The growing pace at which we live our lives inevitably triggers increased stress. Most of us need coping mechanisms in order to establish a better balanced quality of life that promotes wellness and combats the effects of this stress.
Our goal is to provide methods for incorporating the arts, in part, as a self-help aid and to open different paths of communication. Our workshops offer an enjoyable, rich, creative experience. Our approach is non-judgemental, inclusive and collaborative, and everyone is encouraged to find their creative centre.
Engagement in the creative process is a very effective, proven means of building a sense of community. It’s fun, engaging, relaxing and absolutely no special skills are required. Our team’s role is to act as a catalyst and guide and to give form to ideas.
As a group you will be introduced to new ways to promote problem solving and team building. It will also provide a vehicle for developing your voice, expressing your opinions and validating your feelings. As individuals you will learn more about how to practice self care and give form to your surprisingly powerful inner resources. And you will generate a sense of empowerment along the way. You will be surprised by the new skills you will take away with you as you explore different art materials and forms of expression.
The workshops - designed to meet the needs of each group - will give you collective and individual ways to reduce stress, improve your overall sense of wellbeing.
For more information or to schedule a workshop contact:
Mary Pfaff, Director of Arts and Development
artswell@magma.ca
613.250-0642
Creatrix
In collaboration with Regional Centre for the Treatment of Eating Disorders
The Ottawa Hospital, General Campus
January 11 & 19, 2010
Creatrix grew out of a desire to explore the expressive arts as a tool in the steps towards empowerment. Workshop participants expressed their unique creative self using goddess images and archetypes as a source of inspiration and became actively engaged in the creation of personalized empowerment journals and “vision” nests.
The Regional Centre for the Treatment of Eating Disorders at The Ottawa Hospital, General Campus, serves the needs of adult patients in the Ottawa-Carleton region and Eastern Ontario , who suffer from serious eating disorders that include Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating and other eating disorders. Comprehensive multidisciplinary treatment is provided in a contained and structured environment with therapy offered almost exclusively in a group format. The multidisciplinary team, led by Program Director and Psychiatrist, Dr. H. Bissada, includes registered nurses, clinical psychologists, dietitians, a social worker, occupational therapist, program evaluator and administrative staff.
“I had the expectation of being genuine and I was inspired.”
“I am thirsty to be kinder to myself”
“...I was able to leave my problems...and remain focused for 2 hours, this is truly a miracle for me!”
“No part of this was difficult or stressful. The best way to spend O.T.”
“Truly incredible experience for me. I am still in shock at how much I enjoyed being relaxed and creative!!”
“It exceeded my expectations.”
“Excellent materials provided to work with.”
“This was a great program! Inspiring and creative! I loved it!”
“Thank you so very much for such a precious gift. A new spark (or an old one put aside) caressed me today. Namasté.”
For more information about the Regional Centre for the Treatment of Eating Disorders please visit:
http://www.ottawahospital.on.ca/patient/visit/clinics/eatdis-e.asp
Mandalas and Music
A Creative Professional Development Day
Immigrant Women Services Ottawa
January 26, 2010
Facilitated by Janice Mah, Musician and Kris May, Art Therapist
A one-day Creative Professional Development Day for Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO) staff members used drawing, painting and music as tools to explore and develop creativity. Intended to help IWSO staff find new sources of inspiration, the program enabled participants to engage their imagination by giving themselves the permission, time and space to explore various creative tools. The workshop provided an opportunity to develop ideas and make room for creativity in their daily practice.
Participants worked under the guidance of the Artswell Arts and Healthcare team: Mary Pfaff, Director of Arts and Development; Dannie Horne, Board member Dannie Horne, Janice Mah, musician; and Kris May, registered Art Therapist.
IWSO staff discovered the mandala (a tool for healing, creative expression and personal growth) and learned how the circle is a universal symbol of balance, interconnection and transformation. Participants also experienced the joy and freedom of painting to music and, in so doing, developing a broader understanding concerning their relationship to sound and listening.
Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO) exists to empower women - women of colour, refugee women, black women – and their families in the City of Ottawa and the surrounding area to achieve their full potential, become productive members of society and participate in the elimination of all forms of abuse against women.
“Thank you so much for your time and bringing the child in me to life!”
“Keep doing what you’re doing.”
“Loved the painting mandalas and the auditory excercises.”
“Excellent!”
“Art is like you said, a universal language.”
“It was wonderful to relax and work as a team.”
“We don’t get a chance to take care of ourselves, this was a real treat.”
“We are very busy and out work if very stressful at times. This has opened doors for me and I will take this with me for my clients.”
For information about IWSO, please visit:
http://www.immigrantwomenservices.com
Oasis
Mixed Media on rice paper
We All Matter
Since October 2009, participants in the Oasis program had the opportunity to experience camaraderie, enthusiasm and enjoyment of creating together in three different activities.
One activity facilitated by Jennifer Ryder-Jones transformed defective glass crack pipes into wind chimes.
Another, a Paper Quilt, was made with the assistance of Beth Ross and is now displayed in the Oasis foyer.
In honour of International Aids Day, December 1, 2009, we featured a drumming and percussion circle with percussionist Derek Debeer and violinist Janice Mah.
Many thanks to Ryta Peschka, Drop In/Volunteer Coordinator, Oasis Program, Sandy Hill Community Health Centre, and the staff at Oasis.
The Centre provides medical and social services for people living with, or concerned about HIV and/or hepatitis C, and who encounter barriers to services because they use street drugs, have a mental illness, are homeless or are involved in the sex trade. The services include a drop-in centre, medical staff, counselling, health card assistance, an experienced dietician, street health outreach, needle exchange services and complementary care.
For information about Oasis, please visit http://www.sandyhillchc.on.ca
Autism Ontario
Artswell was pleased to offer a series of 8 creative workshops with adolescent girls once a month on Monday evenings at the Nepean Museum.
In collaboration with Nancy Haan, Brenda Reisch and Elaine Bissonnette, the workshops were led by Mary Pfaff Director of Arts and Development, and Lorrie Beaton Expressive Arts Practitioner.
The main creative arts activty was making masks and mandalas.
Many thanks to our fabulous participants and their families for this shared experience.
The Realize Community Potential Program is a new, unique service from Autism Ontario designed to directly support families, parents and children with ASD through greater access to ASD experts in their communities, and to provide a supportive community-based learning opportunities for children with ASD.