About
The Heart Behind the Studio
Our Philosophy
As art therapists we believe process art is a pathway to wellness so people shine from the inside out. Shine Art Studio is a nurturing space for you and your family, welcoming all ages from babies to grandparents. Whether you’re experimenting with playful mark-making, taking a creative risk that may not land the way you had hoped or by simply enjoying reflection with your bilateral drawing, our intention is to support your process.
Our Story
Jennifer and Amy met on the first day of their master’s program, where a friendship sparked over green smoothies. With graduate degrees in counselling, and specializing in Art Therapy, they’ve seen how creativity can support people (especially children) navigate emotions, build resilience, and reconnect with themselves and others.
Shine grew from their shared desire to create a space where emotional wellbeing and creative expression are interconnected.
Our Approach
Creative expression is at the heart of what we do. Guided by art therapy principles, Shine offers carefully chosen materials, gentle art invitations, and an openness to create. Sometimes that might look like playing with paint colour, making marks into clay, or building something to deconstruct it. We provide guidance to support your creative flow!
About Us
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### Jennifer
Jennifer brings a rich background in elementary and special education, with a dedicated focus on children's literacy. She holds a Bachelor of Education and a Master’s degree in Counselling with an Art Therapy specialization.
As a literacy lover she holds a Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner Professional Credential.
She is a professional member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA) and is currently working toward CATA registration. Her experiences in the classroom and teaching abroad have deepened her understanding of childhood adversity and the many pathways to healing. Through her master's research, she explored the benefits of using art to process trauma with elementary-aged children.
Outside the studio, she's a busy mom to three children ages 9, 12 and 14.
She’s happiest when there's a touch of glitter on her nose, a bedazzled brush within reach, and a fresh batch of award winning slime on her kitchen counter.
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### Amy
Amy is a visual storyteller whose path began in the darkroom, where she earned a Professional Diploma in Photography in the days of film. She went on to complete a double major in Psychology and Art & Design and a Master's in Spirituality and Psychotherapy, specializing in art therapy.
Creative wellness is where her passions meet, with a special interest in women's mental health and in creating neuroaffirming spaces where every kind of mind feels welcome. She has been a professional member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA) since 2018 and is currently working toward CATA registration under clinical supervision. Her graduate research explored matrescence, the transition into motherhood, and how creative practices support identity exploration and life transitions. She was honoured to contribute a chapter to Therapeutic Arts in Pregnancy, Birth and New Parenthood, edited by Susan Hogan.
Outside the studio, she's mom to a creative 11-year-old and can usually be found gathering botanical treasures on walks, sipping nettle tea, and hunting for pens that feel ‘just right’,
Our Values
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Creativity
Honouring art-making as a pathway to exploration and meaning-making.
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Support
Creating a nurturing, inclusive environment for all.
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Growth
Encouraging curiosity, confidence, and emotional resilience.
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Connection
Building community through shared experiences and creative expression.
About the Space
Located in Edmonton’s Mill Creek area, Shine is a bright, cozy house turned creative space. Whether you’re in a class, a 1:1 session, or hosting an event, the studio supports calm, curiosity, and connection.
At Shine, you’ll find:
Open studio with flexible seating and natural light
Art materials available during classes and sessions
Family-friendly space
Bike rack (coming soon) and street parking
Interested in renting our space for a creative workshop or event?
Please note: art supplies are not included with rentals.
What’s Next?
Explore our current classes and offerings, or learn more about booking a private session.