Art
Agnes' virtual Art Hive supports positive mental health – Queen's Journal
Returning for a series of ten free online sessions, the Agnes Etherington Art Centre’s Art Hive @Agnes workshop continues to inspire wellness and self-care practices through artmaking.
Art therapist Harper Johnston will run the virtual programming on Thursday evenings from Sept. 9 to Nov. 11, carrying on the workshop program started at Agnes in January 2019.
The Journal spoke with Maddi Andrews, ArtSci ’19, an Art Hive assistant, about the Art Hive @Agnes team’s enthusiasm for using art as therapy and how they’re fostering an inclusive, judgement-free environment for participants.
“98 per cent of survey respondents indicated that Art Hive felt like a safe space for them, and I think a lot of that really comes down to the staff and the volunteers,” Andrews said, referencing a past Hive @Agnes evaluation.
“[Staff and volunteers] really contribute to the overall impression of Art Hive and how [participants] feel about the space.”
Workshops feature a diverse mix of participants—from university students of varying years and programs to families with young children, senior citizens, and immigrants. Some even tune in from different provinces and countries.
Art Hive engages a community of artists of all ages and skill levels by having participants focus on “process over product.” The relaxation produced from creating the art is more important than the appearance of the final product, Andrews said.
“[First-time participants] can expect to dive right into artmaking,” she said. “It’s completely alright if you’re not a naturally gifted artist. You don’t have to be talented or experienced to participate.”
University students can benefit from Art Hive’s approach to wellness and mental health by exploring resources beyond the traditional counsellor-client experience.
“I think that university-aged students having the autonomy to choose which type of supports are best fitted for [them] and resonate most with [them] is really incredible,” Andrews explained.
Art Hive @Agnes initially launched in January of 2019 when the team found themselves inspired by professional art therapist and associate professor at Concordia University, Janis Timm-Bottos’ conceptualization of the free and accessible form of community artmaking.
Timm-Botos’ ideas of small artmaking communities have inspired many ‘art hives’ in Montreal, and the Agnes team wanted to create a similar community experience in Kingston.
On the back of their success with the Agnes, Art Hive moved online when Ontario’s first COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020 forced most people to adopt remote forms of work and communication. People could turn to Art Hive for community and comfort every Thursday evening.
“Everyone was much more isolated than normal,” Andrews said. “There was increased stress, anxiety, uncertainty—all things that Art Hive @Agnes works to alleviate.”
Art Hive’s art as therapy approach encourages participants to practice mindfulness and self-love as they focus on the artmaking process.
“I think there’s so much room for overlap between positive mental health practices, wellness, and art,” Andrews said.
“Art as therapy really reduces stress levels, improves wellness, and reduces anxiety. It’s a process of slowing down and being in the present.”
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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”
On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”
The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.
Blaze in the West Wing
The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.
About Somerset House
Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.
Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.
Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.
Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.
The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.
Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”
With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.
The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.
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