Mission
Our mission is to provide a fully-equipped, safe and accepting
community–based arts studio for people living with severe and persistent
mental illness and/or addictions. The healing process is based on the
integration of the principles of occupational therapy, mental health,
primary care, visual arts and vocational counseling. We support our
members on their self-guided journey to self-expression through art,
greater self-esteem, improved confidence and eventually increased
participation within the larger community.
About us
Founded in 1998, the Studio is an arts based occupational therapy and
community initiative of the Inner City Health Program of St. Michael’s
Hospital and operates in partnership with Good Shepherd Non-Profit Homes
Inc. The Studio offers healing and recovery through the arts for those
living with severe and persistent mental health challenges. The Studio
is non-denominational, was pioneered, and is led by Isabel Fryszberg, an
occupational therapist and practicing artist.
Open throughout the week, the Studio receives clients from mental
health agencies across the city and helps them make a comfortable return
to an active and meaningful life in the larger community. The Studio
provides a non-judgmental environment where each person is treated as an
artist first, rather than a patient, and is encouraged to reach their
highest skill level and potential through purposeful and inspiring
creative art initiatives. As a result, their general life skills and
ability to cope in the larger community also improve.
The Studio is actively involved in mental health research and in
community and educational outreach as a means of disseminating
information and reducing the stigma of mental illness. We welcome your
interest and involvement in our organization as a participant, supporter
or volunteer!
For Contact information and Referral Forms please visit our Contact page
Studio Members
- Men and women between the ages of 18 – 80, who come from diverse educational and socio-economic backgrounds.
- Members make almost 2,500 client visits a year.
- 25% of the members who joined the Studio in 2009 have since returned to full or part-time work, returned to school, or have decreased their hospital time.
- 95% of the Studio members have improved their life skills and sense of well-being, through increased productivity, participation, and socialization, while sharing in the studio environment.
- Many members have entered art shows and have sold their work.
History
In 1997, the program was pioneered through the leadership of Isabel
Fryszberg, Occupational Therapist and practicing artist as a 1 afternoon
a week program with one arts volunteer in St. Michael’s Hospital,
supplementing mental health programs that had sustained serious funding
cuts. Through hallway art shows, the program gained supporters, outgrew
its facilities and moved out into the community. Demand for the program
led to both an increase in the number of sessions and innovative
partnerships with community based groups, Sisters of St. Joseph the
Mustard Seed, JVS Toronto, and most recently a significant and important
collaboration with Good Shepherd Homes. In 2007 another important
partnership developed through a volunteer based group that works year
round towards our annual fundraising event called the Art Gems. The Art
Gems was founded by Ronnie Kaplansky and is now directed by Ginny
Leuty. Our unique hybrid program that bridges mental health, art
community and culture has gained the interest of health care providers
across the GTA, nationally and internationally.