Art Therapy Workshop

I’m Alana (she/her), a visual artist, jewelry-maker and Art Therapist. I’ve been making art for most of my life, but my relationship with creativity has changed a lot over the years.I began with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and went on to develop a contemporary art practice. A pivotal moment came in 2019 when I spent a year living in Oaxaca, Mexico. I was surrounded by incredible craft traditions and people making beautiful, useful and meaningful things by hand. It completely shifted the way I thought about crafts.I became fascinated by the idea that when we make something ourselves, we inevitably put a little of our own story into it. Handmade objects can carry memory, meaning and culture, and the experience of making alongside others can be just as valuable as the object.Afterwards, I completed a Master’s in Therapeutic Arts Practice, where I explored creativity from a deeply therapeutic angle. Today, I bring together my background in fine art, craft and art therapy through craft workshops and creative ceremonies.I’ve facilitated creative experiences in schools, festivals, women’s retreats and therapeutic settings, working with people with all kinds of creative experience (including absolutely none!). Teaching has become one of my favourite parts of my practice because I get to see how differently people interpret the same materials and ideas. I love watching a room gradually relax as everyone gets absorbed in making, connecting and helping each other along.My workshops aren’t really about making something “perfect” (although you will learn how to craft a beautiful piece), rather, they offer an experience that feels meaningful and memorable. Depending on the workshop, I weave in elements of symbolism, ritual, storytelling and reflection to encourage a deeper experience.I believe we could all use more opportunities to slow down, make things with our hands and be creative alongside other people. You don’t need to be an artist or even think of yourself as creative. Come along and craft beautiful memories!