Jane Ash Poitras, Shaman Never Die, 1998, acrylic and collage on canvas, 71.0 cm x 86.0 cm x 81.0 cm
Gift of Carolyne Rourke in memory of Byron Rourke, 2019, 2019.012

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It is human nature to depend on others. 

This session focuses on cultivating warm-heartedness; where all are welcome into our community of care. Whether you are struggling with personal hardships or feelings of loneliness/isolation, or perhaps you are looking for a community to build creative connections with: all are welcome here. We are deeply connected even when we do not see it. 

Ainslee will guide you through a series of activities, beginning with our mindfulness check-in, which focuses on our shared sense of humanity. This explores that our greatest bond is through connection to others. When we learn to shift our focus of the mind, we see that this shared connection is possible from anywhere. Sophie will deepen our learning by inspiring us through a slow-looking art exercise based on our weekly theme. 

We will then spend time creating art together! No experience is needed. The emphasis is on the process and using art as a means for expression. Explore what “connection” looks like to you, through a variety of art-making prompts! 

Suggested Materials: 

• Art buffet (This means, whatever you have available to you will work just fine!) Perhaps bring a variety of different materials or things you feel connected to that day! 

Optional:

• Paper, paints, markers, ink, etc.
• Mixed Media (Magazines, old photographs, books, fabrics, stamps, etc.)
• Scissors
• Glue 
• Photography

Art-Making

1. What is needed to create a community of care? - acceptance, understanding, trust, friendship, etc.
   
2. What does it look like to you? - a colour, symbol, pattern, etc. 
   
3. What other things are you connected to? - interests, people, ancestry, living beings, etc. 
   
4. Explore these themes using: mixed media, sculpture, photography, drawing, etc.
5. Take time to journal what came up for you - any symbols you notice in your artwork, or how was the process for you.
6. Taking time to write it down offers us time and space to reflect on what arises through our creative journey!