Leslie Bjur has seen firsthand the healing power of art in her classroom at the Centre for Creative Arts in Grande Prairie.
For over 20 years, the centre’s Healing Arts Program Initiative (HAPI) has given people the ability to participate in art classes where they may otherwise face barriers.
“It’s just amazing,” Bjur told The Article, speaking about how she has seen her students not only improve as artists but also heal in their personal lives.
“We had one fellow who has Parkinson’s, and his shake was so bad; but after two years of weekly classes, because they’d come every week, the connection between his brain and his hand had improved so much, he could actually paint with just one hand instead of having to steady it with the second hand.”
Bjur has been a HAPI instructor for over 12 years and has seen that the classes have an impact outside the classroom.
“It’s an inclusive environment, everybody gets to try, and for that hour or 90 minutes, their brain doesn’t think about the doctor’s appointment, or whatever was driving them crazy.”
She said that it has ripple effects on caregivers and family as well, giving them a break from care but also just having a person around who is excited to share their artwork or is feeling a bit more relaxed.
“We finally started to figure out as a society that our mental well-being is connected to our physical well-being. If you can help the spirit, your body’s going to feel better.
“You heal faster.”
The program includes many different groups from around the community, including seniors and youth, but gets them all creating art. HAPI students can work on a variety of projects, including sculpture, painting, drawing, pottery, and wood burning, among many other media.
“Sometimes it’s a financial barrier, sometimes it’s a physical barrier, sometimes it’s a social barrier that keeps them from coming in to take part in our classes,” said Candace Hook, CFCA executive director.
Most HAPI classes bring people together at the centre who wouldn’t usually enter through its doors, and give them a chance to see the latest exhibits and other artists creating their art.
HAPI students have also been known to be among the centre’s most enthusiastic volunteers, helping run the soapstone tent at the Bear Creek Folk Festival, cleaning and organizing the centre, and spending time selling raffle tickets, says Bjur.
The Rules
HAPI follows four basic rules: we are here for art, be nice to everyone, have fun, and clean up.
Bjur says the secret to the success of HAPI comes down to the dedicated team at the centre, noting Hook’s love for the program and always finding the funding and ways to keep it going, other staff figuring out scheduling and where different groups would fit in, and the instructors who care so much about their students.
“It really just comes back to being grateful that we can do this; every single employee here is grateful we can do this, so the students benefit hugely,” said Bjur.
“We’re doing it because we love the centre.”
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