Grief changed
everything.
Creativity helped
me heal.
Process painting that meets you where you are.
South Windsor, CT - Art Meditation Workshops
At Canvas and Connection, creativity is our lifeline - it's a pathway to self-discovery and healing. Our workshops are designed to help you discover the transformative power of creativity to:
Navigate Life's Transitions: Use creative expression as a tool to process changes, including all types of grief and life’s transitions, and embrace new beginnings
Alleviate Stress and Anxiety: Engage in mindful painting techniques that promote relaxation and mental clarity, and remember the power of play.
Build a Supportive Community: Connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for curiosity, creativity, and personal growth.
No art experience is necessary - just bring your authentic self and an open heart. Art helps. Want to try?
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Join a scheduled event or book a creative experience for your group
Creative, hands-on workshops designed for connection & self-expression
Meaningful experiences that bring people together through art & process
Available for intimate gatherings, team events, or community groups
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Mindfulness-based painting experiences for workplaces, non-profits, hospitals, or organizations
Foster creativity in a relaxed environment that encourages play and curiosity
Rediscover your imagination and think outside the box through hands-on art-making
A chance to take risks, spark innovation, and unlock your team’s creative potential
Meaningful skills — from fresh perspectives to unique solutions — that flow into both business and personal life
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Art is a path to healing — creative spaces for remembering, honoring, and meaning
Guided art experiences to process loss and honor loved ones
Gentle, supportive spaces for reflection, remembrance, and connection
Meaningful gatherings that celebrate life and create lasting keepsakes
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One-on-one or small group coaching using intuitive art to support life transitions
It’s about creative freedom. No rules, no judgment, just paint, play, and presence.
A space to get unstuck, release what’s holding you back, and discover fresh clarity through creative flow.
Come alone for deep personal insight, or gather your besties for a girls’ night that’s playful, soulful, and unforgettable.
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Live Zoom sessions or pre-recorded, self-paced offerings - accessible from anywhere
Creative experiences that bring people together across any distance
Supply lists provided in advance so you can simply show up and create
Choose from live, interactive workshops or on-demand sessions at your own pace
Email Sharon at: sharoncstudio@gmail.com to book a workshop, ask questions, or work with me to create your custom event
I’m Sharon Cavanaugh - Welcome to Canvas and Connection
Art is an important part of my life. It’s how I think, how I connect with people, and how I find myself. It’s gotten me through some really rough times and it’s my constant go to. It’s also been my career. After college I worked as Medical Illustrator, a designer in marketing department at a hospital, and a freelance graphic designer and illustrator. In 2003 I created Connecticut Art School, teaching art to thousands of children and teens. In August 2024 I had the privilege of selling the school, giving me the opportunity to help adults use art to create a life they love. My home base is South Windsor, CT. I’ve held workshops in Connecticut; Portland, Oregon, Waynesville, NC; and virtual events. If you have an idea for a workshop, retreat or event, let’s connect: sharoncstudio@gmail.com
How Creativity Changed My Life
I’ve always loved creative problem-solving and art. After a life-changing loss, I knew my world would never be the same. I also learned that most people have no idea how to deal with grief (or other life changing events).
I needed something that didn’t ask me to talk, explain, or pretend I was okay. Creativity became a steady companion and helped me keep going. It gave me a way to express my deepest thoughts without judgment.
I couldn’t “work through” grief. I had to learn how to live again in a world that holds devastating loss and new possibility. Painting became that bridge.
The Power of the “AND”
It took time, but I learned to live with the AND.
Life isn’t either/or. It’s both - and. Creativity helps us live that truth.
For a long time I believed, “I can’t be happy because my daughter died.” When I finally asked if that was true, I realized I was holding her responsible for my happiness. That felt wrong.
One day I painted a message: “I give myself permission to have a happy life.”
That became my truth, and art helped me uncover it.
Create to feel, not to fix.
Grief held in the body can feel unbearable. Painting gave my anxiety and sadness somewhere to go. It’s movement. It’s focus. It can shift how you feel.
You don’t need much to begin - simple supplies, no pressure, no right way. Just a way in.
Healing comes from within.
Four months after our daughter died, my husband and I went to a retreat in Italy. We needed to step out of daily life.
A medium, an artist, and a mindfulness coach led the workshop. Under a pergola, we had our first mediumship reading.
That moment opened the door. I realized healing wouldn’t come from what someone else told me; it had to rise from within.
Creativity was the link. Canvas & Connection exists to invite others into their own creative adventure. Creativity is where change begins.
Disclaimer: I’m not a medical professional or an art therapist. This work complements, not replaces, therapy or medical care. My goal is to help you find yourself through creativity.