Open Arts Studio Program
The Open Arts Studio Program has been funded by the United Way Centraide North East Ontario since 2014, since then the program has grown from The Open Arts Studio space, to attending schools in our area to facilitate life skill workshops. The Studio is a safe space for women and gender diverse who access services at the Society, fostering creativity while encouraging experimentation, personal growth, discussion, and self-expression. Mobile outreach has provided youth in our community an understanding of self and creative expression through art based learning of topics such as healthy relationships; self-image, anger management and handling stress. We also have provided afterschool art programs to youth females.
We are delighted to share that with the continued support of United Way Sudbury and Nipissing Districts through their Community Fund, this successful program will continue.
The Open Arts Studio Program decreases social isolation through the provision of an engaging, positive and beneficial open group experience with art and art making while addressing needs, literacy levels and learning styles of all participants. The program focuses on emphasizing strengths, personal choice and creative expression and increases access to creative, expressive and educational resources that promote skill development and capacity building. Autonomy and choice within the program improves engagement with services, increases personal growth, self-control, resilience and development of positive self-identity.,
Mobile Outreach
Open Arts workshops are made specific to youth as well as women and are available for other organizations in our community
Participants will use art based learning for a variety of life skills such as healthy relationships, positive self-image, anger management, and handling stress.
Workshops are facilitated in 2hr sessions with material and supplies provided.
Studio Time
Open arts programming meets women where they are at and provides a supportive environment that facilitates interaction with peers and service providers.
Participants will have the opportunity to explore various art materials, learn different art techniques and work on their own self-directed and collaborative art projects
Facilitated in weekly two-hour sessions for women in-house at 204 Elm Street, Sudbury and for women in-custody at the Sudbury District Jail.
Participation is voluntary for both groups. While advance registration is preferred, participants can ‘drop-in’.
Each session introduces a directive or technique; participants also have the time to work on art projects, either incorporating the directive/technique or something entirely different of their own choosing.
Journaling and general discussion is encouraged; music is played and snacks are provided when possible.
A sharing circle about the artistic process as well as the viewing of each other’s work is facilitated.
Extended studio time and additional experiential activities such as collective cooking, community gardening, special events and exhibits may be explored.
Aftercare counselling support is available for women requesting this service.
Join other women in the studio to create, experiment with different materials, learn new art techniques, express yourself, meet new people, and have fun!
Ask Efry staff how to get involved!
Feedback from Open Art Studio Artists (both in the community & in custody)
“The experience I had today was a good one. I understand more about the meaning of stress and know I have a better understanding on this topic”
“The friends and kindness I have seen and gotten”
“I can be myself when I am here”
“I needed a group like this one, it’s fun and relaxing.”
“I enjoy being able to be creative, a feeling of releasing feelings through art.”
“I learned by watching what others do, how they talk about their work.”
“Sometimes I forget I am in jail.”
I’m not afraid to try new things.”
I learned I need to listen to understand.”
“I am happy there’s no pressure to finish our projects and that we can work on whatever we feel like doing.”
“I learn by trying different things.”
“I’m more relaxed and focused on positive things.”
