The Art Studios

Area Served

About The Art Studios

The Art Studios is an innovative art and mental health program. We provide a safe, respectful and accepting community where people with a mental health diagnosis can grow through participation in art. A Vancouver Coastal Health community health unit located in Vancouver, we offer beginner and intermediate classes in a variety of artistic media. Our curriculum also includes shorter, specialized workshops that are programmed with our members’ input, such as Matting and Canvas Stretching. Specialized programming is also offered for Older Adults and Youth periodically through the year. Training is provided to members who are interested in becoming instructors. Along with support and encouragement from fellow members and staff, they also have access to leadership, personal development and curriculum planning resources. Through the Traveling Art Show members have opportunities to show their artwork and gain exposure in the community. As well, we can't forget our Annual Winter Sale and Silent Auction which, with much support from the community, has become a huge hit not to be missed! In support of The Art Studios, the Vancouver Recovery through Art Society was formed by its members in 2012. VRTAS was put in place to help The Art Studios survive and thrive beyond the VCH cutbacks. The Art Studios lost funding from Vancouver Coastal Health last summer, after 22 years in operation. Private donors have given the Art Studios enough money to keep it running until 2016.