Kingston & Eastern Ontario
Art & Self-Expression helps people express their hopes, fears, and goals through art — in a warm, structured group, no experience needed.
What it is
For more than 15 years, these voluntary, informal sessions have helped people struggling with mental health challenges — and young people, those experiencing homelessness, and people living with dementia — find a voice through making art. Recognized worldwide as a tool in recovery, it works in almost any group setting.
Please note — this is Art & Self-Expression, not Art Therapy.
A safe outlet — a survival strategy and a release for high emotions.
Insight into one's own experience, and space to explore emotion.
Meaningful, purposeful activity that creates hope in recovery.
A restored sense of identity, normality, and pursuit of goals.
Creativity that carries over into everyday challenges.
Social engagement, camaraderie, and the courage to be seen.
Inside a session
Each half-day session opens with a theme and simple materials. There are no wrong answers, and no experience is required.
Create an image that brings you hope in recovery. What is your source of hope? How can you grow it?
Create an image of a place where you feel safe. Where is it? How could you build one for yourself?
Show where you are and where you want to be. How will you get there — and who will support you?
In their words
“People may not be able to talk about their feelings through words — but through the art, it can come out that way.” — Judith Gould
Improved connection with staff and fellow patients during a hospital stay.
Gains in both verbal and non-verbal expression — sometimes a first breakthrough.
Many discover a talent they never knew they had, and keep making art on their own.
Gallery
A selection of participant artwork, shared by initials or anonymously, with permission.
Untitled pastel · F.L.
“Supermoon” · acrylic painting by A.L.
Untitled pastel · participant artwork
Untitled pastel · workshop participantImpact
A young man who had not been speaking sat down at a session — and afterward, spoke. A withdrawn patient left her artwork behind, then returned days later just to take it home with her.
Small moments. But in a mental health unit, they are the ones that matter.
Patients so often ask the same question: can we do this every day, not just once a week?
Read the full story of Judith's twelve years at Providence Care.
The Power of a Blank Page — Community Foundation for Kingston & Area →
About the facilitator
Judith is a professional artist and printmaker whose career began in Toronto and has since taken her work across Canada, the United States, and Europe. Now retired from a career in healthcare, she gives her volunteer time to Art & Self-Expression — leading sessions for people facing mental health challenges, disability, and homelessness.
She still paints and exhibits in the Kingston region, drawn most to the natural world around her: sky, land, and water. Two projects have her attention now — the Kingston Youth Arts and Cultural Centre (KYACC) and The Judith Gould Gallery, where youth experiencing homelessness can learn and make art — and a mission to train other artists to carry these workshops across Eastern Ontario.
Bring a workshop · Become a facilitator
Judith mentors volunteers to run their own Art & Self-Expression groups. The half-day workshop is free for volunteers — all learning and art materials provided — and she'll be there to mentor you through your very first group.
Organizations can also access funding through the Community Foundation to run workshops of their own.
Get in touch
Whether you'd like to bring a workshop to your group, train as a facilitator, or simply have a question — send a note and we'll reply personally.
[email protected]
Kingston & Eastern Ontario