In Calgary, artist and doula Chantal Soucy has found a way to merge creativity with community care. The self-taught painter is the heart behind The Rabbit’s Den, an online shop and studio for her artwork, as well as Doula in the Den, through which she provides compassionate support for families. But her impact reaches far beyond her businesses. For the past three years, Chantal has been offering free art workshops and private sessions in care facilities, community spaces, and homes across the city. Her mission is simple but powerful: to bring comfort, connection, and joy through creativity to people who may be isolated, especially seniors and those in treatment.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
As a lover of art, I really wanted to share the joy and peace I get while I am creating something with others. I offer easy art workshops for everybody and host them in many different types of care facilities and community events, as well as in one-on-one settings.
What problem does it aim to solve?
I hope that by sharing art and spending time with people, it will help them in some positive way, especially those who are in care/ treatment facilities or living alone. Living in certain facilities can become quite lonely, and sometimes you don’t even get a visitor. There is also a growing number of seniors, and sadly, a lot live alone too. With these different types of events or visits available, people can be reminded that they aren’t alone, be shown they have a “friend” to talk to, and maybe this can even help people discover a new skill or simply just find a new hobby to make them feel better.
When did you start/join it?
I started offering and hosting this service in Calgary and surrounding areas independently about 3 years ago.
What made you want to get involved?
I wanted to start offering this to the community because I know that creating art has a lot of benefits mentally, emotionally, and even physically. Art can really help express situations, feelings or other things that can be hard for people to deal with or talk about. I try to tell people it’s not about the outcome of the picture, but how it makes you feel while creating it. I also wanted to create/ provide a safe space for people who might feel they are alone and just need someone to talk to.
What was the situation like when you started?
When I looked into what was available at the time within the city, I noticed there wasn’t a lot being offered, and really wanted to get involved and join the other artists in Calgary who were trying to do the same thing.
How has it changed since?
Although it may not be a big change, I have noticed an increase in artists offering this in Calgary, which I am actually really thankful for.
What more needs to be done?
I think more of these types of services or visits need to be offered in any city.
How can our readers help?
Always try to support local art and artists within your own community. If you work in some sort of medical or care facility, try getting these activities available, and if you are an artist yourself, maybe try to offer this to the groups of people you wish to help.
Do you have any events coming up?
I do not have any events currently planned. We have some art shows and public workshops coming up starting in October.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
Creative Aging Calgary – In collaboration with local artists, we host events and programs that facilitate creative aging amongst seniors, practitioners, and caregivers.
