Welcome to our Community Wellness Space!

Art Hives at Art as Therapy

Art Therapist Maya Shahid began running Art Hives at our Milton office in 2019 to make art and community connections more accessible for those who had completed their therapy journey, or could not access therapy services. Rooted in the belief that healing is a shared responsibility, Art Hives foster reciprocal care over isolation by investing in community support.

Driven by the desire to foster support beyond the therapy room, Drama Therapist Cassandra Brennan along with Art Therapist Sarah Jefferies began running art hives for the community in our Orangeville office garden. We then secured the space next door, opening up our community wellness hub in July 2023!

We currently offer regular Art Hives at our community wellness space in Orangeville, (see schedule below), pop-up Art Hives in collaboration with the Milton Public Library, and will soon launch weekly Art Hives in Brampton—stay tuned! Currently Art as Therapy provides all the funding and staff resources to run the hives, if you would like to contribute by donating or volunteering please contact us.

Remember Art Hives are community spaces for all ages and experience with art making is not a requirement. Art supplies are provided, you are welcome to make something new, share a skill you have with other community members or bring an existing project with you to work on.

Art Hives as Community Wellness Spaces

Art Hives are inclusive, community-based creative spaces that promote wellness, social connection, and self-expression through art-making. Open to people of all ages and backgrounds, these spaces foster belonging, empowerment, and resilience by providing a welcoming environment where participants can explore creativity without judgment or pressure. Rooted in the principles of accessibility and community care, Art Hives support mental health and well-being by encouraging self-reflection, collaboration, and the therapeutic benefits of artistic engagement.

Open House + 15 Year in Practice + Art Hive + Holiday Celebration November 16, 2024

It was a chilly November evening in 2021, and I found myself at our Orangeville office hosting an event. As the festivities wrapped up, we noticed a growing crowd gathering along First Street, eagerly awaiting the Santa Claus Parade. In true Panjabi Sikh fashion, we decided to join the fun by stepping outside with boxes of warm, flaky samosas.

In those cautious, post-pandemic days, people were understandably hesitant—curious yet wary. "Who are these people? Why are they offering us free food?" they wondered. Despite the initial hesitations, we were inspired by the spark of connection we witnessed. That moment planted a seed.

The following year, we decided to do things properly. We set up a booth and added hot apple cider to our offerings. The year after that, we brought hot chocolate into the mix, drawing even more smiles from passersby. But this year, we truly went all out.

We celebrated 15 years of practice with an open house that radiated warmth and community spirit. We invited everyone to an art hive, hosted an elf art-making workshop in the back, and created a cozy space with heaters where folks could gather, eat, drink, and soak in the joy of the parade.

There’s something magical about the simple act of sharing food and creating art together. These small, heartfelt gestures of connection remind us that in an age where social isolation and the disconnection often prevail, coming together as a community is deeply nourishing.

The laughter, the warmth, the shared joy of that evening—it was more than just a celebration. It was a reminder that togetherness heals, inspires, and fosters a sense of belonging.

So, mark your calendars and join us next year! Let’s keep building this beautiful tradition, one samosa, one smile, and one shared moment at a time.

In the meantime, stay connected with us! Follow this space, join our mailing list, and check out our Instagram for updates on our free Art Hives—community art studios where creativity and connection come alive.

Currently, you can join us at our community wellness space at 47 First Street in Orangeville three times per week. We're thrilled to share that we’re planning to offer weekly Art Hives in Brampton later this year while continuing to host them in partnership with the Milton Library near our office there.

These gatherings are about more than just making art—they're about fostering a sense of community, wellness, and belonging. We can’t wait to welcome you to create, connect, and thrive together