On January 31, 2026, we held our Resilience, Competence and Abundance Art Workshop at The Aspen in Vancouver, generously sponsored by Catalyst Community Development. This workshop was created especially for the residents of the building — a chance to connect with fellow tenants, share a creative experience, and explore their own inner strengths through art. Birgit from "Be Embraced Foundation" is deeply thanked for making this workshop possible!
We had 16 participants all together.
- We had everything set up for the people. Tables with activity books, and a copy of The Way to Happiness (for the adults) and for the younger ones we gave a copy of the simplified version of How to Make Good Choices booklet.
- We had 11 x 17 inch cardstock blanks for people to paint, with and supplied watercolor paints, brushes and washable markers. (just in case they preferred to paint rather than create the art in the activity book)
I began my presentation:
My name is Kathy Poitras. I’m a local, self‑taught artist, and I’ve been painting for over 35 years. In that time, more than 350 of my original paintings have found homes, along with countless art cards and prints. I’m also the co‑founder—together with my husband, Jack—of Artists for Happiness.
At Artists for Happiness, we are on a mission to bring greater happiness and creativity to our fellows.
I’m excited to share one of my own pieces with you: Musical Ascending. This painting has always felt special to me, and today it serves as our creative muse.
This piece was inspired by this book: " The Way to Happiness" A common sense guide to better living.
And we have provided you each with a copy to take home with you today.
Every year we make New Year's resolutions. I'm going to lose 30 lbs. I'm going to do this or that. I'm going to write a book this year. Well...this workshop was created to help you accomplish those goals you have set for yourself!
Now, let me introduce Musical Ascending! She embraces these concepts:
Resilience
At the base of the painting, you’ll find the strength it takes to build, nurture, and sustain life. Represented in the flower. The flower is her.
Competence
In the center of the painting the woman is competent. She is playing her violin effortlessly as she flies through the sky.
Abundance
The border bursts with color, movement, and the many areas of life she touches. When we flourish, our creativity and goodness ripple outward.
The audience was oriented to their activity books.
After reading about the sunflower, as above each person was invited to either color the sunflower or create their own painting on the 11 x 17-inch card stock or create their own image. I talked about how taking care of yourself makes you strong like a sunflower.
We didn't have a media device in the room, so I wasn't able to show this video. (I had wanted to, so here it is!)
Each person was invited to read precept #1 from the Way to Happiness,
Take Care of Yourself
and to write their own personal reflections in the activity book.
and to start expressing themselves! They could either paint their poster, color the sunflower in the activity book, or create their own image in the activity book.
The music started and the people started creating. It was lively and fun!
Competence
We went more in depth with competence, and I read the definition of competence to them, and we discussed each part of how to gain competence. I Iet them know there are more in depth steps in The Way to Happiness book to help one become competent.
We cleared the words "Flourish" and the words "Prosper" 
Francesca, our wonderful volunteer said this:
