I’m a visual artist, passionate guide and leader in arts in health.
For over 20 years I have been creating unique and uplifting experiences that support personal growth and community wellbeing through art-making and creative exploration.
This very gratifying work has allowed me the immense privilege of being a trusted guide to individuals and groups, as they grow, change and ultimately explore their capacity to be fully present in the Here and Now.
I can think of no place I’d rather be, and no work I’d rather do.
As an artist, I’ve exhibited my work internationally, illustrated children’s books and lead the development of community murals across the city. I studied drawing and painting at the renowned OCAD, art education at Concordia University, and Gestalt psychotherapy at the Gestalt Institute of Toronto.
On my own, I’ve dedicated years to researching academic studies on wellness; historical impacts on the Black body/mind; and the effective use of art and mindfulness techniques in group facilitation.
All of this research is weighed and measured against my own lived experience as a Black woman in North America, as well as the experiences of my friends, family and the communities I serve.
This work is very much rooted in what’s real-world effective and transformative.
You leave not only with accessible tools for self-repair, but with tools for reviving your best self and returning to the path of thriving.
“The rich, Sacred Griot of our heritage lives within her. She moves authentically in spaces to support and challenge participants to unveil their personal her/histories in a space that is safe and welcoming. I would ask Belinda back a thousand times.”
Crystal Perryman Marks MSW
Consultant, writer and educator on anti-racism and equity, Toronto Metropolitan University
Arts in Health (or “Arts in Healthcare”)
Arts in health as a discipline covers all the modes of creative expression that support health and wellbeing from the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects. But intuitively and unconsciously, we know that creativity is healing. It focuses our thoughts, communicates our emotions and electrifies our imagination. Body, heart and soul respond and realign in joy.
I want to share what I’ve learned and practiced with you now. Our community needs access to and facility with more and better tools to continue progress towards collective resilient wellness. Arts in health is an accessible and invigorating approach to significant personal and cultural healing as we retrieve and reconnect to our creative legacies.
Join me.
