Open Studio Sessions start October 21, 2015 and run every Wednesday from 10am-1pm!
Hi Everyone,
I’m Meg and I’ll be coordinating the Creative Arts Programs. As one of the Co-Founders of Alongside You I am so excited to be a part of this new program!
My Vision
Simply put, I want our art space to be a welcoming, inclusive place to create art. You don’t need to be an artist to join. Everyone is welcome!
I want our art programs to be a place where people can gather, chat, experiment with new art materials and leave feeling encouraged. Our aim is to provide a space where people can connect socially, foster personal growth, and improve health-related concerns.
Our Arts Programs Within An Integrated Health Clinic
You may be wondering why we have an art program alongside counselling, occupational therapy, group therapy, and dietitian services. Creative activity can help with stress and anxiety management, pain management; it may protect against aging, increase positive emotions and self-worth while learning new skills; it is also a fun way to connect with others and to build your social support network. Our creative arts programs do not require a referral. If you would like to see our other practitioners, you can reach them by phone or connect through email via our website to make an appointment.
How do our Creative Arts Programs differ from other art programs out there?
1. You have access to a wide variety of arts and crafts materials at your fingertips!
In our three hour Open Studio Sessions, you can choose from our arts and crafts materials in the studio (watercolor, pastels, acrylic painting, beading, and much more). This allows you to try new things and see what you like. Art demonstrations on specific techniques or materials, such as clay masks, plaster of Paris sculpture, speedball printing, and scratchboard etching will be held during the first hour of class for those who want to participate.
2. Our Programs offer flexibility!
There is no cancellation policy when you purchase session passes for our Open Studio Sessions. This allows for ultimate flexibility. Simply book yourself in or out of our online or over the phone calendar system and we will see you next time.
Our no cancellation policy provides participants who may have mental, behavioral, or medical health issues such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain, the option of coming to class that day or re-booking to come to another class. For those who may have difficulties accessing or using mainstream or standard arts or recreational programs, this is a great alternative!
3. Our Open Studio Sessions are not age/ability/diagnosis specific:
In our Open-Art Studio Sessions, people of all ages, abilities, and diagnoses are welcome to join in creating art. We encourage the culture of inclusion and sharing of knowledge between people of different ages, abilities and diagnoses. We acknowledge that everyone is wonderfully unique, and we believe we can all benefit from sharing experiences together.
A creative or artistic setting offers a more neutral and less intimidating setting, allowing for a more open environment for people of all backgrounds to be together. Making art is one way that everyone can connect socially with others and feel more empowered.
*Please note: Kids under the age of 10 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Parents of kids over the age of 10 must sign a waiver form to leave them at our programs on their own. Attendants for those needing special assistance can attend free of charge.
Pricing
- Single Session – $35+GST
- 3-Session Pass – $99+GST ($33+GST/session)
- 6-Session Pass – $180+GST ($30+GST/session)
**If you need to cancel less than 24 hours prior to attending, please call the office and speak to Meg – our online booking system doesn’t allow cancellations with less than 24 hours notice. **
How do I sign up?
