Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time

There has been a great buzz in my art studio over the past year and an abundance of new faces. I know I’m not the only one who feels this beautiful energy, my wonderful students have expressed their experience with our art lessons as "cathartic," "calming," "a balance point," "great fun," "finding solutions together," "being helped along the way," and "supportive."

It fills my heart with deep joy to be able to create a safe space where all my students, regardless of their starting point or self-perceived artistic abilities, can flourish. Witnessing my students' growth, not just in their art but also in their confidence and even in their lives, it is such a rewarding part of my work.

I have had the pleasure of watching new friendships blossom, bringing together people from all walks of life united by their love of art and creativity. Art has this incredible ability to bring people together, it creates a sense of belonging and community, an integral part of life, especially in this age of disconnect.

As the Annual Kirana Haag Student Exhibition draws closer, I am so ready to celebrate the amazing achievements of my students. Hanging each artwork represents not only a tangible accomplishment but also a profound intangible achievement—the bravery it took to embark on this journey of self-discovery, expression, and creation and to then have the courage to showcase the results.

It is hard to put into words the true essence of this journey of creating and expressing ones self, I am confident when you visit the exhibition, you will feel the captivating presence of colour, passion, inner growth, and strengthened confidence that fills the room.