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A black and white map showing the island country of Japan with blue ink splatters.

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.

Abstract pink watercolor brush stroke forming the letter Z
Abstract teal brush strokes on a black background.
A sheet of paper with colorful pastel chalk drawings and several pastel chalks scattered around on a light fabric surface.

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 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.

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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 color, making marks into clay, or building something to deconstruct it. We provide guidance to support your creative flow!

About Us

  • ### Jennifer

    Jennifer brings a rich background in elementary and special education, with a dedicated focus on children’s literacy. Her teaching and volunteer work 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 is a mother of three of her own children ages 9, 12 and 14.

    A child and an adult sitting at a table, drawing and coloring on large sheets of paper with markers. The table is scattered with colorful markers, and their hands are engaged in creative art activities.
  • ### Amy

    Amy is a visual storyteller with a background in photography, design, and art therapy. Her graduate research explored matrescence—the transition into motherhood—and how creative practices support identity exploration and life transitions. A lover of rich textures, mark-making, and high-quality pens, she is dedicated to open-ended expression. Outside the studio, she’s mom to a creative 11-year-old and often found with a cup of nettle tea.

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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.

Map of Thailand with some states highlighted.
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A young girl with paint on her hands and fingers, leaning over a large sheet of paper on the floor, coloring with markers during an art activity.
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What’s Next?

Explore our current classes and offerings, or learn more about booking a private session.

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