About

Art for Sale

Artists create pieces as a way to express themselves, influence change, connect with others, and to make a living. Siloam Mission art program participants are able to share their work and generate an income by having their artwork up for sale on this platform.

Prices are determined with the artists based on time spent creating, skill level, and sentiment about the piece. An additional 20% is added to the agreed-upon price to help continue the Art and Wellness Program, including purchasing additional art supplies for the Longtin Resource Centre.

When you purchase a work of art from this website not only do you get a one-of-a-kind piece to decorate your home, but you are supporting an individual on their journey to overcome homelessness.

The Art Program

The Arts and Wellness program in our Longtin Resource Centre was developed in response to the community identifying the need for a safe and supportive space in which to express themselves in creative ways. Coordinated by the Community Wellness team, the program offers an arts-based approach to improving mental health.

We offer workshops and open art studios with a focus on exploring an individual’s creative side. Programming is delivered through community partners and Indigenous artists. Community Members are able to pursue a variety of art forms such as drawing; painting; bead work; drum-making; carving; ribbon skirt making, etc. The program reinforces positive social connections and offers important reconnection to Indigenous teachings and Indigenous methods of learning.

“Many studies offer strong evidence on the link between art and improved health benefits,” explains Christine Vanagas, Director of Community Wellness for Siloam. “Art creation is known to soothe the nervous system and improve how one is able to respond rather than react, which is critical when supporting individuals to manage stress or lessen anxiety while they are experiencing homelessness. In order to support this outcome, it is critical for the Arts and Wellness program to offer variety and meet Community Members exactly where they are at.”

The Arts and Wellness program provides a variety of art supplies to community members in different creative art forms so participants have agency in what they choose to create. The types of art projects are also varied: participants in the program can contribute to community art projects (i.e. the Faceless Doll blanket project, Tree of Life piece), or choose art forms that might be completed over several drop in sessions (i.e. ribbon skirts, painting, dream catchers). There are also smaller creative projects that can be completed in a shorter time period (rock painting, drawing, colouring).

Participants can also access ‘Wellness Bundles’ containing art supplies, puzzles and Indigenous teachings to take away and make use of on their own. These packages are also offered through Siloam’s Drop In to help support the mental wellness of those using our daytime services. “We are excited to offer Wellness Bundles (a.k.a. Take-away Art Kits) to Community Members more broadly,” says Jenny Foidart, Cultural Coordinator. “Offering a creative outlet serves to engage the senses and focuses one’s attention, which helps create calm. When someone is more calm, they are more likely to be receptive to other supports such as reconnection to Indigenous teachings, accessing health services and housing searches.”

“There are also incredible social benefits in the structure of the Arts and Wellness program,” explains Vanagas, “the mentorship by Indigenous artists reinforces positive social connections. Additionally, art has served as a form of communication in all cultures. Individuals may not always have the words to express feelings, especially when in distress. The Art and Wellness program allows us to take something internal and find a healthy, positive expression externally. This has a profound transformational benefit for one’s mental and emotional health.”

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