Don’t forget to register next time!
Throughout all of January and even a little March, Tulsans learned to feel the rhythm of music, took dance classes, created interesting handmade crafts, drew, and even explored acting, and it was all together with the “I Can’t” workshops for FREE.
“I Can’t” workshops are an already long-standing project that burst into life in Tulsa, offering all city residents an opportunity to learn something new, challenge themselves, explore their creative abilities, meet new and interesting people, and just have a great time.
This project was created by a remarkable and creative woman, Annina Collier, dean at the McKeon Center of Creativity. The TCC Connection had the opportunity to interview Collier, learn about the “I Can’t Do” workshop project, and, of course, about herself.
The “I Can’t” workshop series was one of the very first initiatives Collier launched after joining Tulsa Community College. Now more than a decade old, the project continues to evolve while staying true to its original purpose, helping adults reconnect with creativity and enjoy the creative process without pressure or expectations.
Collier explains that many people stop engaging in creative activities as they grow older. For children, drawing, singing, dancing, and pretending come naturally, but in adulthood, they often lead to the belief that creativity is only for professionals or must be monetized to have value.
The workshops are designed to challenge that mindset and invite participants to create simply for the joy of it. The goal is not to discover hidden talent or produce a finished product, but to try something new or revisit something long forgotten.
Each workshop is hosted by a different Tulsa-based arts or cultural nonprofit, making the series not only a hands-on experience but also a gateway into the city’s cultural landscape.
According to Collier, this winter series included many workshops that had never been offered earlier.
“A lot of these are brand new for us,” she says. The goal was to cover as many creative directions as possible. They were wide-ranging, from visual arts and music to dance, storytelling, and acting.
Among the new formats were “I Can’t Make Stained Glass Paper” with the Tulsa Foundation for Architecture, “I Can’t Create a Storyboard” hosted by Gilcrease Museum, and “I Can’t Create Comics” in collaboration with the Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture (OKPOP). Also, favorites like “I Can’t Play Harmonica” with the Bob Dylan Center. It was known for its high-energy workshops where participants could keep their harmonicas. The winter series included salsa dancing, watercolor, acting, and hands-on making, offering something for nearly every interest.
The workshops’ philosophy is that participants jump straight into creating. There is no pressure to perform, no expectation of a finished product, and no one is put on the spot unless they want to be.
“It’s really about getting into a flow state and enjoying the process,” Collier explains. The workshops are designed to feel welcoming and low-stress. That’s a place to try something new, reconnect with creativity, and maybe discover a new side of Tulsa’s arts community along the way.
Behind the project is Annina Collier, the first Dean of the Center for Creativity and George Kaiser Family Foundation Endowed Chair since 2014. Her mission is to make creativity accessible to everyone, build community, and support emerging talent.
Under her leadership, the Center for Creativity has become a lively cultural hub in Tulsa. In addition to the I Can’t workshop series, Collier created “Please Touch the Art,” a multisensory exhibition designed for all visitors, including those who are blind or visually impaired.
She has also built national and international partnerships with organizations like TED Talk and The Moth. Since 2020, the Center has been Tulsa’s exclusive community partner of The Moth, providing storytelling workshops and events that encourage people to share their voices.
From February to March, the “I Can’t” workshops brought joy to Tulsa residents, creating a vibrant atmosphere where people could not only try something new but also make new connections and friends who share similar interests.
This year, the Center for Creativity has many exciting events, such as workshops with Muscogee Creek artists, a cooking demonstration, a beadwork session, and a stunt demo with the coordinator of the FX/Hulu series, “The Lowdown,” as well as the popular iCamp series returning with a Route 66 theme.
So, stay tuned to make sure you do not miss any of these exciting opportunities. Check and register for future events at centerforcreativitytulsa.com or sign up for their e-newsletter.
“I Can’t” workshops are an already long-standing project that burst into life in Tulsa, offering all city residents an opportunity to learn something new, challenge themselves, explore their creative abilities, meet new and interesting people, and just have a great time. (Photos by Jana Mulukina)
