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Destination Canadian Art
Contemporary Art
Changing Exhibitions

401 Riverside Drive West
Windsor, ON N9A 7J1

Gallery Hours:
Open today from 10 am - 5 pm

SESSION 4: Being There for Yourself and Others

On Saturday, January 30th, we were joined by special guest Abbey Lee Hallet for an incredible session focused on 'Being There for Ourselves and Others'. Abbey Lee (she/they) is the new Audience Engagement Coordinator at the AGW, with a strong background as a mental health advocate and former ghost tour guide (lots of good stories there!). 

Abbey Lee helped us to connect to our mental health through an engaging presentation from Jack.org. Learn some interesting facts about how we can support ourselves and others. We explored the bubble of love. It is the environment that fuels your immune response. We will discover what needs to be put in place in order to restore your energy and take care of yourself and others.  

Participants were invited to collect found objects in their home/environment that help support their healing process/wellness practice. Participants were invited to create their own ‘bubble of love’ mandala using the shapes provided by your found objects and additional elements of design. We explored the importance of trust, connection, and self discovery.

Note: You may collect physical objects like: a special bar of soap that smells so good! Or a kitchen tool that is used to make your favourite treat! There may also be things that support taking care of yourself that are not physical objects. We will be able to explore further through the art making process. 

For this session you will need: 

  • Found objects (At-Home Items/Natural - That Help Support Well-Being)
  • Pencil
  • Drawing Materials (Marker, Coloured Pencil, etc.) 
  • Paper (Drawing, Water Colour, Cardstock, etc). 

Process: 

  1. Gather objects that support your healing process or wellness practices.
  2. Use a pencil or marker to trace a large circular object, such as a plate or bowl, in the middle of your page.
  3. Use your pencil or markers to trace the contour of your found objects inside of your cicle, creating reapeated patterns. Play with shapes and lines. Flip your objects in different directions. Create layers. 
  4. Add colour to your work. What colours are you drawn to? What do those colours represent to you? 
  5. When you are done, take a moment to express your gratitude and to reflect on your piece as well as the found objects you chose. What do they represent to you? How do they support your well-being? 

Pre-Activity: In this session of Sundays in the Studio, Art Instructor Ayesha Drouillard

will show us how to create a Mandela's out of natural and found objects inspired by nature.