Heather Barrett grew up in Toronto, and after hopping around for a while, settled in Golden to work at the Golden Family Centre as an abuse recovery counsellor, with training in expressive arts therapy.
This week, her art exhibit, heArt matters, opens at the Art Gallery of Golden. The opening artist’s reception is on May 25 from 5 to 7 p.m., and the exhibit runs until July 3.
“The expressive arts therapy and the way that I’ve learned that expressive arts therapy works, that influences my art quite a bit,” Barrett explained. “The social change piece is certainly in there too. The things I care about and that matter to me in the world definitely come through in some of my pieces.”
Barrett was obtaining her masters in Vancouver at a school that was affiliated with the European Graduate School University in Switzerland, and made the move to complete her education there. She graduated with a masters in expressive arts therapy and a focus on social change.
After visiting a friend in Golden a few times, Barrett decided it was time for a change and made the move. Now, she works at the Golden Family Centre, working with families, women, and children who have experienced abuse trauma.
Although she has never had an art exhibit with an official opening, her art has been on display in the past at Nourish Clinic.
“I’m excited about it for sure. It’s stepping outside of my comfort zone,” she said. “It feels good. I’m nervous about it in a good way, it feels good to push my boundaries. I feel lucky to be able to do it.”
With the belief that art and art making are transformative, Barrett says she often paints with a feeling of curiosity and letting go.
“My art is influenced by expressive arts therapy, and the Earth, and honouring culture and things that I care about. Certainly my family shows up in my art as well, in particular my three-year-old son named River,” she said. “I think that art is definitely coming from my heart. I think that art matters so much.”
Barrett has lived in Golden for eight years now, and she says it is the kind of place that continually reminds her of how beautiful and vibrant the Earth is. When she paints, she lets her intuition guide her, and often she paints over parts she doesn’t enjoy as much, transforming her art into multiple layers until it feels right.
From May 25 to June 3, heArt matters will be at the Art Gallery of Golden. For more information about this exhibit upcoming art shows, and for a full list of events, go to www.kickinghorseculture.ca.
