This post shares the origin story of the ‘Supportive Hands’ painting - an art therapy project with my wonderful LTC team in 2013 that later inspired and planted the seeds for the larger resident-focused community LTC Supportive Hands Mandala in 2015, and many other smaller ‘supportive hands’ projects in the years to follow.

This post shares words, quotes and my response signpost art that capture thoughts and reflections related to natural and urban studios (as I listened to these wonderful presenters from the World Art Therapy Conference: Pamela Whitaker, Carla van Laar, Kit Kline with host Carmen Oprea). I have woven in quotes to capture the intentions of some of the wonderful developing projects with links for further information and resources.

Happily sharing the World Art Therapy Conference information for 2024. Virtually engage with the art therapy world in rich art therapy learning and community connection for three weekends in February.

A post to acknowledge Remembrance Day on November 11th and Indigenous Veterans Day on November 8th. I am inviting us all to remember and reflect through an equity-informed lens as we honour our veterans, soldiers and all civilians who have lost their lives through war.

As we gear up for our first in-person Ontario Art Therapy Association event since the Pandemic began, the board members reflect on the benefits of membership and the need to keep our association active and flourishing in these transitional times.

The hand is our signature, our symbol and our legacy. It is easily accessible to use as creative inspiration and for personal mark-making. In this post I am sharing snapshots of nine of these supportive-hands projects that I have facilitated over the years in various long-term care and retirement settings.

Peer to Peer: The Nature of Well-Being.

Mark your calendars and see you there in person this year for continued professional development in art therapy with OATA’s Conference Retreat and AGM.

Sharing in this post the creative, co-teaching and co-learning eco-art therapy workshop collaboration with my dear friend and art therapy peer Susan for the Toronto Art Therapy Institute. Also wonderful to be re-connecting with Taylor as she develops the virtual Eco-Art Therapy workshop for TATI alongside us for later this year.

Sharing some professional development opportunities and resources for the 2nd half of 2023.

Sharing in this post my recent creative collaboration with my dear friend Heather at Amica Peel Village for Earth Day 2023. As an Eco-Artist and Art Therapist who works regularly with natural materials, I was excited to engage residents in a nature-based art activity. The afternoon included art displays and information tables and residents gathering in community to create earth sculptures to celebrate earth day.

…”I am and have always been a poet. I was a poet before I even knew I was. Poetry has enveloped me and invited me to see, explore and make meaning of the world. It has moved me closer to myself”.

Happily sharing the World Art Therapy Conference information for 2023. Virtually engage with the art therapy world in rich art therapy learning and community connection for three weekends in February.

Sharing Hannah Sherebrin’s story, Safe Space for Ukraine Refugees from the most recent issue of the Ontario Art Therapy Association’s Tapestry Newsletter and and update around developments since her project began. Hannah’s meaningful and much-needed work supporting refugees through art therapy initiatives is important to share.

Sharing my response sketches and reflective jottings from Day 2 of the Canadian Art Therapy Association’s 2022 Symposium Relationship & Reciprocity. Feeling such a sense of deep gratitude post this 7 hour immersive experience of stories and art in community with others, gently held and guided by indigenous facilitators | art therapy peers | heARTtivists.
Poster Image Credit: CATA-ACAT with Artwork: Earth Guardian by Jean E. Tait

Upcoming Bereavement Group: Together the participants will learn about the grieving process, develop strategies for coping, and explore feelings through artmaking. For more information or to register please email

Connecting through Sharing. Art Therapy Resources for Art Therapists.

“As an eco-conscious art therapist, I always want to be mindful of the impact I have on the Earth as an artist – and I’m sure you do too! I’d like to introduce you to two potential ways of respectfully processing your old pieces of artwork without contributing to the destruction of the natural world”. - Taylor

The Importance of Being Aware.

Mark your calendars and see you there in the virtual space for continued professional development in art therapy.

CATA-ACAT: “Join us in three days of arts-based workshops this fall, exploring land-based practices and social justice in art therapy, with facilitators bringing a broad range of experiences in art therapy and a shared passion for individual and collective healing through the art.”

The experiential workshop brings together expressive art, meditation and mindful walking in an outdoor Labyrinth - a truly unique experience to clear the mind and experience creative flow in nature