Instagram story viewer> @creativezen_talks> Posts

Creative Zen - Speaker Series 💡

@creativezen_talks

737

posts

1.4K

followers

2216

following

CreativeZen is a monthly breakfast lecture series hosted by @choose954 aimed to Connect+Inspire our creative community the 2nd Friday of every month!✌

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Download All

Who is Oscar Fuentes beyond the books, beyond the typewriter, and beyond The Biscayne Poet?

As told to our host @evansnow13 on the #Choose954Podcast, @thebiscaynepoet shared something simple, powerful, and deeply needed right now: he has spent his life paying attention.

The typewriter, the microphone, the classic car, the jazz trio, and his work as an art curator are all tools. But the purpose behind them is bigger: helping others feel seen.

In a world where our attention is constantly being pulled in every direction, Oscar reminds us that art gives us a reason to slow down, focus, listen, and reconnect with each other.

This clip is a preview of a much deeper story.

Join us Friday, August 14, 2026 for Oscar’s CreativeZen Talk at @zeroemptyspaces inside @dcotadesign, presented by @choose954, @creativezen_talks, and @uniteusgroup.

Save the date and RSVP:
https://august-2026-creativezen.eventbrite.com

#CreativeZenTalks #Choose954 #TheBiscaynePoet #ZeroEmptySpaces taken in DCOTA | Design Center of the Americas by @creativezen_talks

3

3

18 days ago

Save the date. CreativeZen returns Friday, August 14 with Oscar Fuentes, known as @thebiscaynepoet.

Join us for a free morning of inspiration, community connection, guided meditation, and storytelling as Oscar shares more about his journey as a multidisciplinary artist, poet, author, performer, curator, and creative force in South Florida for over 30 years.

Hosted by @evansnow13 at @zeroemptyspaces inside @dcotadesign, presented by @choose954, @creativezen_talks, and @uniteusgroup.

Friday, August 14, 2026
Doors open at 8:30 AM
Zero Empty Spaces Artist Studios at DCOTA
1855 Griffin Road, B124, Atrium B, Dania Beach, FL

Reserve your space:
https://august-2026-creativezen.eventbrite.com

Being creative is not required. Being inspired is nearly guaranteed.

#CreativeZenTalks #Choose954 #TheBiscaynePoet #ZeroEmptySpaces #DCOTA taken in DCOTA | Design Center of the Americas by @creativezen_talks

3

6

18 days ago

For Oscar Fuentes, known as @thebiscaynepoet, poetry is not just something he writes. It is how he pays attention.

As told to our host @evansnow13 on the #Choose954Podcast, the typewriter, the microphone, the classic car, the jazz trio, his work as a curator, and the way he shows up in community are all connected to a deeper purpose: helping people feel seen.

In a world constantly competing for our attention, Oscar reminds us that art gives us a reason to slow down, listen, focus, and reconnect with the humanity right in front of us.

This moment opens the door to a much bigger story, and we’re honored to share more of it at CreativeZen.

Join us Friday, August 14, 2026 for Oscar’s CreativeZen Talk at @zeroemptyspaces inside @dcotadesign, presented by @choose954, @creativezen_talks, and @uniteusgroup.

Save the date and RSVP:
https://august-2026-creativezen.eventbrite.com

This podcast was recorded in the @zeroemptyspaces studio of @karenhewitthagan

#CreativeZenTalks #Choose954 #TheBiscaynePoet #ZeroEmptySpaces taken in DCOTA | Design Center of the Americas by @creativezen_talks

3

2

18 days ago

At this month’s CreativeZen Talks, Vicki Rosenthal @vickirosenthal.art reminded us that the impact of art is not always measured in numbers. Sometimes it is measured in whether someone feels seen, honored, and able to share their story with the world.

When asked how she evaluates the success of her work, Vicki shared that many of the shoes she has created for people impacted by the immigration and detention system have become storytelling tools. For one man, they became part of his advocacy as he went from congressperson to congressperson sharing his story and asking people to “walk in my shoes.”

For Vicki, that is the impact. Knowing that her art can help carry someone’s lived experience forward with dignity, purpose, and humanity.

We are grateful to Vicki for sharing this perspective with us as part of our 8 year anniversary CreativeZen Talks gathering.

The full talk is now available on our Choose954 YouTube page.

CreativeZen Talks will be taking July off, but we’ll be back in August at Zero Empty Spaces inside DCOTA for another morning of meditation, storytelling, connection, and community.

#CreativeZen #Choose954 #VickiRosenthal #Artivism #ZeroEmptySpaces taken in DCOTA | Design Center of the Americas by @creativezen_talks

3

5

a month ago

This is what 8 years of CreativeZen Talks has always been about.

A room full of open hearts, thoughtful conversation, creative energy, and people choosing to start their morning in community.

Our 8 year anniversary gathering with Vicki Rosenthal at Zero Empty Spaces inside DCOTA was such a beautiful reminder of why we continue to create these spaces. The meditation, the message, the questions, the connection, and the people in the room all came together in the best way.

We are deeply grateful to Vicki for sharing her story, her art, and her heart with us, and grateful to everyone who showed up and helped make the morning feel so special.

The full talk is now available on our Choose954 YouTube page.

CreativeZen Talks will be taking July off, but we’ll be back in August at Zero Empty Spaces DCOTA for another morning of meditation, storytelling, inspiration, and community.

#CreativeZenTalks #Choose954 #VickiRosenthal #UniteUsGroup #ZeroEmptySpaces taken in DCOTA | Design Center of the Americas by @creativezen_talks

3

6

a month ago

At this month’s CreativeZen Talks, Vicki Rosenthal @vickirosenthal.art reminded us that creativity is not just about what we make. It is about how we show up, how we see one another, and how we use our gifts in service of a more compassionate and connected world.

As part of our 8 year anniversary gathering, Vicki shared how her art, including the shoes she created in reference to human rights issues, women’s rights, trans rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and immigration, became a powerful form of visual storytelling, empathy, advocacy, and human connection.

One of the biggest takeaways from her talk was the reminder that we never fully know what someone else is carrying. Sometimes simply seeing someone, acknowledging them, and treating them with dignity can create a moment of connection that matters more than we realize.

We are deeply grateful to Vicki for helping us mark this CreativeZen milestone and for continuing to be such a meaningful human being in our creative community.

The full talk is now available on our Choose954 YouTube page.

CreativeZen Talks will be taking July off, but we’ll be back in August at Zero Empty Spaces inside DCOTA for another morning of meditation, storytelling, connection, and community.

#CreativeZen #Choose954 #VickiRosenthal #Artivism #ZeroEmptySpaces taken in DCOTA | Design Center of the Americas by @creativezen_talks

3

14

a month ago

“The way to equality is to be present.”

Three years ago, @cityoffortlauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis @mayordeanftl joined us for CreativeZen Talks and shared a powerful reminder that being present, aware, and engaged is how we help maintain the dignity of who we are as a community.

He spoke about the importance of showing up, not just for your own causes, but for other people’s events, other people’s stories, and the spaces where community is being built in real time.

That has always been the heart of @creativezen_talks.

For the past 8 years, we’ve created a free monthly space for people to gather, listen, reflect, connect, and leave with the story, insight, or “aha moment” they may have needed that day.

This Friday, June 12, 2026, we’re celebrating CreativeZen Talks’ 8 year anniversary with Vicki Rosenthal, MSW of @vickirosenthal.art, an artist, educator, advocate, and artivist whose work reflects creativity, kindness, justice, and the power of showing up for the world we want to live in.

Join us at @zeroemptyspaces inside @dcotadesign for a morning of coffee, connection, guided meditation, inspiration, and community.

Doors open at 8:30 AM.
Talk begins promptly at 9:00 AM.

CreativeZen Talks is free and open to the community.

Being creative is not required. Being inspired is guaranteed.

RSVP here:
https://june-2026-creativezen.eventbrite.com/

#CreativeZenTalks #Choose954 #ZeroEmptySpaces #VickiRosenthalArt #Community by @creativezen_talks

3

0

2 months ago

This is what @creativezen_talks feels like before the talk even begins.

Coffee brewing.
People connecting.
New faces becoming familiar ones.
Artists, creatives, entrepreneurs, community builders, and curious humans showing up with an open mind and leaving with something they didn’t know they needed.

For the past 8 years, CreativeZen Talks has created a free monthly space for our community to gather on the second Friday morning of each month for connection, guided meditation, reflection, inspiration, and a thought-provoking story from someone local doing meaningful work.

The best part is you never know who you’re going to meet, what you’re going to hear, or what “aha moment” might find you in the room.

This Friday, June 12, 2026, we’re celebrating CreativeZen Talks’ 8 year anniversary with Vicki Rosenthal, MSW of @vickirosenthal.art, an artist, educator, advocate, and artivist whose work reflects creativity, kindness, justice, and the power of showing up for the world we want to live in.

Join us at @zeroemptyspaces inside @dcotadesign for a morning of coffee, community, meditation, inspiration, and connection.

Doors open at 8:30 AM.
Talk begins promptly at 9:00 AM.

CreativeZen Talks is free and open to the community.

Being creative is not required. Being inspired is guaranteed.

RSVP here:
https://june-2026-creativezen.eventbrite.com/

#CreativeZenTalks #Choose954 #ZeroEmptySpaces #VickiRosenthalArt #Community taken in DCOTA | Design Center of the Americas by @creativezen_talks

3

0

2 months ago

8 years ago, at our first recorded CreativeZen Talks thanks to @mikeyhuet of @limedigitalagency @NerissaStreet gave a message that still hits just as hard today.

“You’re here to influence, and that means you’re here to lead.”

Nerissa reminded the room that the creative industry too often talks about starvation, survival, and staying stuck in the status quo, when so many of us are actually here to evolve, lead, and transform the spaces we are part of.

That message became part of the heartbeat of CreativeZen Talks.

For the past 8 years, we’ve created a free monthly space for local voices to share the stories, lessons, and “aha moments” that can help someone else move forward.

Artists.
Entrepreneurs.
Teachers.
Healers.
Community builders.
Everyday people with something meaningful to share.

This Friday, June 12, 2026, we’re celebrating CreativeZen Talks’ 8 year anniversary with Vicki Rosenthal, MSW of @vickirosenthal.art, an artist, educator, advocate, and artivist whose work reflects creativity, kindness, justice, and the power of showing up.

Join us at @zeroemptyspaces inside @dcotadesign for a morning of coffee, connection, guided meditation, inspiration, and community.

Doors open at 8:30 AM.
Talk begins promptly at 9:00 AM.

CreativeZen Talks is free and open to the community.

Being creative is not required. Being inspired is guaranteed.

RSVP here:
https://june-2026-creativezen.eventbrite.com/

#CreativeZenTalks #Choose954 #ZeroEmptySpaces #UniteUsGroup #Community taken in Broward County by @creativezen_talks

3

3

2 months ago

In this clip from our conversation on the @artigras Podcast, sponsored by @pbculture and hosted by our friend, artist @thickpaint, we shared the story behind CreativeZen Talks and why we continue to host it every month through @choose954 and @zeroemptyspaces.

CreativeZen Talks exists because years ago, we experienced the power of walking into a room looking for inspiration and leaving with an “aha moment” that can shift the direction of your life.

Inspired by the power of TED Talks, CreativeZen Talks became our free monthly breakfast lecture series and mini TED Talk style gathering, created to connect, engage, and inspire our local creative community.

Every second Friday morning, we bring someone from the community into the room to share a thought-provoking, relatable, and inspiring story. It could be an artist, entrepreneur, mindfulness practitioner, founder, psychologist, teacher, or everyday community member with something meaningful to share.

We also put the “Zen” in CreativeZen Talks with guided breathwork, meditation, and sound healing, thanks over the years to people like Chloe Ravel of @risingnatureretreats, helping everyone, including the speaker, get grounded before the talk begins.

After nearly 8 years and close to 90 speakers, CreativeZen Talks is still one of our favorite things we do because you never know who you’re going to hear from, what you’re going to learn, or who you’re going to meet.

This June, we’re celebrating CreativeZen Talks’ 8 year anniversary with someone who embodies the heart of this community: Vicki Rosenthal, MSW of @vickirosenthal.art

Join us Friday, June 12, 2026 at Zero Empty Spaces inside @dcotadesign for a morning of coffee, connection, meditation, inspiration, and community.

Doors open at 8:30 AM.
Talk begins promptly at 9:00 AM.

CreativeZen Talks is free and open to the community.

Being creative is not required. Being inspired is guaranteed.

RSVP here:
https://june-2026-creativezen.eventbrite.com/

#CreativeZen #Choose954 #ZeroEmptySpaces #I #ArtigrasPodcast taken in Palm Beach County by @creativezen_talks

3

1

2 months ago

Cheers to 8 years of @creativezen_talks!

8 years of gathering.
8 years of stories.
8 years of inspiration, meditation, coffee, community, connection, and the kind of unexpected moments that remind us why showing up in person still matters.

What started as a simple idea to create a free monthly space for people to connect, engage, and be inspired has grown into one of our favorite community traditions through @choose954 and @zeroemptyspaces.

Over the years, nearly 90 speakers have shared their stories with us, and countless friendships, collaborations, aha moments, and meaningful memories have come from people simply being in the same room together.

This month, we celebrate CreativeZen’s 8 year anniversary with Vicki Rosenthal, MSW of @vickirosenthal.art, an artist, educator, advocate, and artivist whose work embodies so much of what CreativeZen is all about.

Join us Friday, June 12, 2026 at Zero Empty Spaces inside @dcotadesign for a morning of coffee, connection, meditation, inspiration, and community.

Doors open at 8:30 AM.
Talk begins promptly at 9:00 AM.

CreativeZen is free and open to the community.

Being creative is not required. Being inspired is guaranteed.

RSVP here:
https://june-2026-creativezen.eventbrite.com/

#CreativeZenTalks #Choose954 #ZeroEmptySpaces #UniteUsGroup #Community taken in Broward County by @creativezen_talks

3

6

2 months ago

CreativeZen Talks has always been about creating a space where someone in the room might hear the story, insight, or “aha moment” they needed that day.

In this clip from our #podcast conversation with Tom Moschner on The Psychology Of Strength @thepsychologyofstrength, we shared the story behind CreativeZen, why we started it, and why it has become one of our favorite things we do each month through @choose954 and @zeroemptyspaces.

CreativeZen is our free monthly breakfast lecture series and mini TED Talk style gathering held on the second Friday morning of each month to connect, engage, and inspire our local creative community.

Each event features someone from the community sharing a thought-provoking, relatable, and inspiring story, followed by time for reflection, connection, and conversation. We also put the “Zen” in CreativeZen with guided breathwork, meditation, sound healing, coffee, and community connection before the talk begins.

Over the years, we’ve hosted close to 90 speakers and seen so many friendships, collaborations, ideas, and meaningful moments come from people simply being in the same room together.

Because the key word in community is unity, and we need places and moments that bring people together.

This June, we are celebrating CreativeZen’s 8 year anniversary, and we could not think of a better speaker to help us mark the moment than Vicki Rosenthal, MSW of @vickirosenthal.art

Join us Friday, June 12, 2026 at Zero Empty Spaces inside @dcotadesign for a morning of inspiration, reflection, creativity, and community.

Doors open at 8:30 AM for coffee and community connection.
Talk begins promptly at 9:00 AM.

CreativeZen is free and open to the community.

Being creative is not required. Being inspired is guaranteed.

RSVP here:
https://june-2026-creativezen.eventbrite.com/

#CreativeZenTalks #Choose954 #ZeroEmptySpaces #UniteUsGroup taken in DCOTA | Design Center of the Americas by @creativezen_talks

3

4

2 months ago