The Story of Art for the Soul

My husband and I moved to the Northwest in February 2020, with the expectation that I would, in time, begin a pioneering ministry in our new community. I was completing my studies with the CMS Pioneer Leadership course, so wasn’t looking for what this new ministry would be as the covid lockdown hit in March 2020. Like many people, I found solace and friendship online, through a daily Facebook live where we learned to doodle and draw together. 5 days a week, I would join in, and I discovered the power of mindful art. Art was always something I had enjoyed doing, and I had been using it in prayer for the previous five years or so, but here was something slightly different. I was using art to relax when I really needed it!

Fast forward to 2021, I had finished my studies, and was now really keen to find something to do. I took to painting in a local cafe, mainly to get out of the house, but it also became an opportunity to share my art with anyone who asked me about it. After a couple of months of this, I was asked by the owner of the cafe if I would like to start an art group there - and so I did. The aim of the mindful art group was to use art for relaxation. I offered colouring sheets alongside teaching different mindful art techniques I had learned over the past year. It was popular, particularly as others were looking for something to do, and a way to relax.

I hadn’t planned to start a ministry involving my love for art, it just kind of happened. I had continued painting in the cafe by myself, and gave away the pieces of art I created. This led to the creation of what I called ‘Art Blessings’ - prints of my art that I could give away. My aim with sharing my art, either through giving it away or through teaching it, was always to touch people’s souls, hence the name ‘Art for the Soul’.

Over the years, the group has changed and I’ve given away hundreds of art blessings, but the aim continues to be to provide Art for the Soul.