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

About Art Cafe ▸

❊ Upcoming Gathering

No art experience is needed.

Tending Our Shared Gardens

Sunday, April 26
1:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Vancouver, BC

What grows when we imagine a space meant to nourish us?

Inspired by the ecological wisdom of Robin Wall Kimmerer, this gathering invites us to reflect on how community and land are part of the same living story.

In the spirit of reciprocity and care for the world around us, we’ll explore how to nourish the gardens we carry within us and the ones we dream of growing together.

You’ll be guided through reflective prompts, collaborative art-making, and optional sharing. No art experience is needed.

Together, we’ll make space for something beautiful to take root.

2 hours of guided facilitation, followed by 1 hour to connect in community

All art materials provided

Warm tea is offered in the final hour

Learn More ▸

❊ A Few Kind Words

Here’s what past participants have shared about their experience at Art Cafe.

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.

I highly recommend spending time with Shayna and checking out Art Cafe! What a beautiful community she has built.

— Liz, Participant

When else do we truly take the time to just sit, breathe, and let someone guide us on such a beautiful inward journey?

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

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

Everyone is welcomed at Art Cafe — creativity lives in all of us.

❊ A Typical Gathering

Here’s an idea of what to expect in a 3-hour gathering:

Welcome & Check-In

Put devices away, settle into the circle, and begin with names, pronouns, and a creative check-in.

10 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.

20 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.

45 min

Closing & Tea

We end with gratitude, a closing word, and warm tea. Sit together and enjoy the community you’ve co-created.

60 min

You’ll Leave With:

  • One or more personal pieces of art

  • Reflections and insights from your creative process

  • A sense of slowing down, connection, and inspiration

❊ A Few Kind Words

Here’s what past participants have shared about their experience at Art Cafe.

My word right now is tender.

I feel tender for Shayna 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.

— Alexa, Participant

There is something deeply healing in the way Shayna facilitates — with care, intention, gentleness, and sincerity.

Sitting in circle with kind, conscious humans, surrounded by colour, creativity, and love, always leaves me feeling nourished, open, and deeply grateful.

— Payal, Participant

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.

I highly recommend Art Cafe to anyone who might be curious.

— Julia, Participant

❊ FAQs

Here’s a little more about how it all works:

  • 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.

  • Not at all. Everything is guided and open-ended — you just show up with curiosity.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Each gathering runs about three hours, usually on Sundays at Yoga Circle Collective Healing Lab in Vancouver.

  • You can reserve your spot through the website — pricing is offered on a sliding scale:
    $25 Reduced Rate – for those who need a little financial support
    $32.50 Standard Rate – covers the cost of your spot
    $40 Community Supporter – helps make it accessible for others

    To support the materials, tea, and space that make these gatherings possible, the price has increased since the last Art Cafe.

    If you feel called to attend and cost is a barrier, you’re warmly invited to reach out.

  • 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

  • Each gathering is intentionally kept small — we welcome up to 10 participants to create an atmosphere that feels warm, spacious, and connected.

  • Absolutely. Many people come solo — the space is welcoming and easy to settle into.

  • The space has three flights 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 connect in advance to help ensure the space feels supportive 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.

  • You’re welcome to photograph your own art, but please ask before including others in your pictures.