What’s the Buzz?

By Maddi Andrews WHAT’S THE

BUZZ?

Given the new global climate, self-care has never been a more vital pillar of health and wellness. For some people, baking cookies reduces stress. For others, playing video games leaves them feeling rejuvenated. For me, creativity offers solace and relaxation. Whenever I am feeling anxious, I grab my watercolour paints and collage supplies, hoping to get lost in the vibrant world of colour and design. I always knew that artmaking could transform my mood and alleviate tension, but I also discovered that creativity could offer something entirely different.

I first plunged into the therapeutic arts during my fourth year, when I interned at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre. My project involved researching how museums could provide spaces for wellness and support the local community. Shortly into my research, I stumbled upon Art Hives.

What’s the buzz about Art Hives? Art Hives are community-based art studios. They are safe spaces where people gather to create, engage in conversation, and foster a sense of community. They pride themselves in offering an environment not only for artmaking, but for positive mental health practices. There are countless advantages of creativity for wellness, and an entire professional field – art therapy – has developed around the benefits of artmaking. Cathy Malchiodi, a leading expert in the healing arts, defines art therapy as “the application of the visual arts and the creative process within a therapeutic relationship, to support, maintain, and improve the psychosocial, physical, cognitive and spiritual health of individuals of all ages. It is based on current and emerging research that art making is a health-enhancing practice that positively impacts the quality of life.”

Art Hives do not strictly engage in the therapeutic arts, but instead offer an “art as therapy” approach; they embody the idea that artmaking is innately therapeutic, and will lead to stress reduction, increase confidence, allow for self-expression, and aim to resolve personal issues.

I wanted to join this growing movement I had read so much about, and yet, Kingston did not have any Art Hives. This was something that I vowed to change. Several weeks later, I was helping prepare for the launch of our first local Art Hive.

Art Hive @Agnes opened in January 2019, and it is still going today! Every Thursday, we meet (virtually now, but normally in-person) for two hours of creativity and conversation. There are weekly thematic projects, which our art therapist and facilitator demonstrates, but attendees are also encouraged to independently discover their creativity. The projects differ each week, from exploring how we present ourselves to the world and creating Picasso-style portraits, to mindfully meditating while drawing zentangles.

You might think that we attract people who are naturally gifted artists, but this is not the case. You do not have to be a talented or experienced artist to participate in Art Hive @Agnes. We have hosted students from all disciplines, including Engineering and Law, but also senior citizens and new immigrants. We value process over product; the act of creating is more important than what your artwork looks like. A recent study by the American Art Therapy Association showed that just 45 minutes of creating art can significantly reduce cortisol levels – the hormone attributed with anxiety and stress. This study involved regular people, meaning that anyone can benefit from artmaking, not just art professionals. I think this approach is remarkable – all artworks are “works in progress,” just as we are as people.

Without a doubt, I can say that Art Hive @Agnes is the highlight of my week. There is something truly special about witnessing transformation – people who do not consider themselves remotely artistic, completely unwinding and becoming absorbed in a project. I have seen how artmaking can bring people together and spark connections that would not have existed otherwise. Art Hive @Agnes helps me devote much-needed time for creativity and relaxation into my busy schedule. I am allowed to pause for a moment and focus on my artistic process and the people around me. I am grateful to the Agnes Etherington Art Centre for bringing Art Hives into my life. I have become immersed within a wonderful community of artistic, imaginative people.

For those of you looking for a creative community, consider this your invitation to join us. Whether I see you at our next Art Hive @ Agnes, or you attend one of the other 200+ Art Hives worldwide, you will see how people can build relationships through art. This is where you will find me – painting, colouring, and collaging my way into a happier and healthier future.

To register or learn more about Art Hive @Agnes, visit the Agnes Etherington Art Centre website.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR MAYA GINZBURG PHOTOGRAPHER OLIVIA WRIGHT MAKEUP SUCCESS FIANU

Flora

CREATIVE ASSISTANT BEN EVANS-DURÁN MODEL RIDA CHAUDHRY