What a strange time in history we are living through. As we ushered in a new year in January 2020, there are only a handful of people who could have predicted where we would find ourselves in July.

This new normal is scary and exhilarating; painful and reflective; frustrating and hopeful. Through it all, the arts communities around the world have joined together to keep the fires of imagination and creativity going.

Research has proven that art making is both restorative and contemplative. The process can combat isolation, relieve stress, and build new skills to give participants a feeling of value and mastery. Creating art has been used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder and a large body of research has proven that, no matter your perceived ability or whether the final product is judged to be good or bad, the process of making art is enough to significantly reduced the stress hormones in your body.

Thanks to COVID, forced isolation has birthed new online offerings of all genres of music, art, theatrical performances, choirs, gallery and museum tours, dance and more are made available every week. There are also online art course offerings from around the world introducing students to new ways of making.

The arts community throughout the GTHA are joining in so we hope you are taking advantage of this amazing time and supporting your local arts organizations.

Although our art centre is closed, the Team at Visual Arts Mississauga has been working hard behind the scenes. We have a series of summer adult and teen online course offerings and a special at-home program for younger children called Art-Stars.

Art-Stars is a unique At-Home Art Experience for children ages 5 - 12. It has five theme offerings summer and each week, participants receive a specialized theme booklet filled with art activities, games and quizzes. Artworks are shared on a private Facebook page and the end of the week culminates with a final Zoom meet & greet and art activity. And every participant receives a special theme completion sticker in the mail.

You can find more Mississauga summer activities at:

Visual Arts Mississauga - www.visualartsmississauga.com
Visit Mississauga - www.visitmississauga.ca
Heritage Mississauga - www.heritagemississauga.com
Mississauga Arts Council www.mississaugaartscouncil.com

Have a Safe and Happy Summer!