Ricardo and Christine Find Relief Through Clay

At Studio on the Hill, creativity isn’t just about making art—it’s about finding calm, connection, and community. The Fontbonne Ministries program offers a welcoming space where participants can explore different pottery techniques while embracing mindfulness and self-care. For many, the experience has been transformative.

Shaun Kelly, the Recreation Manager and Instructor who leads the sessions, sees this transformation in every class. “We’ve had participants from all backgrounds—seniors, individuals with complex health needs, people with disabilities—come here and leave their worries behind, if only for a couple of hours,” he says. “There’s something about working with your hands that shifts your focus—it pulls you into the present. At the studio, people are not defined by their challenges; they’re potters.”

Recognizing the need for programs that promote self-care and stress relief, Studio on the Hill partnered with the South Riverdale Community Health Centre (SRCHC) to offer customized mindfulness pottery classes.

“We’ve seen participants come out of their shells, develop new coping strategies, and even build friendships. For many, it’s a place where they can just be themselves, free of judgment or expectation.”

Gurpreet Karir, a Health Promoter at SRCHC, works closely with the social workers, harm reduction teams, and clinicians at her organization to recruit participants. “Many of our clients experience chronic stress, anxiety, and health issues,” she explains. “I approached Studio on the Hill to see if they could incorporate our mindfulness techniques into their pottery sessions to give our clients tools they can apply in daily life. It’s a diverse group, but the one thing they all have in common is a need for self-care,” she says.

Among those who took part in the eight-week mindfulness pottery program were Ricardo and Christine, a married couple of 26 years. Christine, a caregiver to her elderly mother, and Ricardo, who suffered a stroke two years ago and lives with diabetes, were both looking for something to help them manage stress and physical recovery.

Ricardo was hesitant at first. “I don’t see myself as an artist. But Gurpreet told me to just try it, and I’m glad I did.”

The weekly classes quickly became a highlight of their week. “It was just a break—a real break—from everyday worries,” Christine says.

“For those two hours, I wasn’t thinking about caregiving or errands. I was just in the moment, shaping clay, focusing on my breath.”

Shaun led the group with hands-on demonstrations, teaching techniques that helped Ricardo improve his motor skills following his stroke. But the biggest lesson wasn’t technical—it was learning to let go of the outcome.

“At first, I was worried about making something perfect,” Ricardo says. “But then I realized it was about the process—being present, feeling the clay, letting things unfold naturally. And that was really therapeutic. I’m still a work in progress, but the mindfulness tools I’ve learned here have helped me get a better handle on things.”

Christine also found the program deeply beneficial, particularly in managing the stress of being a full-time caregiver. “The mindfulness techniques—breathing, slowing down, being present—they aren’t just useful in class. I use them every day now. Even if it’s just five minutes, I remind myself to stop and be in the moment.”

Through their partnership, Shaun and Gurpreet hope to expand these opportunities for more individuals who need them. “The collaboration has been a huge success,” Gurpreet says. “We’ve seen real change in the SRCHC clients who participate.”

Fontbonne Ministries continues to create spaces that nurture community, dignity, and spirit. “Creativity is healing, but so is community,” Shaun says. “When people feel safe to express themselves—without judgment, without pressure—that’s where the real magic happens.”