Through her therapeutic practice and artwork, she explores the intersections of art, emotional healing, spirituality, social justice, ancestral wisdom, nature, transformation, and community care. Deeply committed to land stewardship, space-making, and the transformative power of creative expression, at Roots and Rays she cultivates environments where people can reconnect with themselves, one another, and the natural world.
Although she works primarily in mixed media, Novotny is partial to fiber-based materials and techniques traditionally seen as “women’s work,” such as quilting and embroidery. She enjoys using collage, found imagery, and natural materials. “I am especially drawn to materials that can be layered, altered, torn apart, repaired, and transformed. These processes often mirror the emotional work of healing.”
Through Roots & Rays she is expanding beyond the traditional boundaries of clinical art therapy and into a broader vision of creative medicine. “I am developing experiences that bring together therapeutic art-making, expressive arts, ritual, intuitive reflection, community care, and spiritual exploration.”
For the 2026 Art Walk, Roots & Rays is hosting a group exhibition of mixed-media artwork that aligns within the theme “Soft Landing.” In a culture that often asks us to push harder, move faster, and carry more, Soft Landing will feature art works that consider the wisdom of slowing down. Inspired by the idea of “try softer, not harder,” this exhibition explores rest, tenderness, receptivity, and the spaces that allow us to settle. Artists featured in “Soft Landing” include Novotny, along with Rebecca Ebben-Schultz, Robin Power, Kelly McKaig, Savastiana Valle, Paul Elliott, Mikey Anderson and Megan Barr.
“I hope my studio offers visitors a moment of permission: permission to slow down, feel something, become curious, and remember that they are creative beings too,” she said.
For Novotny the Beverly Art Walk is important because healing and creativity both require community. “The Beverly Art Walk feels deeply rooted in place. It is not simply an event where people view art. It is an experience of moving through a neighborhood and discovering how creativity lives within it. Visitors encounter art alongside architecture, family histories, local businesses, friendships, gardens, conversations, and the distinctive character of Beverly,” Novotny said. “There is a sense that art belongs to the community and that the community itself is part of the artwork.” There will be crafts, demos, live music and refreshments throughout the day.
