As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, we're reflecting on the moments of courage, conversation, creativity, and connection that unfolded during Bow Valley Mental Health & Addiction Week.

Together with local Art Therapist Kristin Slagorsky of Explore Counselling & Art Therapy, we welcomed community members to Create & Connect during an evening of art journaling, self-reflection, and meaningful conversation.

We also gathered for a screening of Beautiful Boy, followed by a thoughtful discussion on addiction, recovery, and mental health in the Bow Valley. Thanks to Recovery Alberta and our panel of dedicated community professionals, participants had the opportunity to engage in conversation, learn about local supports, and hear diverse perspectives on these important topics.

During these events, participants shared reflections that highlighted the power of creative expression as a tool for mental wellness. One participant shared: "Usually I process intense emotions once they build up, and I break. The art journaling session gave me space to process the emotions before I broke. I didn't expect that." Another reflected, "I didn't know what to expect coming into this workshop, but it really sparked something in me. I'm looking forward to expressing my creativity and not putting pressure on myself."

These comments were particularly meaningful because they speak to something we see time and time again through creative wellness programming: art is not about artistic skill or creating a finished product. It can be a way of checking in with ourselves, exploring emotions, reducing stress, and creating space for experiences that are difficult to put into words.

Throughout May, artsPlace visitors added their voices to a collaborative community art project, explored local wellness resources, and shared kindness through student-created Buttons of Affirmation—small reminders that sometimes the words we need most can come from a stranger.

We asked the community to reflect on the notions of Grounding, Support, and Connection.

• Grounding: What helps you feel calm and centered?
• Support: What would you say to someone having a hard day—something you might need to hear too?
• Connection: Where do you find connection in your community?

As visitors reflected on prompts about kindness, mental health, and community, conversations naturally emerged between strangers, friends, and families.

"One moment that stayed with me was hearing a parent, while participating alongside their child, say 'This is a great reminder to have these conversations with my kids'," says artsPlace Programs & Customer Experience Coordinator, Katie Leaf. "It was a simple comment, but it captured so much of what Mental Health Month aims to achieve: creating approachable opportunities for connection, reflection, and dialogue."

"One of the things that stood out most throughout Mental Health Month was witnessing how quickly creativity created space for honest reflection and connection," Katie says.

"Whether someone was attending a workshop, contributing to the community art project, or simply stopping to read a resource in the Mental Health Nook, people seemed eager for opportunities to slow down and engage in conversations that don't always happen in everyday life."

By the end of the month, the most powerful takeaway wasn't found in any single artwork or event. It was in the stories shared, the conversations sparked, and the reminder that creativity can help us better understand ourselves, connect with others, and feel a little less alone.

To everyone who attended, contributed, volunteered, shared their story, or simply paused to reflect: thank you. These experiences highlighted that creativity is more than self-expression; it can be a pathway to resilience, belonging, understanding, and hope.

A special thank you to the Banff Canmore Foundation, the Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation, Covenant Health, our community partners, volunteers, and ambassadors for helping to make these meaningful moments possible.

Curious about the connection between creativity and mental wellness? Visit our Creative Wellness website to explore FAQs and learn about past programs.