SCYAP’s Urban Canvas Project X

In June 2010, at age 20, I decided to try to get sober. I got rid of all my substances, alcohol, cigarettes and quit my waitressing job at a very rough bar. I wanted to give myself six months to see if I could figure out a way not to self-destruct.  In September, I was selected as one of 12 participants at Saskatoon Community Youth Arts Programming (SCYAP)’s 10th Urban Canvas Project(UCP). The UCP played a pivotal role in my healing journey, disrupted many harmful habits, and helped me find my way.

“Saskatoon Community Youth Arts Programming Inc. (SCYAP) Urban Canvas Project is a job training program that employs “at-risk” youth for 34 weeks, using art training to build confidence, dedication, and other skills necessary to be successful in the workplace. This show marks the completion of the program and offers the participants an opportunity to display the work they completed throughout the year, artwork that speaks to their own artistic vision. The Urban Canvas Project is an 8-month program that employs 12 at-risk youth ages 16-30 to create art, build skills, and begin healthy habits.”

For the first time in my life, I was consistently in a safe environment with good mentorship; this allowed me to relax, to let my guard down, to be myself, to develop my artistic skills, and to socialize without the use of substances. 

As we worked our way through in-depth assignments on linework, contour, form, colour theory, and recreation, I started to feel something unfamiliar: I was proud of the work I was making. For the first time in my life, I could take a compliment without feeling sick to my stomach or uncomfortable. My mentors pushed me and encouraged me to keep going, to keep showing up for myself; they challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, which ultimately helped me grow. I was excited and inspired to keep going, and the acceptance and celebration encouraged me to be kinder to myself. It was one of the most pivotal moments of my life.