Featured Local Businesses
Unchained imagination at Art4Wellness
| Business |
By LeRae Haynes
Kimberly McLennan at Art4Wellness in Williams Lake welcomes the community to her unique shop in the Delainey Centre on Oliver Street as individuals, as groups, as classes, as artists.
The shop space is designed to intrigue and inspire people of all ages, giving them the opportunity to unleash their inner ‘artist’ and find satisfaction in creativity and limitless imagination.
(Kimberly McLennan at Art4Wellness creates an atmosphere of acceptance and imagination.)
Art4Wellness provides opportunities for people to express themselves creatively. “We have things to do for people five to 95 and everyone in between,” Kimberly explained. “You can come and create here, or pick up unique materials and take them home with you--I also ‘cater art’ for parties and events.”
She stated that it isn’t about technique or creating a masterpiece: it’s about a thoroughly enjoyable and satisfying process. “Doing art is creative and healthy: it lowers blood pressure and relieves stress which is responsible for so many ills,” she noted. “This helps you express yourself. For some it’s getting in touch with ourselves---during our hectic lives when we’re just getting by in survival mode.
“It’s more than art: it’s healing and getting in touch with your inner wisdom.”
One unique activity that participants enjoy at Art4Wellness is the ‘Creation Station.’ There are bins of items that people can use to create: recycled bits and pieces. There are things like computer printer-feeder strips, discarded puzzle pieces, paper doilies, yarn and textured, coloured paper. These items are 80% recycled, and not necessarily what you’d think of as art materials.
Kimberly said that you can bring a group of kids or a group of friends and buy a bag from the ‘Creation Station.’
“It’s a great way for families to do something fun and creative together. This is a big beautiful space—you have access to tools like paints, glue, markers and scissors—and someone else cleans up the mess,” she continued. “We’re open every other Sunday for family art day.”
Art4Wellness offers workshops that include ‘Young at Art’, where participants look at different artists, talk about their techniques and are inspired by them. “Then you get to create your own piece, with no ‘copying’ allowed.
"I also teach ‘Touch Drawing,’ which includes relaxation where you paint with your fingers—a personalized piece that you create in a meditative state,” she added. “It’s your inner self and your inner wisdom. It can be your ‘aha’ moment.”
Kimberly has a varied background in the fields of art and human services.
“I have been an artist all my life--it’s always been a part of what I’ve done. For many years it was something I did for myself. When my kids were smaller I started teaching art to kids K-7 in schools. I was in a co-op with five women and ran an art gallery/art shop in Mission, with glasswork, paintings and pottery,” she said.
“I went to work as Executive Director for the Mission Arts Council and ended up launching an arts centre with a gallery, tea room and gift shop. I was involved with kids and art shows and art festivals—connecting artists with elementary schools.
“I got to ‘live’ the arts.”She said that when it was time in her life she went back to school, worked in employment services, and ended up working with mental health clients doing vocational rehab—helping them find a better quality of life.
That compassion, understanding and support is a big part of the Art4Wellness experience. Kimberly explained that, when you create at Art4Wellness there is no judgment, no right or wrong—it’s a warm, creative atmosphere.
“What I want most for my customers is for them to feel valued, and I want them to feel that they got what they came for. I want to know what we can do to make this work for them and I offer flexible, adaptable services and coaching for groups and individuals. I really want people to experience that joy and peace I experience when I do art,” she explained.
“You don’t have to be an artist. This environment is good for anyone. It’s a great backdrop for people facing the need for change. It’s good for mental health.
“Art is healing. It just is.”
For more information about Art4Wellness, visit www.art4wellness.net, drop by her shop at 271 Oliver Street in the Delainey Centre, email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone her at 250-392-3573.
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