Membership in the Willow Arts Community is a open to adults living in the Niagara Region who have lived experience of mental illness and/or substance use.
You do not need any artistic experience to be a Willow Member. Membership is suitable for anyone who is motivated to explore their creative identity, whether you are someone trying an art form for the first time or someone with a dedicated artistic practice.
Willow members have indicated these benefits of joining:
There is no membership form on our website – becoming a member of the Willow Arts Community is a four step process that begins with you contacting us to express interest.
The first step is to email us. Send a message saying you would like to become a member to thewillowcommunity@gmail.com. Please include your name and a phone number where we can contact you.
Willow staff will contact you for a quick conversation. Staff will ask basic questions to ensure suitability. We will never ask you to disclose personal details about your mental health or substance use.
Please know that if it is a busy time of our season, it may take a week or more to respond to your email.
You will be emailed a link to the membership application (a Google Form). The application includes questions about previous and current artistic and creative experiences, asks you to consider your goals and identity as an artist or creative individual, and requests information about accessibility and safety needs to ensure we can support your participation.
Your application will be reviewed by Willow staff. We will reach out via email if/when your application has been approved.
Willow members are able to take part in our arts education programs, special projects, and creative opportunities. All these activities are free for members and all materials and supplies are provided at no cost.
Our Arts Education courses and workshops have included classes in many types of artistic activities:
Arts Education Programs change each season. You can see our current programming listed here.
As a Willow member, you are welcome to:
“I have looked my whole life to fit into something. A place where I could express my artistic side and also grow it. This is what Willow has done for me.”
“Helps me make time to focus on art projects, helps with marketing, growth development and training, social aspects and connecting to other artists who are creating and selling work.”
“I find the programs not only therapeutic but also enabling, educational and challenging. The Willow program is primarily responsible for my pursuit of the arts at a professional level. I look forward to continued growth opportunities through the Willow.”
“It’s a non-judgmental space to learn and create.”
“I enjoy the community. Trusting and setting healthy boundaries in a safe environment. Playing with like- minded artists and learning from each other. And knowing that the instructors have been down similar paths gives me hope.”
“It helps me to have opportunities to express myself creatively and develop my artistic skills. I have made valuable connections and friendships there.”
No. Membership is suitable for: individuals who are motivated to explore their creative identities, creatives looking to connect and learn alongside peers, and artists that already have a dedicated arts practice.
Membership is free, and all artistic programs and creative opportunities are offered to our membership at no cost. Materials are provided, and members are welcome to bring their own supplies if they can.
Our in-studio arts education programs happen within the three seasons: Fall (September – early December), Winter (January – March), and Spring (April – June). Class times and programs change from season to season.
Courses and Open Studio take place on weekday afternoons and weekday evenings. Workshops take place on Saturday afternoons.
Special projects with community partners happen all year round.
No. We do not provide social work or group therapy of any kind; rather, we provide access to arts programming and creative opportunities in a supportive and inclusive environment. Formal diagnosis is not necessary.
We celebrate the therapeutic value of artistic creation and expression, peer support, social inclusion, and stigma reduction.