Willow offers a variety of arts-based programs that support members in exploring their personal creativity and achieving their artistic goals. All programs are provided free to members.
The Willow Arts Community’s Arts Education programs are courses and workshops led by local professional artists. Topics have included painting, acting, photography, improv, poetry, song-writing, fibre arts, drawing, and sculpture.
We also provide weekly drop-in Open Studios when members have access to our studio space for artistic creation. We provide art materials, equipment, and support from professional artists to help members develop solo projects, experiment with new mediums, and collaborate and connect with their peers.
The Willow Arts Community
… is the first arts and peer support organization in Niagara
… is run by and for people with lived experience of mental illness and/or substance use
… celebrates the value of lived experience and peer support and exemplifies “nothing for us without us” with a clear and ongoing commitment to equity and inclusion
… actively strives to reduce/remove other barriers (social, physical, cultural) to create spaces where people feel safe and comfortable to make art and to be themselves
… hires only local artists and arts workers, majority with lived experience of mental illness/substance use
… provides all of our programs and opportunities at no cost to the participants, because we understand the financial barriers people living with mental illness/substance use face.
… uplifts and supports our members to gain creative skills and confidence in our programs.
… celebrates the artistic work of our members through seasonal showcases and community events such as live music concerts, visual arts exhibitions, poetry readings, festival appearances, and zine publications.
