Therapeutic Art for Swifties

Calling all Swifties with creative spirits! Join us for an online therapeutic art workshop.

This workshop is all about continuing to build the community and connection that Swifties have created. In a welcoming and nonjudgmental space, this therapeutic art-making experience will invite you to find inspiration in Taylor Swift’s lyrics or eras which help you tell your own story.

Whether you have seen the Eras Tour in person, via live stream, on demand, or through clips on social media, we all know the tour is coming to an end soon. We want to create a space where the support of the Swiftie community can extend beyond the concerts. This online workshop in January will give you something to look forward to!

No previous art experience is necessary. We are not teaching art techniques—rather, we will be encouraging you to play and explore using any art materials you have at home.

In the spirit of honoring Taylor’s philanthropic generosity (and our shared love for cats), 13% of the registration fees will be donated to Team Cat Rescue.

Why therapeutic art? Creating art together can be a way to explore your feelings, share your story, and connect with others. It's all about enjoying the process, expressing yourself, and building meaningful connections in a supportive community.

What do you need to participate?

• A charged phone, tablet, or computer with a good internet connection
• A webcam and microphone
• A space to gather your art materials and make art during the workshop
• Paper and a pen/pencil
• Any art supplies, crafts, recycled materials, photography, etc., are welcome. (Prepare your favorite materials to use or bring whatever you have on hand!)

What to expect in your 2-hour therapeutic art session:

• Opening: We’ll take some time to settle in, warmly welcome everyone, and offer the option to introduce yourself. (If you prefer to stay muted, you can always use the chat or pass.)
• Art Prompt: Art making and journaling prompts will be offered to jump-start your creativity. This workshop will focus on identifying lyrics that help you tell your own story. We can chat, listen to music, and make are together.
• Sharing: Near the end, we will invite a “gallery walk” where everyone is invited to hold up their art at the same time. This is always optional! We will save time for anyone who wants to share more about their art, their process, or their reflections.
• Feedback: There will be an opportunity to provide anonymous feedback following the session.
• Camera on or off? We understand that some participants may feel more comfortable with their cameras off. To support safety and create a connected space, we kindly ask everyone to have their camera on at the beginning and end of the session. During the art-making portion, you’re welcome to choose whether to keep your camera on or off—whatever feels best for you!

This workshop will be the first of many that we plan to run for Swifties through 2025! If you can’t make this particular date, here are ways to stay up to date when future workshops are announced:

• Email Kat to be added to an email list that will receive Swiftie workshop updates
• Subscribe to Rachel Mae’s email updates. Please note, this will subscribe you to receive all updates from Mae & You Art Therapy regarding Rachel’s therapeutic group offerings.
• Follow Kat and/or Rachel on Instagram

We will cultivate a warm, welcoming, inclusive environment. We will also provide guidance and support for your art-making and reflections. While this workshop supports self-reflection and well-being, this is a non-clinical group, outside of the practice of psychotherapy.

Your facilitators:

Katherine Yao

Kat is currently an art therapy graduate student. She loves facilitating therapeutic art groups. She values creating collaborative, supportive spaces for self-expression and healing. She holds a Bachelor of Design in Illustration from OCAD University and is set to complete her Art Psychotherapy Diploma in December. Most recently, Kat and Rachel have been co-facilitating art-as-therapy workshops for the Art Gallery of Ontario. Alongside her studies, she works as a part-time art teacher for children, blending her passion for education and the arts.

Email: katherineyao9 [at] gmail.com
Instagram: @katyao.art
Website: www.katyaoart.com

What is your swiftie story?

"I’ve been a devoted listener of Taylor’s music for as long as I can remember. One of my earliest memories is watching the 'Love Story' music video at 11 years old and thinking, 'Who is this fairy-tale princess?!?' Growing up alongside Taylor’s music, I’ve found deep connections to her lyrics and the way they resonate with my life’s experiences. Her work has been a continuous source of inspiration for me - even inspiring my recent graduate thesis exploring fan culture and the therapeutic potential of fan communities. My research explored how the sense of connection within the Swiftie community can have a meaningful impact on mental health. This workshop was created to explore how we can bridge fan culture with the expressive arts. My hope is to offer a space where we can come together, create, and connect in a meaningful way!" - Kat

Rachel Mae Robbins

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Rachel works with adults through individual psychotherapy and therapeutic groups. She believes that therapy is a collaborative space, held in relationship. Most recently, Kat and Rachel have been co-facilitating art-as-therapy workshops for the Art Gallery of Ontario. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Science, is about to complete her Art Psychotherapy Diploma, and has over 16 years of experience in arts education and community engagement.Her previous roles include managing teams at the Toronto Symphony, TO Live, and Nova Dance where she designed and led programs, built community, and fostered partnerships in the performing arts.

Email: rachelmae [at] maeandyouart.com
Instagram: @maeandyouart.therapy
Website: www.maeandyouart.com

What is your swiftie story?

“Like many others, I listened to Folklore on repeat to bring me comfort during the pandemic. I continued to follow Taylor’s work and have found that I deeply connect to some of her lyrics. Her prolific creation, personal story of perseverance, and advocacy for other artists has been a constant source of inspiration. We need community for our wellbeing, and connecting with swifties has been one way for me to experience connection. I want to create this space to help others connect and express themselves through a shared interest.” -Rachel Mae

Event Venue

Online