Pain in the Arts

Pain in the Arts Level 1: A Creative Approach to Chronic Pain Management

Pain in the Arts Level 1 is a free, 8-week creative arts and mindfulness program for adults (18+) living with chronic pain or illness. Blending pain science, mindfulness, and art-making, this supportive workshop offers practical tools for coping, no art experience required!

Developed in consultation with a Registered Clinical Counsellor and aligned with the bio-psycho-social model of pain and the Canadian Pain Task Force, the program provides accessible, non-pharmacological support for people seeking new ways to manage pain.

What You’ll Learn

Understand Your Pain: Simple pain science to help reduce fear and build a sense of control.
Build Calm & Coping: Gentle mindfulness tools to ease stress and support emotional balance.
Express & Connect: Creative activities that encourage expression, confidence, and connection with others who understand chronic pain.

Weekly Themes

Identity-Mask-Making • Coping Strategies-Zentangle • Breath and Body-Ink Painting • Pain Experience-Humour + Comics • Adaptability-Alcohol ink • Gratitude-Watercolour • Self-Care-Collage • Resilience-Kintsugi-Inspired Art

Plus, participants will also create a Creative Care Kit to continue these practices at home.

Facilitator

Meg Neufeld, MA is an award-winning artist, educator, and Arts and Health advocate, with over 15 years of lived experience with chronic pain. Her work has been in local, national, and international exhibitions and she has specialized training in mindfulness-based art practices and Pain Canada’s Pain Foundations. She brings deep empathy and develops inclusive, arts-based programs that help participants rediscover meaning, connection, and hope through creativity.

Program Details

Dates: Tuesdays, 10:30am–12:30pm | April 7 – May 26, 2026
Location: Alongside You Art Studio, Ladner, BC
Cost: Free, funded graciously by the Step Forward Health Society
Register: (604) 283-7827 x 0 | Click here to email us!

At first when I was introduced to this course I was hesitant to commit to a full 6 weeks. Having chronic pain means that you may never find the answers or relief you are looking for. Trying one thing after another to find some relief can be disheartening and frustrating at times. What I got from PITA was not more of the same but was, in fact, a fun and revitalizing experience. I was able to connect with others who completely understood and we could freely share and empathize with one another. We enjoyed trying out new ways of pain management where we stepped outside of our heads, and ultimately our pain, to gain relief through fun and creative projects that we can continue on our own. It was a new and innovative way of dealing with pain. I am glad I went through this program! Thank you Meg!
D.H.