seed funding from the Kitty J. Heller foundation
the healing power of art
year round program
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.
current healing power of the art programs
art friends
sessional program
Arts workshops offered to a group of adults with diverse abilities, developmental delays, and other special needs. From painting to crafts, music, dance, theatre, drumming, and more. This program builds social connections and each session includes an “end-of-term” presentation to families and friends.
mindful creation
sessional program
Art workshops developed around Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and various art techniques for the purpose of exploring a practice for individuals to manage their anxiety. Anxiety impacts a quarter of the population in Canada.
Registration is now open for the May 10 – June 28 class (meets on 8 consecutive Wednesdays).
intentional aging
coming soon
Using the creative and experiential tools of Narrative and Drama Therapy, we explored aging, death, and dying; creating a legacy; and taking one’s place as elders in our community.
previous healing power of the art programs
common ground
not currently offered
An Arts-Based Support Group for Those Living with or Recovering from Cancer or Other Life-Challenging Illnesses
“this program for me was a wonderful experience. living with chronic illness can be isolating…leaving you feeling alone and misunderstood….”
who was Kitty J. Heller?
Kitty, a frequent Gabriola visitor, 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.
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 made possible by:
