Introducing Alyson Schexnayder

Alyson Ayres Schexnayder is a Lafayette native, lover of community, lifelong student and teacher of yoga, real estate professional, dancer, mover, and most gratefully, mother to 10-year-old Frances. She has been leading yoga classes in the Acadiana area for over 25 years and currently also teaches senior chair exercise through the Lafayette Council on Aging. Alyson lives life with zest and believes we are all artists and architects of our own lives. She is currently deep in the creative process of midlife—a masterpiece in the making—and has much to share.

Who makes up your art circle?

My art circle is made of everything and everyone I love! These people that I love dearly have, in some way, all helped me to see the creative and artistic nature of my own unique being. And my daughter. Through her artistic eye, I can truly feel my own creative center. I guess I’d say my art circle is really made of love. 

How do you expand your art circle?

Through a willingness to trust. Which is challenging. It takes some grit! My art circle expands in direct relationship with my courage. So I expand by looking to go where I’ve not yet been…

What value do you see in having a creative community?

Ohhhhh, it’s everything and the only reason for anything! Without a creative community who are we? What are we? Through creative community we come to know ourselves. The real Self that we have been looking for! 

How does your artistic approach contribute to  your community?

Well, I like to think that it works like a little flame. As I feed my little fire in my soul and become bright and warm without fear of being blown out, well…I then have that light to share. And in that light, maybe others will see and experience their light. Then they have it to share. And possibly that light can spread. All over! It’s the true living of “Namaste” for real. And it matters! We all matter! I know that!