Adventures in Art
Intended Audience
All members including people living with cancer, their kids and significant caregivers.
Program Description
Adventures in Art: Zoom Buddies is all about setting aside special time just for you, and if you like, your school-aged children. The goal of this family-friendly program is to tap into your playful side and let it run wild. Let go of judgement and fear, and share your emotions and your stories through the magic of art. Your Zoom Buddy will be on hand to show you wonderful art techniques, and to encourage you to relax and have fun as you explore and express whatever it is that comes bubbling to the surface.
“It is nice to have a scheduled creative time with my
kids. The base prompt functions as a starting point for ideas of individual
creative self expression.” – Rene
”I love doing art but usually I don’t give myself the time to do it. Adventures in Art creates the time where I can sit down and create. Jude is so nice and it’s a really fun, friendly class.” – Elone
“Adventures in Art is just that, an adventure! It’s a magnificent time to express your true creativity.” – Joss
Benefits and Impact
Self-expression through the creation of art can have meaningful effects on the health of people living with cancer. Research on art therapies involving painting, music, dancing, and many other creative media has found evidence of a broad range of health-related benefits, such as improvements in anxiety, fatigue, pain, and quality of life (Boehm et al., 2014; Bosman et al., 2021; LaPenna & Tariman, 2020; Puetz et al., 2013; Wood et al., 2011). A 2017 study on the effects of a painting art therapy program on cancer patients receiving chemotherapy noted significant improvements in quality of life following the therapy (Bozcuk et al., 2017). Furthermore, two recent studies find that expressive writing interventions can reduce pain and improve sleep quality in people living with cancer (Merz et al., 2014; Zhou et al., 2015). This program invites the kids of adult participants as it has been found that family-oriented support programs like this one can be effective at reducing isolation and normalizing the experience of children who have parents living with cancer (Ellis et al., 2017).
What to Expect at a Session
Each session begins with introductions and brief sharing on the topic of the day. Participants are encouraged to relax and connect with their breath, while noticing the creative currents that might be swirling around. What colours are speaking to you in this moment? What images are taking shape? The program leader will remind everyone to tune in and be guided by their own visions. Toward the end of class, those who wish can share and celebrate their masterpieces.
