How did you find ArtBridgeCanada? Share your story

Start Here - Welcome to ArtBridge Canada
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Hey everyone,

I’m curious — how did you discover ArtBridgeCanada?

What brought you here, and what are you hoping to find—or offer—in this shared space?

I’ll go first. :point_down:

My name is Zari, and I come from a background in painting and theater in Iran.

I joined ArtBridge to explore those deeper questions of dignity, expression, and belonging —not just in art, but in the human experience.

What about you?

How did you arrive here?

What called you to this space?

:camera_flash: Feel free to share a photo, a sketch, a memory, or even a line from your journal—whatever feels like your beginning.

Looking forward to hearing your stories :herb:

#MyArtBridgeStory #ArtistJourney #BelongingThroughArt #WelcomeToArtBridge

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I was a devoted reader of Arabella magazine, so when I learned that its editors were launching this exciting new initiative, I knew I wanted to be part of it. I joined ArtBridgeCanada because I’m passionate about contributing to the broader art experience—not just through my own painting, but by helping build a vibrant community of artists and art lovers.

My path to art has been unconventional. Throughout my career, I was immersed in the world of technology—programming, designing databases and networks, and teaching computer courses and accounting at the college level. It wasn’t until several years into retirement that I picked up a paintbrush for the first time.

I had always imagined I would spend my retirement writing fiction, but something magical happened when I discovered painting. The brush simply called to me - I become immersed in the creative process. I find myself captivated by color, texture, and the endless possibilities of visual expression.

I’m excited to contribute to ArtBridgeCanada’s mission, to continue learning alongside fellow artists, and to share in this wonderful journey of creativity and connection. My diverse background—from technology to education to art—has taught me that the most rewarding experiences often come from bringing different perspectives together, and I look forward to being part of this collaborative artistic community.

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It all started with a survey

At the very beginning of the year, I received a message from Brian thanking me for taking part in a survey about the paths of visual artists. It was a questionnaire I had answered a few weeks earlier, without imagining that my responses, like those of many other artists, would help give birth to a new project: ArtBridgeCanada.

That message immediately caught my attention because it reflected the kind of initiative that doesn’t exist in France, yet would be so necessary.
This project struck me as both bold and deeply human: a non-profit organization designed to connect artists across the country, encourage exchange, reduce inequalities in access to resources, and promote mentorship and collaboration…

As an artist, what more could we ask for?

As I read those lines, I felt that something powerful was being built, with sincerity and a genuine desire to bring people together.
I decided to reach out to express my enthusiasm, while also being transparent about my situation, I’m not canadian and i live in France. Even though I’ve built many artistic connections with Canada, especially Québec, which was the first region to welcome my work internationally, I felt it was important to clarify my geographical location. :sweat_smile:

Brian’s response was not only warm and supportive, but also incredibly encouraging. Not only was my involvement still welcomed, but I was also invited to join the ArtBridgeCanada Advisory Committee, to bring a complementary perspective through my international experience. I accepted this invitation with great emotion and gratitude.

I truly wish I could be more involved, but I must admit that my spoken English is still very limited, which sometimes holds me back, especially during virtual meetings. That’s why I’m even more grateful that this platform exists. It allows me to stay connected, to contribute in different ways, and to be part of an artistic community that is open, kind, and accessible, even across language barriers.

Today, I’m happy to contribute in my own way to this artistic and collective adventure, because ArtBridgeCanada is much more than just a platform: it’s a community in the making, a space for sharing, listening, and co-creation, and above all, an invaluable opportunity for artists.

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Hello Sandrine,

Welcome — your work is truly beautiful.

I just wanted to share that, based on my experience over the past few months, I used to have similar concerns to what you mentioned. But I soon realized I had misjudged the situation.

I’d really recommend giving it a try. After each Zoom session, the energy, the sense of connection, and being surrounded by fellow artists genuinely renew my motivation and excitement to collaborate and engage more deeply.
It’s a kind and supportive space where every voice matters.

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Thank you very much :pray::pray::pray:I’m going on a 1-month road trip to Turkey so I’ll be thinking about your advice and putting it to good use to hopefully feel more comfortable in September :sweat_smile::muscle:

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Are you sure you want to do a road trip to Turkey?

If you have any specific questions, feel free to email me.

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Yes i am :blush:
I sent you a pm

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Nice to be a part of this new organization. I am a visual artist living in Georgetown. After being a part of a group of artists who shared studios for almost 30 years, I find myself working in my home studio by myself and although I love it, I miss the community of artists. I am looking forward to connecting and seeing what you are all up to. As well, I hope I can contribute to making this a strong, relevant and exciting place for artists to connect, enjoy and grow in.

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