What is art lab all about?…

Art Lab is not about creating beautiful finished products (but you probably will). It’s about teaching you and giving you time to practice wellness skills that you can carry throughout your life.

Woman sitting on a sofa with a tablet, wearing glasses, surrounded by indoor plants and shelves with decor, in a living room with natural light.

Jamie

Hello! I’m Jamie. I’m a creative nerd who loves learning and teaching. I have taught children of all ages in the public school system for the past 17 years, the last 9 years at a fine arts school. I know the power of multi aged groups and of sharing and learning in community. I have seen first hand time and time again the transformative power of the arts. My lived experience has been shaped not only by my work with students, but also through my own personal experience and as a parent. I have seen and have experienced how the creative process can have a profound impact on mental, emotional, and physical health, and I’m passionate about helping others understand the science behind it.

Person holding a white mug on a gray fluffy blanket.

Home setting

Group classes in my home offer a gentle alternative to one-on-one talk therapy in a clinical setting. For Art Lab classes, we will gather around a big table covered in exciting art supplies. Participants are welcome to make themselves comfortable - bring slippers, have a warm drink, share some yummy treats. The relaxed environment will hopefully help people settle in quickly and benefit from the work we do.

Diverse group of hands stacked together in a circle, showing unity and teamwork. Participants wearing colorful sweaters.

Relationship & community

Gathering, learning, and creating in small, multi-aged groups takes the pressure off of one-on-one situations that might feel intimidating for some. There is no pressure to talk or make eye contact. Coming together over many weeks allows everyone to build relationship and a sense of shared safety. Learning in groups helps us understand different perspectives and behaviours which fosters empathy and positive social interactions. It can help us feel not so alone and lets us realize how other people experience the same things we do.

Abstract drawing on spiral notebook with colored regions; accompanied by pencils and markers on wooden surface.

Therapeutic art activities

Tap into the creativity and calm of your right brain through activities such as neurographic art, zentangle art, mandalas, water colour painting, collage making, fabric arts, weaving, and more. You cannot be creative and anxious at the same time. Hands-on art allows people to explore and express emotions without the pressure of speaking. Use colour, symbolic shapes, representations, patterns, and space to explore different aspects of your inner self, emotions, and life challenges. Transform feelings into tangible objects. Some classes may incorporate journal writing, goal setting, statement writing, or other activities.

Cover of the book "Ish" by Peter H. Reynolds, featuring a child holding a paintbrush, painting the word "ish" with a flower dotting the "i".

Quotes, stories, poems

We’ll use a variety of literature for inspiration and to learn about ideas. A great quote can bring clarity or enlightenment. Stories can be powerful tools for making topics come to life in relatable ways. Poetry has the ability to bring new perspectives and understanding.

Illustration of a human brain floating in a purple gradient background.

Brain science

It is empowering to learn about the brain’s structures, their functions, and the agency we have over our reality. By understanding how our brains process information, we can see learning as an active process, not just something that "happens to us.” Understanding neuroplasticity (the brain's ability to change and adapt) encourages us to believe we can develop new skills and improve through practice. Knowing how the brain reacts to different stimuli can help us better manage our emotions, focus our attention, and respond to challenging situations.

Silhouette of a person facing a sunrise over mountains and clouds.

Breathing exercises

Learn breathing techniques to help regulate your nervous system and let your body know it’s safe. From box breathing to the physiological sign, learn easy breathing techniques that you can take with you into every day life at school, at work, during sports, or at home. Many breathing techniques can be combined with somatic exercises to promote relaxation, improve sleep, reduce anxiety, and regulate mood.

Two hands resting on a white pillow, close-up view.

Somatic exercises

Somatic work is a therapeutic approach that focuses on the role of physical sensations, movements, and embodied awareness in healing and self-regulation. Somatic work recognizes that emotional experiences and trauma are often stored in the body, and addressing these through bodily experiences can lead to profound healing. Benefits include improved emotional regulation, increased self-awareness, enhanced resilience, reduced anxiety, and a deeper sense of connection to oneself and others.

Welcome to art lab, where creativity and science meet.