A Community in Colour: Celebrating Black History Through Joy and Art

Joy and wellness are the cornerstones of a thriving life and a vibrant community. These principles inspired me and Abena to create an event that brings people together to celebrate, connect, and create. For us, joy is found in the everyday moments that make life beautiful—laughing with family, dancing to music that moves the soul, and celebrating the beauty of our culture and community. Wellness, on the other hand, is about intentional care—nourishing our bodies with good food, finding moments of stillness, and prioritizing what helps us feel whole.

The 3rd Annual Joy and Wellness, a family-friendly event at These 4 Walls Art Gallery in Quinte West, is taking place from 1-3 pm on Saturday, February 22. Register for free on Eventbrite.

Written by Shamsa Hassan

Read time: 2 min

At its heart, this event is about joy, wellness, and community—a space where we can come together to honour the richness of Black history while celebrating the practices that help us thrive every day. It’s our way of blending those two elements, joy and wellness, into an experience that uplifts and inspires. It’s a space for our community to come together to celebrate what truly makes life meaningful. From art and music to family and connection, we’ve designed this event to reflect what fills our lives with happiness and purpose.

Since the beginning, Abena and I have been driven by a desire to showcase the vibrancy and creativity within the Bay of Quinte. Every year, we uncover hidden gems of talent in our community, and we’re consistently amazed by the artistry and creativity that flourish right here at home. This year, we’re shifting to a more relaxed, interactive event that focuses on art as a powerful medium for joy and connection.

We’re excited to offer several engaging art stations that invite creativity and fun for all ages. The Quinte Cultural Innovation Committee will host a claymation station, where you can bring your imagination to life. There will be a jewelry-making station to craft something special, a lip balm-making station to nurture yourself and an art station led by our very own Liz Hymans, whose incredible work will also be featured in the gallery.

This event is for everyone in our community, welcoming all to celebrate Black history, joy, wellness, and the beauty of creativity. You’ll discover a new artistic skill or simply enjoy the process of creating, and leave with a masterpiece to take home and cherished memories to hold onto.

Click here to register for free to Joy and Wellness 2025.