Pain in the Arts
Pain in the Arts combines mindfulness techniques with creative expression to help individuals manage chronic pain or prolonged illness. No art experience is necessary—just a willingness to explore and grow.
Who It's For:
Adults (18+) living with chronic pain or long-term conditions.
Those seeking alternative approaches to pain management.
Benefits of the Program:
Small, Free, supportive group settings.
Practical tools to manage stress and pain through art.
Encouragement from experienced facilitators with both professional and lived experience
Pain in the Arts 1: A Creative Approach to Chronic Pain Management
Pain in the Arts 1 is a free, 8-week creative arts and mindfulness program for adults (18+) living with chronic pain or illness. Blending pain science, mindfulness, and art-making, this supportive workshop offers practical tools for coping, no art experience required!
Developed in consultation with a Registered Clinical Counsellor and aligned with the biopsychosocial model of pain and the Canadian Pain Task Force, the program provides accessible, non-pharmacological support for people seeking new ways to manage pain.
Weekly Themes
Identity – Mask Making
Coping Strategies – Zentangle
Breath and Body – Ink Painting
Pain Experience – Humour + Comics
Adaptability – Alcohol Ink
Gratitude – Watercolour
Self-Care – Collage
Resilience – Kintsugi-Inspired Art
Plus, participants will also create a Creative Care Kit to continue these practices at home.
What You’ll Learn
Understand Your Pain: Simple pain science to help reduce fear and build a sense of control.
Build Calm & Coping: Gentle mindfulness tools to ease stress and support emotional balance.
Express & Connect: Creative activities that encourage expression, confidence, and connection with others who understand chronic pain.
Dates: Tuesdays, 10:30 am–12:30 pm | April 7th- May 26th
Location: Alongside You Art Studio, Ladner, BC
Cost: Free, funded by The Step Forward Health Society
Register: 604-283-7827 | info@alongsideyou.ca
Art by Meg Neufeld
Facilitator
Meg Neufeld, MA is an award-winning artist, educator, and Arts and Health advocate, with over 15 years of lived experience with chronic pain. Her work has been in local, national, and international exhibitions, and she has specialized training in mindfulness-based art practices and Pain Canada’s Pain Foundations. She brings deep empathy and develops inclusive, arts-based programs that help participants rediscover meaning, connection, and hope through creativity.
Mitch J
“I found Meg to be caring and allowed everyone to express themselves. There were some sessions I was in a lot of pain but she took this pain away even if it was temporary. I enjoyed the class room set up and you could get up and down throughout the class as needed. I feel so happy I will be signing up for another class in the fall. Well worth the time and truly an enjoyable experience. Thanks Meg!”
D.H.
“Pain in the Arts was one of the best experiences I have had since my chronic pain diagnosis. Using art and mindful techniques to help cope with the pain and stress in my daily life has been very helpful. I would recommend this course and Meg to anyone dealing with pain on a daily basis. She is a wonderful teacher and knows how to bring out the best in her students.”
Richard G
“A welcome rest stop on my journey with chronic pain. Meg manages to provide an environment where it is easy to learn new things without it seeming like work.”
Join Pain in the Arts
Contact us by email, phone, or use the form to inquire about joining Pain In The Arts
info@stepforwardhealth.ca
(778) 653-0832
202-4840 Delta Street, Delta, BC V4K 2T6