Calgary’s Sparrow Artspace offers creative healing experience

Calgary’s Sparrow Artspace in Bridgeland offers drop-in gallery viewings and art workshops, but it’s more than just painting an ornament for your garden, it’s an invitation to discover the healing power of art.

“See Me. Hear Me.” is a collaborative art residency hosted by Sparrow Artspace during the month of May. It features 25 local artists’ work with a theme of empathy, and runs Thursdays to Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. until May 28.

Kim Webb, co-creator of “See Me. Hear Me.”, says the mission is to provide an experience through art for creative healing after two years of hardship during the pandemic.

“On top of the pandemic, I was going through a separation, a loss of a loved one and a loss of a pet. So there was a lot happening all at once,” Webb said. “We all are very interested and have a passion for the healing power of the arts, we felt it in ourselves and wanted to share it with others.”

Lauren W., another co-creator, runs workshops for the public and says art has been vital in her mental health journey as well.

“I’ve seen firsthand how art has helped multiple people get through a tough time,” Lauren W. said. “As somebody who’s had generalized anxiety their whole life, I really wanted to capture what anxiety feels like to me. So, (one piece I created) is me crying into my hands and the darkness surrounding me, but I also created a colourful piece around it because I think we’re much more than our mental illness.”

Lauren W. says each person has their own connection between their mental health and how they’ve used creativity to improve it.

The artists encourage those who attend “See Me. Hear Me.” not to choose pieces they like or don’t like, but simply to take it all in.

Sandra Neill, the director of Sparrow Artspace, says she’s enjoyed hosting this residency and has taken part in many of the workshops.

“When people come in the door, kind of guiding people to view the art differently, in a more empathetic way, where people can really share their experiences. And I think by sharing is healing,” Neill said.

Workshops will continue through the month, and are either free or pay-what-you-can.

You can find a schedule at sparrowartspace.com.