Join us at our art therapy open studio for an opportunity to use a variety of art-making mediums and techniques like mending, stitching, painting, collage, found objects, 2d and 3d, weaving, and nature to explore what is immediate for you in the moment.
By donation – donations accepted but not required.
No art experience required – you don’t need to consider yourself artistic or creative; just bring a willingness to explore.
All Supplies are provided – we have a variety of supplies available to freely use.
Registration is not required
Making art together can support us to move through life’s challenges, helping us to grieve our losses, mitigate feelings of isolation and loneliness, and reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety.
It is also a great way to move through creative blocks, free ourselves to find our unique style of expression, and release self-judgement. We affectionately call this space a judgement and criticism-free zone, of yourself and others!
Experience the benefits of creative expression in a supportive group environment. The sessions will be facilitated by art therapist Heidi Abbott who has a love for the therapeutic, meditative, healing, and self-expressive attributes of creating together.
Sign up for our weekly newsletter, and you will receive an email each week as a reminder.
To receive a weekly email reminder and information about the weekly theme, sign up for this e-newsletter. We won’t give away your email address, and you can unsubscribe at any time (there will be an unsubscribe link in every email). Signing up for the newsletter doesn’t mean we expect you to come to the sessions; it’s just so you receive a reminder, information on the theme, and in case of any schedule changes.
Schedule for 2025
Mondays from 5:00 to 7:00 pm (excluding stat holidays)
Location: McMillan Arts Centre Studio, 133 McMillan street, Parksville, upstairs in the Studio.
More information:
If you haven’t been to our Open Studio before and you are unsure of what to expect, I want to let you know that we strive to provide a safe and welcoming space for you to explore creativity, the materials, different techniques etc, with no expectation of outcome. You do not need to have any experience at all with art, art materials or creativity. This time is to explore the therapeutic, meditative, healing, and self-expressive attributes of creating together. Many people attend to start an art practice, ignite a lost practice, make space for regular creative practice or simply to see if this is something they might benefit from.
The Open Studio process includes forming your own intention using any materials you choose or responding to an invitation from the facilitator as a guide to art-making. There is no need to identify as an ‘artist’ or have any particular skills to participate, only a curiosity to explore the materials and your own creative expression.
We have a cupboard full of a wide range of media and materials that can be freely used: fabrics, threads, paints, papers, natural materials and clay, etc. Feel free to bring anything of your own that you would like to work on or add to your open studio projects.
All the sessions are offered at no cost, although donations are welcomed (the suggested donation amount is $3 per session). Donations of materials are also appreciated; just check with us first as we have limited space.