Sunday, April 19, 2026

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

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Overview

Mrs. Haley Menard

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Details

Adapted from warm-up sketching exercises used in art and wellness programming at the Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG), this interactive workshop invites participants to practice and reflect on perspective-taking through drawing. In the exercises, participants are given a prompt ‘identity’ from which to draw: “draw like you’re the greatest artist in the world,” “draw as if you’re a child,” “draw like you’re being watched.” From the selection of which drawing tools to use – crayons, pen, markers, charcoal, etc. – to what and how to draw, participants will make many little decisions that they attribute to this identity. After each exercise, they will be encouraged to share their drawings and engage in a discussion about those choices. Participants will also be encouraged to create their own prompts related to identity for the group to try. This workshop is easy to access and engage in and can be replicated by anyone – no drawing skills required. To preface the workshop, a short presentation will be given sharing about art and wellness initiatives at OAG, including examples of artwork and feedback from participants. A strength of our programs that has been identified by participants is our position as a non-clinical space and one where all participants of all backgrounds are artists. Delivered by passionate and experienced artists and educators, OAG art and wellness programming offers a space for creativity, expression and connection. We collaborate with healthcare and community organizations to bring art and art-making to service users in support of their wellbeing. In addition to our hands-on work, we are also engaged in advocacy and policy work in this field. HeARTcare, launched with a symposium in November 2024, is a growing initiative led by OAG bringing together local and national arts and healthcare professionals to strengthen resources, identify gaps, and foster collaboration. Learning Objectives: Describe their creative decision-making process and explain how others may interpret and approach the same task differently; Engage in reflective discussion and identify how this drawing-based activity can be adapted and applied within their own professional practice. Fee: $0 for CAHH members $25 for non-members  --- Mrs. Haley Menard Haley Menard is a visual artist, educator, and the Art and Wellness Program Coordinator at the Ottawa Art Gallery. As part of the Learning and Engagement Department, she develops, coordinates, and delivers educational and public programs that highlight the health and well-being benefits of the arts. Menard is the liaison and facilitator for many of OAG’s partners in healthcare settings and community organizations, and coordinates our HeARTcare initiatives which advocate for better access to the arts as a pathway for supporting community and individual wellbeing.  COI Disclosure: I do not have an affiliation (financial or otherwise) with any for-profit or not-for-profit organizations