Feature image credit: Vancouver Art Gallery
Seems lately, the world is piling up ways to fuel thoughts and emotions that can be, at the very least, “unwelcome.” But it’s not new. For as long as humans have been dealing with our emotions, we’ve been making art not only to interpret and understand these feelings but to work through them as well. If you’re feeling these days like you could just use an escape or a release, check out these workshops happening soon around Metro Vancouver and Whistler that use the healing powers of art as a way to experience the world and express yourself.
Ceramics: Open Workshop | Burnaby
May 25
Kneading, slapping, shaping and carving allows you to channel emotions into a physical medium. There are plenty of metaphors for life in the act of taking something shapeless and raw, and creating something beautiful and lasting. Experienced pottery makers are invited to open workshops at the Shadbolt Centre for some quiet, mindful time at the wheel. Glazing is available as well, under supervision of the kiln tech on hand.
Credit: City of Burnaby
Mandala Magic – An Art Therapy Workshop | Vancouver
May 28
Mandala, in ancient Sanskrit, means circle—and its design is found in many cultures and spiritual traditions. In this workshop, you’ll create your own mandala, tapping into your own unique creativity, as well as learn how drawing is connected to meditation and the reduction of stress and anxiety and how to interpret the colours and patterns you choose for greater personal insight. The best part is, you need zero experience with art to participate and receive all the gifts that come from self-discovery and emotional well-being.
Credit: innerverseintegratedhealth.com
Expressionist Layers | Vancouver’s North Shore
June 7
What could be more relaxing than setting up your easel outside, taking what the spectacular North Shore nature gives you and putting it on canvas? Find out at the Expressionist Layers workshop where you’ll drip, drizzle, cover and colour your way to a new positive outlook. You can follow step-by-step instructions or just go wild with only your imagination at the helm. Presented by the Edgemont Village Art Studio, it’s not about the finished product, but the experience of creating.
Credit: artatedgemont.com (Lucky Cats Media)
Guided Life Drawing | Surrey
June 14
Sometimes it takes getting out of our own bodies to gain perspective on what it means to be human. Look “outward” in this guided drawing workshop that focuses on the human figure as subject. You’ll learn in a studio environment from experienced art educators and practicing artists how to capture the shapes, forms, movements of the human body and the emotions they serve.
Credit: cottonbro studio via pexels.com
Paint Nite Brand Creative Events | Burnaby
June 22
The Rec Room in Brentwood transforms into an art studio where you can let go and follow your creative impulses under the guidance of a local artist. All of your materials are included in the price of admission as well as a set of step-by-step instructions to create a beautiful painting you can hang in your home. Perfect for a night out with friends—and what could be more therapeutic than that!
Credit: eventbrite.ca
Daily Soapstone Art Classes | Whistler
Getting hands-on creative time with nature can bring a closer connection to the earth and offer a break from our modern, digital environments. Carving soapstone is a great way to engage your senses and ground yourself in the present moment—plus you’ll take away a unique, meaningful keepsake to remind you of your experience. In this daily workshop at Fathom Stone Art, you’ll be guided in your creation by expert carvers, using authentic BC soapstone.
Credit: fathomstone.com
Vancouver Art Gallery: Art of Well-Being | Vancouver
Those that have studied health and well-being have agreed for a long time on the healing powers of art in the individual and communities as a whole—yet access to a formal structure of art therapy often lies behind social and financial walls. That is why the Vancouver Art Gallery has launched its Art of Wellbeing lab, where established researchers, physicians and Indigenous Elders and healers work together to bring art to those in the community who could benefit from the experience, including prescribed visits to the Emily Carr exhibition and communal art-making for seniors.
Credit: Vancouver Art Gallery
Healing Sounds Studio | Surrey
Therapeutic art need not exist in the physical world, we can find it in the air all around us. That’s the inspiration behind Surrey’s Healing Sound Studios where sound is powerful medicine that restores balance, clears energy and brings deep transformation. Sit in on a one-on-one session or join a group for a unique aural experience that will guide you to deep relaxation and alignment.
Credit: healingsounds.ca