Art therapy programs launched on P.E.I.

A Charlottetown doctor has teamed up with two artists to create two new art therapy programs following a pilot project last winter.

The pilot at the Cancer Treatment Centre in Charlottetown met four times, and the patients were so taken with the project they are continuing their art in North Wiltshire, where artist Kristin Griffin has offered studio space.

Another group is active at the Palliative Care Centre in Charlottetown.

• Art therapy studied at Cancer Treatment Centre

Dr. Nancy Yao, who ran the pilot project, is impressed with the impact of the art therapy on patients.

"It has helped me realize how art is so beneficial to every person," said Yao.

"There is certainly something that we can find for each individual and I really believe this. It can just be used in such a powerful way for all sorts of different illnesses."

Yao and the artists currently involved plan to organize a co-operative to involve even more artists.

The group also wants to promote art therapy for Islanders with a wide range of conditions, including dementia, brain injuries, and stroke victims.

Until now, the artists, studio space and supplies have all been donated for the art therapy programs. A co-op would raise funding for the programs so that they are able to pay artists to offer even more programming across the Island.