Experiencing Expressive Arts will be the topic of the next Cochrane Ideas session on Friday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. in the King Solomon Lodge, 120 Centre Ave. 

In a departure from the usual Ideas format, Dara Dines, a resident in the Cochrane area and a practitioner of expressive arts in the field of mental health and wellness, as well as in the workplace, will lead participants in creative exercises that could result in fascinating insights and self-discovery.

After a general introduction to her topic, Dines will encourage those who wish to actively participate to split up into smaller groups to practice forms of expressive art through hands-on exercises in an informal and relaxed setting.

Dines has a degree in Fine Arts and Business from Concordia University, and a certificate in Expressive Arts Training from the Institute of Expressive Arts Therapy in Alberta. She is a registered arts consultant and educator with the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association.

She has explored and incorporated many forms of art into her classes, such as mindfulness, health, and wellness. She has also been training facilitators to use expressive arts in the workplace. In the past few years, she has created leadership development workshops for community support workers, peer mentors, and volunteers.

All interested people are welcome to attend free of charge, although donations to cover costs are gratefully received.

Since 2000, Cochrane Ideas has been encouraging discussion on a very broad range of topics. No subject is taboo unless presented in an offensive way.

For further information about this event or Cochrane Ideas, contact Andy at marshallca97@gmail.com, or 403-932-6580.

You can visit their website here.