Join the Willow
Members are 18+, have lived experience of mental health/addictions, and are interested in exploring their creative potential. Membership is free, and all art classes are free.
Willow Arts Community is a non-profit arts and mental health organization that proudly serves adults with lived experience of mental health/addictions in Niagara. We support the creative goals of aspiring, emerging, and established artists. The Willow provides a safe and nurturing environment where artistic projects, professional opportunities, and personal and professional networks are developed and fostered. The arts are a powerful agent of social change. Our organization aims to reduce the stigma and social isolation associated with mental illness and addictions by engaging the public with exhibitions, publications, and presence. All programs and opportunities are provided free to our registered members thanks to community partnerships, grants, and donations from the community.
Open Studio
Explore your creativity, collaborate with your peers, and have some fun! Open to all members, this drop-in style program is a great place to discover your talents and meet new people.
Arts Training
Develop and grow your arts practice. No previous experience is necessary. We employ local, professional artists to teach multi-disciplinary art classes to our members.
Seasonal Arts Exhibition
Free and open to the public, seasonal exhibitions help to facilitate dialogue, reduce stigma, and celebrate the value of diverse voices in our community. Come and enjoy our member's original art and performances.
Artist in Residence
Members can apply for a three month studio residency. This pilot project allows members to develop a body of work while being mentored to instruct a workshop during the open studio. The artists-in-residence will be exhibited in a group show.
Performances
Catch our members performing at upcoming festivals, open mic nights, or leading interactive art workshops at community events. Our members are incredibly talented and many are active in local arts and various community groups.
Community Outreach
We build networks for our members to explore and nurture a supportive and integrated community framework. Invite us to speak at an event or give a presentation.
In the News
Celebrating partnerships, exhibitions, and innovation. Stay tuned and stay current on what our members are working on. Click on "Contact" to sign up for our email list.