Small, slow art gatherings for adults in Chilliwack
About 2 to 3 hours, small groups, materials provided. No art experience needed.
Cafes have long been places to gather, talk, and simply be. Art Cafe keeps the gathering and the tea, and swaps the menu for art materials and guided prompts.
Drop into your senses and create with your hands.
Be curious. Invite play. Let yourself be surprised by your own creativity, and share it with others in the room. Grounded, inspired, and connected are the words I hear most often as people head home.
Everyone is welcome at Art Cafe. Creativity lives in all of us.
FAQs
Here is how it all works:
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Art Cafe is a small creative gathering where we slow down together through art, reflection, and tea. It is less about making "good art" and more about connecting with yourself and others through the process.
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Not at all. You don't need to be good at art, just present and curious. Everything is guided and open-ended.
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Adults (18+) looking for a quiet space to create, reflect, and connect. Family-friendly sessions may come later.
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Yes. Many people come solo, and most leave knowing a few more people than when they arrived.
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Usually around 10, so the group stays warm and unhurried.
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Each gathering runs about 2 to 3 hours, including time to connect over tea. Most gatherings are in Chilliwack, with the occasional one in Vancouver. The venue, date, and what to bring are listed on each gathering's page.
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Pricing is listed on each gathering's page. If cost is a barrier and you'd like to come, please reach out.
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Each venue is different, so access details (stairs, seating, washrooms) are listed on each gathering's page. If you have questions or needs, email me before the gathering and I'll do what I can to make the space work for you.
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Cancel at least 48 hours ahead for a full refund, minus payment processing fees. Email hello@theartcafe.ca with your name and the gathering date. Refunds reach your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days. Cancellations inside 48 hours aren't refundable, but you're welcome to give your spot to a friend.
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You're welcome to photograph your own art. Please ask before including anyone else.
A Few Kind Words
Here is what past participants have shared.
I recently took part in my first Art Cafe. Although I didn’t know the other people participating, I quickly felt at ease, and by the end of our time together I felt an unexpected camaraderie with the other participants. I left the experience feeling calm, grounded, and full.
Julia, Participant
My word right now is tender. The good kind. The squish of the middle of a soft cookie… Tonight felt really special. I want to remember it.
Alexa, Participant
It was my first time attending an art event and Shayna immediately put me at ease. Shayna provides a non-judgemental space and fosters creativity, connectedness, and playfulness.
Liz, Participant
A Typical Gathering
Welcome & Check-In
Put devices away, settle into the space, and begin with a creative check-in.
Creative Warm-Up
Ease in with a guided exercise: stretching, mindful mark-making, or choosing words or images that stand out to you. This is about presence, not skill.
Guided Reflection
Respond to a thoughtful prompt using pens, pencils, or mixed media. Themes might explore the stories we carry, moments of joy and gratitude, or our connection to nature.
Independent Art-Making
Take the theme wherever it leads you. Experiment with materials, colours, and ideas. There is no right or wrong, only what emerges. We pause midway for a stretch or a moment of reflection.
Sharing & Gentle Discussion
If you like, share what surprised, challenged, or delighted you. Sharing is always optional.
Closing & Tea
We end with gratitude, a closing word, and warm tea together.
You’ll Leave With
One or more pieces of art you made yourself
Insights from your own creative process
