Mission

The "Tree of Life" is a universal symbol of spiritual knowledge signifying our inter-connectedness within the Circle of Life.

The Centre's purpose is to increase awareness of the healing power of the expressive arts, a role both educational and healing in nature.

The Centre's mandate provides a range of unique creative and artistic classes to students of all ages and abilities.

The Centre is founded on the teachings of the Native American Medicine Wheel or synonymously termed the Circle of Life.

Personal message from Caroline F. Butson, Founder and Artistic Director

"Having personally experienced the healing power of the arts in overcoming a form of autism I feel committed to inspire and encourage others who are facing similar challenges. We are all artists although we may wear many different hats. Awakening our own artist within is a challenge for all of us. Working with children or adults, I can offer you the tools needed to tap into your creativity. This will assist in your everyday life in whatever field of work you are involved, making all aspects of your life more fulfilling and meaningful."

Why is it important to study the Medicine Wheel?

The "Tree of Life" is a universal symbol of spiritual knowledge signifying our inter-connectedness within the Circle of Life.

The Tree of Life Centre for Creativity is rooted in the earth and works with the natural energy of the four elements - air, fire, water and earth. The Centre is founded on the teachings of the Native American Medicine Wheel or synonymously termed the Circle of Life.

Utilizing the creative arts to explore and express all 4 aspects of our selves - physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental.

Striving to empower the student to tap into their creative potential. Giving children and adults the tools they need to discover hidden talents, explore self-expression and nurture their creative potential.

These classes are taught in an integrative, holistic way rather than the lecture format. We will build on each individual's strengths and accentuate the positive. The teaching and learning will be creative therefore stimulating the student's desire to learn.

It is important to study the Medicine Wheel in order to develop inner balance to assist one to come into alignment with our true spiritual nature and to awaken our inner artist/healer/teacher.

What makes this Teaching Program unique?

The program is based upon the Medicine Wheel which includes:

4 elements through creative expression
4 directions - east, south, west and north
4 seasons and express them through our art
4 kingdoms of mineral, plant, animal and human
4 races of people and their art, culture and language
6 primary and secondary families of colour

The Program provides opportunities for self-expression to students of all ages and abilities with classes and workshops in: Painting, Drawing, Clay Modeling, Native Style Sacred Drum Making, Drumming, Singing and Storytelling. Guest teachers will also be invited to offer classes in their area of expertise.

Additional personal development tools such as Reiki, Yoga and Meditation are taught to aid in establishing the preparedness to tap into the flow where creating is effortless. Grounding oneself using the breath and visualization establishes the foundation for the integration of body, mind and spirit needed to be "in the zone". This results in the student's enhanced ability to access their creativity and expand their self expression in a variety of ways.

How is the Centre rooted in the community?

The Tree of Life Centre for Creativity has been formed to fulfill the need for more creative expression in both the local and global community as we enter a new renaissance era of spiritual awakening. The Centre's purpose is to increase awareness of the healing power of the expressive arts, a role both educational and healing in nature.

This is to be a community arts project in which the community is welcomed to participate on a volunteer basis. A volunteer Advisory Circle of 5 people will be formed. Experts have been and will continue to be involved in the planning and expansion. Schools of the public and private systems are invited to collaborate. Classes are small so that students can receive one on one support.

Those of us who are involved as teachers and advisory members are committed to our own personal healing and development. We are dedicated to providing excellence in a spiritually based educational venue, which will nurture and shape the growth towards wholeness of children and youth in the community.

What is The Tree of Life Centre for Creativity?

The Centre is a self-contained teaching studio, on the premises of 716 Bush Street, in the quaint village of Belfountain, at the Forks of the Credit River, one hour northwest of Toronto. It encompasses Caroline's Creative Arts Studio Gallery and includes expansion into the new teaching centre annex.

The Tree of Life Centre for Creativity is an umbrella business entity that brings together and expands a number of programs previously offered by Caroline Butson. This expanded mandate provides a range of unique creative and artistic classes to students of all ages and abilities. In particular, groundbreaking, innovative courses are offered where children can come to explore self-expression and nurture their artistic abilities in a range of fun, educational experiences.

Located at the same address is Caroline's Creative Arts Studio Gallery where every year since 1994, thousands of people from around the globe and from all walks of life, have visited and enjoyed the magical atmosphere of the gallery. The gallery displays and sells a wide range of exceptionally beautiful and inspirational oil paintings by Caroline Butson. Her paintings reflect travels around the world as well as local scenes and across Canada. Caroline sells her beautiful and moving landscapes in oil to private and corporate collectors both at home and internationally.

Caroline offers private sessions, consulting and mentoring.