ABOUT LORI
SHORT:
Lori Sweet is an artist, teacher, and writer whose work explores the places where spirit, story, and lived experience meet. From an early age, she filled sketchbooks and journals with dreams, observations, and reflections on nature, the sacred realms, and the subtle currents moving through the world.
Rooted in a lifelong devotion to creativity, inner listening, healing work, and spiritual exploration, her work lives where memory, imagination, and meaning intertwine. Through the arts of image-making, contemplative practice, and embodied awareness, she invites others to connect with the sacred dimensions of everyday life and the wisdom woven through both the visible and invisible worlds, within and around us.
Lori lives with her husband, Tom, and enjoys playing the frame drum, caring for her plants, and walking barefoot in the woods.
LONGER:
Lori Sweet, born in Western Pennsylvania, has always been an intuitive artist, using art as a form of self-expression and healing to navigate life’s challenges. In high school, she won her first public art contest with a pastel drawing of a tiger and was voted "Most Artistic" in her senior year. Initially studying art therapy, Lori earned a degree in Social Work with a minor in Psychology from Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA. She spent over 25 years working as a case manager in Family and Child Services, Truancy, Hospital and Senior Care, and Women’s Services.
In addition to her social work career, Lori developed and facilitated art-based programs for hospitals, schools, and churches, focusing on relaxation, team-building, and personal growth. These included summer camps at Audubon for children, Adult Art Education classes at Chautauqua Institution, and Healing Arts programs for the NYS Office of Mental Health, Job Corps, and Hospice.
Lori also pursued further training in holistic healing, completing a two-year program in Therapeutic Touch at Trocaire Nursing College. She holds Reiki I and II certifications and has attended the California Institute of Integral Studies for graduate work in Women's Spirituality and Ecopsychology.
After earning a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Chicago, Lori worked as Office Manager and Art Teacher at The ArtsCenter at Dave Poulin’s Studio in Jamestown, NY, followed by four years as Executive Director of The Mandala Center, a spiritual retreat in Northeastern New Mexico.
In 2016, Lori became a Nationally Certified Reflexologist through the American Reflexology Certification Board and is a Professional Reflexologist with the Reflexology Association of America. She now owns Lori Sweet Studios, offering complementary, holistic wellness services aimed at stress reduction, personal growth, and well-being.
Lori is a certified facilitator of Health Rhythms, a drumming method for healing and self-expression and is a Touch Drawing Facilitator.
Lori is currently working on two books, Sacred Stories and The Self Blessing Ceremony. She also is developing a continuing education class for Reflexologists.
In her free time, Lori enjoys creating art, practicing Qi Gong, and exploring drumming and sound healing. She lives with her husband, Tom, a retired pastor, poet, and writer, along with lots of plants!
