High Notes

The arts are important for our mental health

WEALLHAVEASTORY

You are not alone

WEALLHAVEASTORY is a series of nine free arts workshops designed to foster connection among individuals impacted by mental illness. Open to anyone age 12 and older, each workshop stands on its own, allowing participants to attend the sessions that best fit their schedules and interests.

Recognizing that people affected by mental health challenges often feel isolated and alone, this series offers a safe, welcoming, and supportive space to build meaningful connections within the mental health community while encouraging creative expression.

Participants will explore a variety of art forms, including music, creative movement, singing, painting, and comedy. Each experience is designed to encourage bonding, self-expression, and shared experience.

Why WEALLHAVEASTORY?

The series is named WEALLHAVEASTORY after High Notes Avante’s mental health anthem, created for our 10th anniversary. Its lyrics were written to inspire connection and empowerment among those affected by mental illness.

The song serves as a unifying element throughout the series. It may be played softly in the background, performed live during events, or learned and sung together as a group.

At its heart, both the series and the song remind us of something deeply important: we are not alone, because really, we all have a story.

Workshop Schedule

Tuesday, April 28th

  • Series Launch & OTF Grant Recognition Event | 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM
  • Improvisation Workshop | 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
  • With Second City actors Ashley Comeau and Karen Parker
  • Heintzman House, 135 Baythorn Drive, Thornhill

REGISTER HERE

Saturday, May 30th | 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM

  • PAINT WITH CHRISTINA & COLETTE and take home your own painting
    Richmond Hill United Church, 10201 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill)

REGISTER HERE

Saturday, June 6th | 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM

  • SONGWRITING (part 1) with composer Alan Shiner
    Vaughan Event Space, 200 Apple Mill Road, Studio B, 3rd Floor

REGISTER HERE

Tuesday, June 16th | 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

  • SONGWRITING (part 2) with Alan Shiner
    Vaughan Event Space, 200 Apple Mill Road, Studio B, 3rd Floor

Saturday, July 18th | 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

  • MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP with professional performer Alison Smyth
  • Richmond Hill United Church, 10201 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill

REGISTER HERE

Saturday, August 15th | 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

  • DRAWING YOUR STORY with Illustrator Emmanuel Lopez
  • Richmond Hill United Church, 10201 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill

REGISTER HERE

Thursday, September 24th | 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

  • THESE ARE THEIR STORIES with author David W. Barber
  • Listen to music and learn fun facts about composers affected by mental illness
  • Long & McQuade, 10 Via Renzo Drive, Richmond Hill

REGISTER HERE

Thursday, October 15th | 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

  • MUSIC FOR YOUR BLUES with violinist Yolanda Bruno
  • Lexus Suite, 10268 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill

REGISTER HERE

Thursday, November 19th | 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

  • THE POWER OF WE with comedian Evan Carter & Ann Vautour
  • Heintzman House, 135 Baythorn Drive, Thornhill

REGISTER HERE

Support the Series

We happily accept donations via Canada Helps and welcome sponsorship enquiries.

This workshop series is made possible through the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation Seed Grant, which we are proud to have received.

#MUSICISMEDICINE #WEALLHAVEASTORY #YOUARENOTALONE