The Art Nest is a guided, supportive community for artists and creative souls who crave accountability, companionship, and a low-pressure rhythm to come back to the art you love to make most.

Built from years of listening, and nurturing creative community

I'm Peggy 💛 Over the past decade, I’ve guided thousands of artists through online workshops, programs, retreats, and courses.

I’ve watched what sparks momentum, and what shuts it down. And I’ve learned:
 

  • People don’t need more content.
    They need space to engage with what’s already inside them.
  • Rigid structure breaks us down. Gentle structure builds us up.
  • Creative motivation is fickle, but consistency thrives when there’s connection.

That’s why the Art Nest exists.
To offer a different kind of support. One that actually lasts.

If you’ve been saying:

“I just want to be more consistent with my art.”

“I miss having creative community.”

“I fall off track and don’t know how to get back into it.”

 

You’re not alone.

And it’s not because you lack discipline, drive, or talent.

You’ve just never had a space that was built for how creative people actually work.

 

 Most platforms are built for productivity.

This one is built for presence.

A community for your creative nervous system

Welcome to your Art Nest

💜 for when your courses are paused   

💜 for when your sketchbook’s closed   

💜 for when life is too loud to make art alone

 

This isn’t another how-to.  This is the keep going.

Something gentler. Something steadier. Something that finally feels like it fits.

Monthly Themes

to gently guide your focus (no guilt trips allowed 😘)

Each month comes with a creative theme to help you re-enter your practice without pressure. You’ll never be left wondering what to work on, but you’ll never be boxed in either.

 

These prompts offer just enough spark to ease you back into creating, especially if you’ve felt stuck for a while.

Live Deep Dive Sessions

to untangle your thoughts and reconnect with your process

We talk about the real stuff, like what to do when motivation fizzles, how to move through creative resistance, and what sustainable momentum actually looks like for you.

 

These are guided conversations with fellow artists who get it. They're a safe space to reflect, and to harness simple mindset shifts that stick long after the call ends.

A Growing Forage Folder

of tools, images, libraries, templates & more (aka no gatekeeping)

A cozy curated library of treasures for your creative brain! You’ll find swipeable tools, royalty-free image libraries, downloadable templates, eBooks, idea-starters, and other resources to actually use (not just collect).

 

No fluff. No overwhelm. And definitely no gatekeeping. Just the good stuff, ready when you are!

Live Make Hours

(our live co-creating sessions) for the FUN kind of accountability

Come hang out and make art alongside fellow creatives in real time with sharing, laughter, and that feeling of we’re in this together.

 

Whether you’re starting something new, picking up a half-finished piece, or just doodling for fun, Make Hour gives you space to reconnect with your practice in community. No pressure. Just art pals and good vibes.

Cozy Studio Feed

to share updates, ask questions & feel less stagnant or alone

This is your main hub in The Art Nest—a cozy, ongoing thread that works like a group chat for your art practice.

 

It’s where we show up imperfectly, talk through the stuck spots, and remind each other that progress doesn’t have to be polished. It’s low-pressure, high-connection, and you’ll always have a place to land.

Exclusive & Early Access

to drops and events (plus occasional surprises 🥳)

Be the first to know (and join!) when something new drops. Whether it’s a workshop, a limited-time resource, or something unexpected from the studio shelves.

Art Nest members always get early access, plus the occasional just-because bonus that doesn’t get shared anywhere else. Because surprises are fun, and you deserve them.

You don't have to do it alone anymore

Inside The Art Nest, you’ll feel:
 

  • Motivated by real connection (not deadlines)
  • Calmer about your process (even when it’s messy)
  • Encouraged to keep showing up for your art, even when life gets in the way
  • And most of all 👉 seen, supported, and understood by people who just get it

You’ll leave our live calls with fresh insights, softened perfectionism, and that wonderful itch to create something—anything—again.

Join us inside

Every month follows a soft rhythm

This space has been carefully (and slowly) shaped from years of seeing what actually helps artists stay engaged, hearing where people fall off, get stuck, or feel alone, and listening to the difference between “I want to create” and “I should be creating”…
1st of each month

Monthly Theme Drop

Each month begins with a theme to guide your practice to help you set your intentions for the following weeks with light creative direction.
Ongoing Community Space

The Studio Feed

Weekly check-ins, creative wins, prompts, and space to share your process in progress (messy or not)
Second Thursdays

Live Deep Dive Calls

A live group conversation centered on a focus topic. We unpack real creative struggles — like perfectionism, burnout, or inspiration overload — through honest reflection and community wisdom.
Third Thursdays

Live Make Hour

A no pressure session to just show up and make art together! Whether you're scribbling, stitching, painting, or poking at an idea, this is art time - together.
Every Wednesday

This Week In Your Studio...

Your weekly nudge that lets you assess your own practice. Each post offers a playful, oddly specific question 😜 to spark reflection, conversation, and acknowledge the small stuff that often goes unnoticed in your art life.
Ongoing

Forage Folder

A growing, highly curated stop full of inspiration and resources. Prompts, links, and surprising little sparks to get you creating again.

This community was made for you. Literally.

0

I'm just now getting back into my art after a period of grief, and I feel so supported by this fantastic community.

0

I realized how much joy and sense of belonging I experience from being a part of art community like this

0

I'm so grateful for this because it reignited my spark of passion and excitement for art (after months of feeling disconnected)

0

Peggy is a pro and makes everyone feels at ease. I am so inspired to make new art and have learned so much. The community is great!

0

I feel welcome, seen and valued here during a difficult time in my life and for that I will always be grateful.

0

I can intuitively tell that the intention here is connection, learning and inspiring others to create. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.

0

The most meaningful aspect is the boost of validation I feel in embracing my identity as an artist.

0

I cannot stress this enough: this is absolutely the best thing any artist has done for their community.

0

This is the best thing for an artist, regardless of where they are in their journey currently.

0

This is the absolute best thing you can do for your sanity, creativity, mindset and mental health.

0

I'm just now getting back into my art after a period of grief, and I feel so supported by this fantastic community.

0

I realized how much joy and sense of belonging I experience from being a part of art community like this

0

I'm so grateful for this because it reignited my spark of passion and excitement for art (after months of feeling disconnected)

0

Peggy is a pro and makes everyone feels at ease. I am so inspired to make new art and have learned so much. The community is great!

0

I feel welcome, seen and valued here during a difficult time in my life and for that I will always be grateful.

0

I can intuitively tell that the intention here is connection, learning and inspiring others to create. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.

0

The most meaningful aspect is the boost of validation I feel in embracing my identity as an artist.

0

I cannot stress this enough: this is absolutely the best thing any artist has done for their community.

0

This is the best thing for an artist, regardless of where they are in their journey currently.

0

This is the absolute best thing you can do for your sanity, creativity, mindset and mental health.

0

I'm just now getting back into my art after a period of grief, and I feel so supported by this fantastic community.

0

I realized how much joy and sense of belonging I experience from being a part of art community like this

0

I'm so grateful for this because it reignited my spark of passion and excitement for art (after months of feeling disconnected)

0

Peggy is a pro and makes everyone feels at ease. I am so inspired to make new art and have learned so much. The community is great!

0

I feel welcome, seen and valued here during a difficult time in my life and for that I will always be grateful.

0

I can intuitively tell that the intention here is connection, learning and inspiring others to create. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.

0

The most meaningful aspect is the boost of validation I feel in embracing my identity as an artist.

0

I cannot stress this enough: this is absolutely the best thing any artist has done for their community.

0

This is the best thing for an artist, regardless of where they are in their journey currently.

0

This is the absolute best thing you can do for your sanity, creativity, mindset and mental health.

0

I'm just now getting back into my art after a period of grief, and I feel so supported by this fantastic community.

0

I realized how much joy and sense of belonging I experience from being a part of art community like this

0

I'm so grateful for this because it reignited my spark of passion and excitement for art (after months of feeling disconnected)

0

Peggy is a pro and makes everyone feels at ease. I am so inspired to make new art and have learned so much. The community is great!

0

I feel welcome, seen and valued here during a difficult time in my life and for that I will always be grateful.

0

I can intuitively tell that the intention here is connection, learning and inspiring others to create. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.

0

The most meaningful aspect is the boost of validation I feel in embracing my identity as an artist.

0

I cannot stress this enough: this is absolutely the best thing any artist has done for their community.

0

This is the best thing for an artist, regardless of where they are in their journey currently.

0

This is the absolute best thing you can do for your sanity, creativity, mindset and mental health.

0

I'm just now getting back into my art after a period of grief, and I feel so supported by this fantastic community.

0

I realized how much joy and sense of belonging I experience from being a part of art community like this

0

I'm so grateful for this because it reignited my spark of passion and excitement for art (after months of feeling disconnected)

0

Peggy is a pro and makes everyone feels at ease. I am so inspired to make new art and have learned so much. The community is great!

0

I feel welcome, seen and valued here during a difficult time in my life and for that I will always be grateful.

0

I can intuitively tell that the intention here is connection, learning and inspiring others to create. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.

0

The most meaningful aspect is the boost of validation I feel in embracing my identity as an artist.

0

I cannot stress this enough: this is absolutely the best thing any artist has done for their community.

0

This is the best thing for an artist, regardless of where they are in their journey currently.

0

This is the absolute best thing you can do for your sanity, creativity, mindset and mental health.

0

I'm just now getting back into my art after a period of grief, and I feel so supported by this fantastic community.

0

I realized how much joy and sense of belonging I experience from being a part of art community like this

0

I'm so grateful for this because it reignited my spark of passion and excitement for art (after months of feeling disconnected)

0

Peggy is a pro and makes everyone feels at ease. I am so inspired to make new art and have learned so much. The community is great!

0

I feel welcome, seen and valued here during a difficult time in my life and for that I will always be grateful.

0

I can intuitively tell that the intention here is connection, learning and inspiring others to create. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.

0

The most meaningful aspect is the boost of validation I feel in embracing my identity as an artist.

0

I cannot stress this enough: this is absolutely the best thing any artist has done for their community.

0

This is the best thing for an artist, regardless of where they are in their journey currently.

0

This is the absolute best thing you can do for your sanity, creativity, mindset and mental health.

0

It's not always easy to invest in creativity, but what Peggy offers makes a real difference. I'm deeply grateful.

0

I honestly can't recommend this enough. Peggy creates such a beautiful space to be happy, be creative, and reconnect with yourself.

0

I found my safe creative space with like minded online friends and l'm in this for life.

0

This is the first time I've painted in two years. I have missed it so much. I am nearly in tears at finding my creative self again!!

0

What a beautifully inclusive space you have fostered!

0

This is truly one of the best things I've experienced. i feel welcomed and at home in this amazing community.

0

Thank you for this in depth conversation of connection and openness. We all can benefit and shows how beautiful this community truly is.

0

Thank you for this community as a safe space. It's so important and I'm grateful.

0

Thank you all for sharing because it feels so good to relate with others in the same & similar situations.

0

I am overwhelmed by this whole artful community. It's got a whole different vibe than other groups I've experienced. Such a gift!

0

This IS art therapy. Connection and community!

0

It's not always easy to invest in creativity, but what Peggy offers makes a real difference. I'm deeply grateful.

0

I honestly can't recommend this enough. Peggy creates such a beautiful space to be happy, be creative, and reconnect with yourself.

0

I found my safe creative space with like minded online friends and l'm in this for life.

0

This is the first time I've painted in two years. I have missed it so much. I am nearly in tears at finding my creative self again!!

0

What a beautifully inclusive space you have fostered!

0

This is truly one of the best things I've experienced. i feel welcomed and at home in this amazing community.

0

Thank you for this in depth conversation of connection and openness. We all can benefit and shows how beautiful this community truly is.

0

Thank you for this community as a safe space. It's so important and I'm grateful.

0

Thank you all for sharing because it feels so good to relate with others in the same & similar situations.

0

I am overwhelmed by this whole artful community. It's got a whole different vibe than other groups I've experienced. Such a gift!

0

This IS art therapy. Connection and community!

0

It's not always easy to invest in creativity, but what Peggy offers makes a real difference. I'm deeply grateful.

0

I honestly can't recommend this enough. Peggy creates such a beautiful space to be happy, be creative, and reconnect with yourself.

0

I found my safe creative space with like minded online friends and l'm in this for life.

0

This is the first time I've painted in two years. I have missed it so much. I am nearly in tears at finding my creative self again!!

0

What a beautifully inclusive space you have fostered!

0

This is truly one of the best things I've experienced. i feel welcomed and at home in this amazing community.

0

Thank you for this in depth conversation of connection and openness. We all can benefit and shows how beautiful this community truly is.

0

Thank you for this community as a safe space. It's so important and I'm grateful.

0

Thank you all for sharing because it feels so good to relate with others in the same & similar situations.

0

I am overwhelmed by this whole artful community. It's got a whole different vibe than other groups I've experienced. Such a gift!

0

This IS art therapy. Connection and community!

0

It's not always easy to invest in creativity, but what Peggy offers makes a real difference. I'm deeply grateful.

0

I honestly can't recommend this enough. Peggy creates such a beautiful space to be happy, be creative, and reconnect with yourself.

0

I found my safe creative space with like minded online friends and l'm in this for life.

0

This is the first time I've painted in two years. I have missed it so much. I am nearly in tears at finding my creative self again!!

0

What a beautifully inclusive space you have fostered!

0

This is truly one of the best things I've experienced. i feel welcomed and at home in this amazing community.

0

Thank you for this in depth conversation of connection and openness. We all can benefit and shows how beautiful this community truly is.

0

Thank you for this community as a safe space. It's so important and I'm grateful.

0

Thank you all for sharing because it feels so good to relate with others in the same & similar situations.

0

I am overwhelmed by this whole artful community. It's got a whole different vibe than other groups I've experienced. Such a gift!

0

This IS art therapy. Connection and community!

0

It's not always easy to invest in creativity, but what Peggy offers makes a real difference. I'm deeply grateful.

0

I honestly can't recommend this enough. Peggy creates such a beautiful space to be happy, be creative, and reconnect with yourself.

0

I found my safe creative space with like minded online friends and l'm in this for life.

0

This is the first time I've painted in two years. I have missed it so much. I am nearly in tears at finding my creative self again!!

0

What a beautifully inclusive space you have fostered!

0

This is truly one of the best things I've experienced. i feel welcomed and at home in this amazing community.

0

Thank you for this in depth conversation of connection and openness. We all can benefit and shows how beautiful this community truly is.

0

Thank you for this community as a safe space. It's so important and I'm grateful.

0

Thank you all for sharing because it feels so good to relate with others in the same & similar situations.

0

I am overwhelmed by this whole artful community. It's got a whole different vibe than other groups I've experienced. Such a gift!

0

This IS art therapy. Connection and community!

0

It's not always easy to invest in creativity, but what Peggy offers makes a real difference. I'm deeply grateful.

0

I honestly can't recommend this enough. Peggy creates such a beautiful space to be happy, be creative, and reconnect with yourself.

0

I found my safe creative space with like minded online friends and l'm in this for life.

0

This is the first time I've painted in two years. I have missed it so much. I am nearly in tears at finding my creative self again!!

0

What a beautifully inclusive space you have fostered!

0

This is truly one of the best things I've experienced. i feel welcomed and at home in this amazing community.

0

Thank you for this in depth conversation of connection and openness. We all can benefit and shows how beautiful this community truly is.

0

Thank you for this community as a safe space. It's so important and I'm grateful.

0

Thank you all for sharing because it feels so good to relate with others in the same & similar situations.

0

I am overwhelmed by this whole artful community. It's got a whole different vibe than other groups I've experienced. Such a gift!

0

This IS art therapy. Connection and community!

I'm an artist, educator, and human with messy pages (literally and metaphorically 😅) just like you. I’ve been showing up to this work for almost a decade, and I’ve seen how many creatives fall off—not from lack of talent, but from lack of support.

 

The Art Nest is the place I wish existed when I needed it most.
So I built it for us.

Seasonal Nest

$ 16 /month
A flexible option for those who like to go season by season. Billed quarterly at $48.
  • Creative themes that anchor and inspire
  • Live calls that reconnect you to your practice
  • Art sessions to make without pressure
  • A curated mecca of tools and resources
  • Community of likeminded creatives
  • A rhythm that meets you where you are
JOIN NOW
peggy dean art books

Make space for

Come as you are.

Make what you want.

Let your creativity feel human.

JOIN THE ART NEST

Got a question?

I've got answers.

Is this a course?

Nope. The Art Nest is not a course, and there’s no curriculum. It’s a rhythm-based community space with live calls, creative prompts, and support that meets you where you’re at.

What happens on the live calls?

We host two types of calls throughout each month:

Make Hour: fun and playful co-create sessions to make art together

Deep Dives: guided group discussions around creative topics like identity, burnout, style, color, and more. They're honest, energizing, and very human.

What if I can't make it to a live call?

No problem! Replays are always posted in the community so you can revisit anytime.

Where is the community hosted?

The Art Nest lives off social media, in a calm, private platform built for creative community. It’s easy to navigate, and won’t distract you with algorithms or ads.

What makes this different from other memberships?

This isn’t about content overload or pressure to be productive. The Art Nest is gentle, encouraging, and designed for real-life creatives. The kind with messy desks, big dreams, and very human days.

How much time do I need to commit?

As much or as little as you want. There’s no pressure to keep up, post regularly, or attend every call. Think of The Art Nest as a cozy corner you can return to anytime, whether you’re in a creative sprint or a quiet lull.

What kinds of artists is this for?

All kinds. Painters, digital illustrators, journalers, sketchbook explorers, photographers, crafters, creative dabblers, if you’re craving consistent connection to your art, you’ll feel at home here.

What if I'm quiet or shy in groups?

You’re not alone in that. Many members like to observe and absorb more than they post and that’s totally welcome. You’ll still get so much out of the calls, threads, and prompts just by showing up in your own way!

Can I join later?

Enrollment will be open periodically, but this is the best time to join - while the doors are open and the founding community is forming. If you wait, you might miss some of the most powerful momentum ♥

Can I upgrade to annual later?

Yes! If you start as a Seasonal Nester and fall in love (we think you will), you can upgrade to the Perennial tier at any time and lock in the savings.

Can I cancel anytime?

Yes. The Art Nest has both quarterly and annual tiers, designed to be flexible. If it ever stops being a fit, you’re able to cancel, no hard feelings.