A change of art

Connect with your inner artist at Weyburn’s Collabartive Studios

By Krystal Glowatski Photos Christan Barker Photography

You might have heard our tagline by now, “Come for the art, stay for the vibe”; but what is the vibe that Collabartive holds?

We have worked diligently to create a space of belonging, acceptance, and respect. No matter who walks through the door, they receive the same genuine smile, the same heartfelt hello, and the same encouragement in their artistic journey. At Collabartive, we see each person as worthy of inherent dignity and kindness, and we go out of our way to show you that. It doesn’t matter how old you are, what you do for a living, how much money you make, where you’re from, or any other mainstream indicator of ‘worth’ society tends to use. What matters is that you’re here, you’re a part of this community, and the community is better off because you’re in it.

We both come from a long line of artists. We have strong creative visions and an ability to make those visions come to life. We both heard time and again growing up, that you can’t make a career out of art. So, we chose other paths which ultimately forced us to come back to art to improve our mental health.

Art and Mental Health

How blessed are we to be living in a time where mental health is at the forefront of our attention? Dopamine, sometimes called the “motivation” or “feel-good” molecule, seems to be a pain-point for many. There are plenty of ways to increase our dopamine; healthy diet, exercise, pharmaceuticals, and don’t forget art.

You have probably heard the left-brain, right-brain debate that slots us into a category of either being “creative” (rightbrained) or “analytical” (left-brained). We hate to be the ones to tell you, but this whole theory has been debunked. Creativity requires both sides of your brain to communicate with one another. It is through this communication that your brain creates new connections and becomes stronger.

By exercising your brain through art, you become more emotionally resilient and subsequently, less likely to succumb to stress. While creating art, our brain gets to relax from our everyday thoughts.

“I have taken several classes and workshops. I also come just to sit and relax and Color with my grandchild. It is very relaxing and a happy place to spend quality time with friends and family.” - Gail

Weber

"If you are looking to be fulfilled, motivated, challenged, invigorated and excited, look no further than Collaborative Studios." - Nicole

Gagne

"I have personally attended many workshops and have even attended an event where myself, my daughter and mother made ceramic Christmas trees. Now, we have three sizes of trees representing each generation and many memories." - Alysson

and Ella Slater

You may have heard the term “in-thezone” when it comes to art. This “zone” is actually adjacent to a meditative-like state where our minds are focused fully on the task in front of us. Practicing art regularly will promote your ability to focus longer term even when you’re not creating.

In regularly practicing art you will improve your motivation, focus, mood, concentration and attention, behaviour,

"It isn't just about the art. Malia and Krystal just make you feel welcome and let you express yourself." -

Krystal Heisler

"Collabartive has created a welcoming, inclusive, and inspiring space that really is an asset to the community. Any time spent at Collabartive is time well spent." -

Carley Istace

"Art and creating has saved my life in the most literal sense. Without it as an outlet for some of the events I’ve gone through I don’t know where I would be today." - Kaylah

Elizabeth

"The atmosphere is so warm and welcoming, and has been a great way to connect with friends and meet new people from the area. Collabartive helps people meet their talent where they are at." - Lindsay

Manko-Bauche

"It makes me feel happy. Art calms me and brings me joy."

Cora Stadnyk

creative-thinking and problem-solving skills, and even your IQ. Art has been found to help folks struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, mood disorders, addictions, chronic pain, cancer, dementia, and more.

The beauty is, you can create art anytime, anywhere. Doodle, colour, journal. Clear your mind and allow yourself a window to get creative every

"We love spending time in the studio because we always learn new things, leave with a beautiful project, and have lots of fun!" - Elliott, Natalie and Sawyer day. Even if it’s five minutes spent doodling on this very page, or a trip down to the studio to try your hand at some DIY home décor. Your brain will thank you—both the left side and the right side.