About Helga Strauss

Greetings!

I am an artist, educator, Therapeutic Arts Practitioner and tree lover.

My mission is to help spark joy, connection and healing through creative art play in my local community and around the world. 

I'm an artist.
I've been an artist my entire life and I have a B.A. degree in Art History from the University of Oregon. I have exhibited my artwork online and in Victoria, BC, Canada (at Bean Around the World, The Makehouse and recently at Emily Carr House). 

In my art practice, I do some kind of art every single day, even if I only have 2 minutes. I love to draw, paint, collage, mixed media and more. I have tried about every art medium out there and enjoy them all. Nature is my biggest inspiration.

I'm an educator.
I love inspiring others to get creative. Art is so healing!  I've been teaching locally and internationally for over 30 years.

Currently, I teach delightful arts and crafts classes and organize Creative Stations at Emily Carr House in Victoria, BC. It's a dream come true to teach and inspire people to create art in such a historic, iconic, beautiful place, especially as I admire Emily Carr so much. I strive to create a fun, supportive, encouraging space for playful creative exploration for people of all ages and skill levels.

I'm a Therapeutic Arts Practitioner.
During the pandemic, I helped to take care of my Dad with Alzheimer's. I guided him in lots of art therapy activities. Wow, it was incredible to watch him come alive when we played with art supplies and music together. This inspired me to get my certification as a Therapeutic Arts Practitioner from the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy in 2022. 

I currently teach therapeutic art to residents in a local senior care home and and at Carr House. I also teach private therapeutic art sessions to individuals and small groups. Reach out anytime for more info.

I'm a tree lover.
I've been studying trees and doing some type of tree inspired art every day since the beginning of 2023. I love sharing my love for trees with others and inspiring them to open their eyes to the majestic world of trees.

Currently, I write a monthly article in my local newspaper (the James Bay Beacon) called Glorious Trees in our Neighborhood.

I also give Terrific Tree Tours of beautiful Beacon Hill Park in Victoria, BC.

And in April and May of 2024, I organized an art exhibit at Emily Carr House called "I Heart Trees: An Art-Filled Celebration of Their Glorious Gifts" in which I filled 5 rooms with my tree-inspired art along with interactive exhibits and community artmaking honouring trees.