Virtual Art Therapy Clinic

Cultivating Calm Open Studio
2026-06-15 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Vancouver) | Zoom
Join us for weekly evenings of stress reduction and mindfulness through artful expression.
We will be embracing the present moment through art. If you are looking for more time for yourself, this open studio group will be an opportunity for you to de-stress, ground yourself and find quiet, all within the fun and joy of artistic expression.
We will be inviting you to use simple art materials to help you get away from your stresses and come to a place of feeling grounded and calm. We’ll be creating a virtual safe space that will be your sanctuary for peaceful self-expression.
Each virtual session is facilitated by graduate level student art therapists – light-hearted leaders with professional therapeutic skills – guiding you in your personal self-care journey. We will offer self-care themed prompts each session. Each session will also offer time for optional sharing and reflecting on your creations.
Please be aware this is not a therapy group. We are happy to provide referrals for low-fee art psychotherapy if required.
Sessions will be on Monday from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm EDT starting on Monday, April 7, 2025. If you are unsure of the difference between your time zone and Pacific Time (Vancouver), please check out World Time Buddy at this link: https://www.worldtimebuddy.com/
The VATC’s virtual open studio groups promote wellness through creativity and self-reflection. We know that through art, we can foster connection, even while we are apart. Open studios are a place for people from all backgrounds to come together and make art as a community. We promote mental health awareness and activities that cultivate positive habits to benefit health and well-being.
If the current time does not work for you, check back as we may be offering open studio groups on other days/times in the future!
The studio is run by the Virtual Art Therapy Clinic. Our graduate level students lead the studios in order to gain experience.
– The virtual open studio is FREE to anyone over the age of 16 who wishes to join.– Come for one session or attend all (no limit, however we ask that you attend sessions that you sign up for).– No previous art experience is necessary!– Any art supplies, crafts, recycled materials, photography etc., are welcome.– Begin a new piece each time or work on pieces in progress.
What to expect in your 2 hour session:
– The first 10-15 minutes of each session will be a time to “gather.”– Prompt(s): provided for those who wish to follow it, though you may also work on other art and disregard the prompt. Art-making and writing prompts may be included.– Closure: Typically the last 20-30 minutes are reserved for building community, discourse, Q&A, and feedback. Participants may share what they made if they wish.– There will be an opportunity to provide anonymous feedback following the session.
Some ground rules:
– When entering the meeting, please have the name you used to register displayed on your screen.– Some form of participation is requested. We expect cameras to be on to support community building and a sense of safety.– We aim for a barrier-free environment and request that you do not use substances during the open studio.– Disrespectful comments or actions are not acceptable.
*NOTE: Once you register, you will receive an email about 24 hours before the event to access the Zoom meeting.*
If you have any questions, please connect with us at the Virtual Art Therapy Clinic at clinic@ciiat.org.

Register

Creative Expression for Self-Care (Tuesday Group)
2026-06-16 11:00 - 13:00
Get ready to explore the power of self-care through creative expression!
Our open studio event creates a space where you can explore your creativity in the presence of others. Participants are invited to take time for themselves and reflect with writing and art making. Each virtual session is facilitated by graduate level student art therapists, who will offer a self-care themed prompt each session. Each session will also offer time for optional sharing and reflecting on your creative piece. Taking time for creativity can be a valuable form of self-care, a break in your busy day, and time to spend with others. Please be aware this is not a therapy group. We are happy to provide referrals for low-fee art psychotherapy if required.
Sessions will be on Tuesdays from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm PST starting on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. If you are unsure of the difference between your time zone and Pacific Time (Vancouver), please check out World Time Buddy at this link: https://www.worldtimebuddy.com/
The VATC’s virtual open studio groups promote wellness through creativity and self-reflection. We know that through art, we can foster connection, even while we are apart. Open studios are a place for people from all backgrounds to come together and make art as a community. We promote mental health awareness and activities that cultivate positive habits to benefit health and well-being.
The studio is run by the Virtual Art Therapy Clinic. Our graduate level students lead the studios in order to gain experience.
– The virtual open studio is FREE to anyone over the age of 16 who wishes to join.– Come for one session or attend all (no limit, however we ask that you attend sessions that you sign up for).– No previous art experience is necessary!– Any art supplies, crafts, recycled materials, photography etc., are welcome.– Begin a new piece each time or work on pieces in progress.
What to expect in your 2 hour session:
– The first 10-15 minutes of each session will be a time to “gather.”– Prompt(s): provided for those who wish to follow it, though you may also work on other art and disregard the prompt. Art-making and writing prompts may be included.– Closure: Typically the last 20-30 minutes are reserved for building community, discourse, Q&A, and feedback. Participants may share what they made if they wish.– There will be an opportunity to provide anonymous feedback following the session.
Some ground rules:
– When entering the meeting, please have the name you used to register displayed on your screen.– Some form of participation is requested. We expect cameras to be on to support community building and a sense of safety.– We aim for a barrier-free environment and request that you do not use substances during the open studio.– Disrespectful comments or actions are not acceptable.
*NOTE: Once you register, you will receive an email about 24 hours before the event to access the Zoom meeting.*
If you have any questions, please connect with us at the Virtual Art Therapy Clinic at info@vatc.ca.

Register

Creative Expression for Self-Care (Thursday Group)
2026-06-18 14:00 - 16:00
Get ready to explore the power of self-care through creative expression!
Starting on June 11, 2026, join us in exploring creative expression for self-care. Hosted by the Virtual Art Therapy Clinic (VATC), our virtual art therapy group promotes wellness, mental health awareness, and connection through creativity and self-reflection.
If you are interested in joining this group, please connect with us at info@vatc.ca.
Our group is a community-oriented space to explore your creativity in the presence of others and cultivate positive habits to benefit health and well-being. Each virtual session is facilitated by graduate-level student art therapists who offer a weekly self-care themed prompt aligned with therapeutic goals, along with space for optional sharing and reflection.
Logistics & Registration
When: Thursdays from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM PST. (Not in the Pacific time zone? Check your local time using World Time Buddy)Who: Individuals aged 18+ located in Canada.Cost: $25 registration fee (provides unlimited access to both of the Creative Expression for Self-Care groups for 1 full year).Experience: No previous art experience is necessary!
Materials Needed
Bring whatever you have on hand! Any art supplies, craft items, or recycled materials are welcome. Our prompts are designed to work with whatever materials you have available, and you are always welcome to adapt the invitations in a way that feels most meaningful to you.
What to expect in your 2 hour session:
– Opening Activity: Settling in, grounding, and a creative warm-up.– Main Activity: A longer, focused artmaking period based on a therapeutic self-care prompt aligned with therapeutic goals.– Closing Activity: Wrapping up with a short creative activity and winding down the session.
A Note on Sharing: After each activity, we open the floor for participants to share their artwork, reflections, or insights. Sharing is always optional, but encouraged as a valuable opportunity to connect and learn from one another.
If you have any questions, please connect with us at the Virtual Art Therapy Clinic at info@vatc.ca.

Register
