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

… Discovering photos that can reflect moments of your week can gently remind you to be present, grateful, and bring awareness to ALL of the moments of interwoven and meaningful experiences.

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.

“The purpose for World Creativity & Innovation Day was, and still is, to remind and encourage people to use their creativity to make the world a better place and to make their place in the world better too. April 21, the day before Earth Day, April 22, was chosen as World Creativity & Innovation Day to emphasize the importance of using new thinking to create a decent life for all on a sustainable planet” - — History of World Creativity and Innovation Day • www. wciw.org
World Innovation and Creativity Week

I have such gratitude for the friends and colleagues that have supported the program at different times over the past 10 years, and as a result some kind of cool projects came into being that I feel very blessed to be part of. It is a great to have an idea, as I am an idea-girl, but without a community of support, it is challenging to put things into action!

For the longest time now I’ve have been so fortunate. When I least expect it, but always need it, a heart appears. Any time of day, any place. There it is.

Thanks to my personal growth journey, I was led to the knowledge and tools that I share with others in my professional life. Early on my path, I did not identify as a creative person, however, overtime I have come to realize that not only am I a highly creative individual, we all are! Life is a courageous act of creating, choosing, and becoming in each and every moment. HeartArt was unexpectedly birthed during this process.

FEB. 2023… “The Art Hive at the Toronto Art Therapy Institute is back for spring art-making! An art hive is a community art studio and a welcoming place to talk, create, connect, share skills and build community”

…”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.

…”After twenty five plus years working as a creative globally, my daughter and I chose to set down roots in Nova Scotia …..A place that you can still try out whatever you dream up. I started a film and art school in Mahone Bay with the directive of creating an environment where creativity could thrive”.

An Invitation for you to step outdoors and gather freshly fallen leaves to create eco-art. In this transformative season partner with time and the elements of nature as co-creators!

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.

Sharing alternating photos of rich autumn colours and nature’s lines, with photos taken through the fragmented lens of a skeletal leaf during a recent nourishing nature stroll through the Royabl Botanical Gardens.

Were you able to take a moment this beautiful autumn weekend?

“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.

Independent Art Project for Nuit Blanche 2022.
Susan chose the idea of drawing breath in artful ways, because it is fully accessible to anyone who chooses to engage. This project is experiential; designed to be fully inclusive, intergenerational, and cross-cultural. Open to ALL ages/all abilities. Anyone who wants to participate has the opportunity.