Current Programs
- Mindful Creation:
Addressing Anxiety through Art for Adults and Teens
Past Programs
- Common Ground:
An Arts-Based Support Group for Those Living with a Life-Challenging Illness - Intentional Aging:
Exploring the Path from Senior to Elder
What is the Healing Power of Art?
Healing with art is based on the belief that the creative process and self-expression can help people develop insight into their situations—mental, emotional and physical.
Do I need to be talented?
Absolutely not! And you need not be afraid of expressing yourself through art! It might feel a bit different and unnatural at first but that’s okay—most of us are not used to communicating through the arts. But you might find that the creative process can be rewarding. The goal is not to create a masterpiece but to experience the healing power of creative expression.
“This program for me was a wonderful experience. Living with chronic illness can be isolating…leaving you feeling alone and misunderstood. I found being in an environment with others who face a similar challenge gave me comfort. Listening and sharing is good for the soul. Having two trained professionals putting us at ease and leading our group through the “class” made it a safe place to truly open up. Having the ability to create something out of our emotional and mental status at the time was helpful each session. I just found it a soul-pleasing experience.” — Pam, Gabriola Island resident and participant in the recent GAC’s Art-Based Chronic Pain Support program.
Who was Kitty J. Heller?
Kitty made a significant contribution to art and culture in BC and Canada through her work on numerous boards, including the National Gallery of Canada, the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Vancouver Holocaust Centre Society. She also gave her time and energy to many small groups who were struggling to survive. She was a frequent visitor to Gabriola and thoroughly enjoyed and indulged in our rich and vibrant cultural life. The Gabriola Arts Council board is genuinely touched and grateful to her estate for choosing the GAC as a worthy recipient of a bequest in her name that allowed the development of this program. GAC is committed to enriching her legacy through the judicious use of her generous bequest, and ensuring her legacy reaches as many members of the Gabriola community as possible.
This program is supported by the Gabriola Health Care Foundation and the Gabriola Auxiliary for Island Health. We are grateful for their contributions.
