students of every age and ability.  Creativity, inspiration, and imagination are constant everyday necessities for Brenda. Her other interests include spending as much time as possible with her three grandchildren and her family. Life is Good!

For more information :

CZT Instructors
Information & Registration
Accomodation & Travel for St. Jacobs