Step in, create with heart, connect with others, and leave with a little piece of magic in hand.
No art experience is needed.
For centuries, cafes have been places to gather, talk, dream, and simply be.
Art Cafe builds on that tradition — but instead of menus and espresso machines, we bring:
🟡 Imagination
🟡 Play
🟡 Curiosity
It’s a space for warmth, conversation, and creativity — a place for nourishment and healing.
Through self-expression, intuition, and the arts, we mindfully explore:
🌿 The beauty of being alive together
🌈 Embodied joy
🌀 Engaging our senses
❊ Gatherings
Everyone is welcomed at Art Cafe.
The Art of Becoming
Sunday, November 16th, 2025
2pm to 4pm
As autumn deepens, we gather to meet the selves we are still unfolding into.
Through art, reflection, and gentle presence, we explore the quiet beauty of transformation — the in-between space where who we are and who we’re becoming begin to touch.
2 hours of guided facilitation
All art materials provided
Warm tea is offered
The Garden We Share
March 2026
Date and time coming soon!
In tending our own gardens, we notice what nourishes and steadies us.
When they meet, our gardens merge into a larger rhythm — creating a shared tapestry of care, growth, and connection to carry us forward into the months ahead.
2 hours of guided facilitation
All art materials provided
Warm tea is offered
Thanks for being part of this gathering — check out what’s coming next!
The Gift I Always Needed
Summer 2026
Date and time coming soon!
In this season of warmth, we gather to listen to what’s been quietly calling — to make something tender, something true.
Together, we create space to rekindle our spark, to meet ourselves with care, and to offer what has long been waiting to be received.
2 hours of guided facilitation
All art materials provided
Warm tea is offered
This gathering is on the horizon — details coming soon!
❊ A Few Kind Words
Here’s what past participants have shared about their experience at Art Cafe.
I recently took part in my first Art Cafe.
I had not done expressive arts activities prior, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Shayna created an exceptionally warm and welcoming environment for us to gather, create, and share. It was the perfect space to reflect and channel creatively. 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.
I highly recommend Art Cafe to anyone who might be curious. It’s a lovely, non-judgmental space to connect with and express yourself through unique and thoughtful prompts and mediums.
— Julia, Participant
“
My introduction to expressive arts was through Shayna.
It was through her that I rediscovered the healing and quiet joy that comes with creation - being with colours, textures, paint, paper, poetry, and words. Each Art Cafe felt like a soft landing, an invitation to slow down, to connect with others, and to listen to what wants to emerge through creative expression.
Shayna holds space with such presence and love. There is something deeply healing in the way she facilitates - with care, intention, gentleness, and sincerity. Through her sessions, words always seem to find me. Sometimes it’s strength, sometimes courage, sometimes trust. They are never the same, yet each one arrives with perfect timing, whispering what I need to hear, anchoring or inspiring me when I need it most.
Sitting in circle with kind, conscious humans, surrounded by colour, creativity, and love, always leaves me feeling nourished, open, and deeply grateful.
— Payal, 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.
Even though I hadn't met the others in the group before, I felt connected to them by the end of the session!
I highly recommend spending time with Shayna and checking out Art Cafe! What a beautiful community she has built.
— Liz, Participant
“
Somehow, in the chaos of the world around us, this art & community space allows for time to slow down enough to breathe again.
Shayna’s art gatherings tend to feel like a beautiful balance of peace and play.
I can reconnect with my young silly self and feel free in the fullness of my expression.
— Lindsey, Participant
“
When else do we truly take the time to just sit, breathe, and let someone guide us on such a beautiful inward journey?
A journey of playfulness, reflection, and release. It’s incredible how Shayna creates such a safe and inspiring container, one that allows each of us to be fully with ourselves while still feeling deeply connected to others. The way she holds space makes it so easy to let the creative energy flow.
I’ve absolutely LOVED every Art Cafe I’ve attended.
It’s where the magic happens. Especially now as a mom, taking a few hours for myself to reconnect inward and have that quiet conversation with my own soul feels like the best investment of time I can make.
— Kirke, Participant
“
My word right now is tender.
The good kind. The squish of the middle of a soft cookie. The release of tension when wrapped in a deep hug.
I feel tender for you creating space for all of us to access this feeling and connection to one another.
I feel tender for the 8 other people who shared the moment in time that was this evening of unbound creation and open story telling together.
I feel tender for myself- my 93 year old self for whom I made this gift.
Tonight felt really special. I want to remember it.
I mean this in a way that feels like it swells up around my chest when I say it: thank you.
— Alexa, Participant
“
No art experience is needed — creativity lives in all of us.
❊ A Typical Gathering
Here’s an idea of what to expect in a 2-hour gathering:
Welcome & Check-In
Put devices away, settle into the circle, and begin with names, pronouns, and a creative check-in.
20 min
Creative Warm-Up
Ease into the creative flow with a guided exercise — stretching, mindful mark-making, or choosing words or images that resonate. No experience required; this is about presence, not skill.
15 min
Guided Reflection
Engage with a thoughtful prompt using pens, pencils, or mixed media. Themes may explore the stories we carry, moments of joy and gratitude, or connections between self and nature.
15 min
Independent Art-Making
Taking inspiration from the theme, experiment with materials, colours, and ideas. There’s no right or wrong — only what emerges. Pause midway for reflection, add finishing touches, or take a brief movement break.
30 min
Sharing & Gentle Discussion
Optional sharing invites you to reflect on the surprises, challenges, or delights from your creative process. This fosters connection and inspiration.
20 min
Closing & Tea
We end with gratitude, a closing word, and warm tea. Sit together and enjoy the community you’ve co-created.
20 min
You’ll Leave With:
One or more personal pieces of art
Reflections and insights from your creative process
A sense of calm, connection, and inspiration
❊ FAQs
Here’s a little more about how it all works:
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Art Cafe is a cozy creative gathering where we pause together through expressive art, reflection, and tea. It’s less about making “good art” and more about connecting with yourself and others through the process.
During our time together, we set aside our devices and are fully present with the moment and one another.
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Not at all. Everything is guided and open-ended — you just show up with curiosity.
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Art Cafe is designed for adults seeking a quiet space to create, reflect, and connect. For now, gatherings are focused on adults (18+), though future offerings may include family-friendly sessions.
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All materials are provided, so you don’t need to bring anything to create. Just bring your own mug for tea, and anything else that helps you feel comfortable and relaxed.
Seating is on the floor, with cushions provided. You’re welcome to bring any additional supports or seating that help you feel comfortable throughout the session.
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Each gathering runs about two hours, usually on Sunday afternoons at Yoga Circle Collective Healing Lab in Vancouver.
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You can reserve your spot through the website — pricing is offered on a sliding scale:
$15 Reduced Rate – for those who need a little financial support
$20 Standard Rate – covers the cost of your spot
$25 Community Supporter – helps make it accessible for othersAll tickets include art supplies and tea.
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Each gathering offers a gentle, creative space to slow down, reflect, and explore. You’ll have time to experiment with materials, respond to prompts, and connect with others if you wish.
The session typically flows like this:
Welcome & Check-In – Settle in and introduce yourself
Creative Warm-Up – Gentle exercises to spark flow and presence
Guided Reflection – Explore prompts with various media
Independent Art-Making – Experiment, reflect, and create your own art
Sharing & Discussion – Optional sharing to connect and inspire
Closing & Tea – End with gratitude, a closing word, and warm tea
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Each gathering is intentionally kept small — we welcome up to 15 participants to create an atmosphere that feels warm, spacious, and connected.
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Absolutely. Many people come solo — the space is welcoming and easy to settle into.
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The space has one flight of stairs and seating is on the floor. Cushions are provided, and you’re encouraged to bring any additional supports or seating you need to feel comfortable.
If you have accessibility needs or questions, I’m happy to chat in advance to help make sure the space works well for you. -
If you need to cancel, you can receive a full refund (minus payment processing fees) when you cancel at least 48 hours before the gathering.
To request a refund, just send an email to hello@theartcafe.ca with your name and the date of the gathering you registered for. Refunds are issued to the original payment method within 5–10 business days.
Cancellations made less than 48 hours before a gathering are non-refundable, though you’re always welcome to offer your spot to a friend if you can’t make it.
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You’re welcome to photograph your own art, but please ask before including others in your pictures.