Justine Eden-Balfour is a dedicated volunteer and staff member at the MacKenzie Art Gallery. Her journey with the Gallery is not just about art; it’s a story of personal growth, community connection, and the transformative power of creative expression.

Justine spends most of her time at the Gallery teaching art to families through workshops during Weekly We Make activities on Sundays.

“Art gives me a sort of common language I can use with people who come in,” she explains. “It’s a topic we can immediately jump into, something I’m familiar with. It allows me to break the ice easier.”

Before joining the Gallery, Justine describes herself as “painfully shy” and admits she wasn’t particularly social. Her involvement with the MacKenzie Art Gallery has been a catalyst for change.

Justine’s connection with the Gallery began through SaskAbilities, where she participated in a program to gain vital skills for entering the workforce. A tour of the MacKenzie Art Gallery sparked her interest.

“SaskAbilities was a program I was attending to help me get vital information to enter the workforce. Because up until that point, I was kind of not in the workforce, partly due to a lot of social anxiety.”

She started volunteering in 2018, and her dedication quickly became apparent. By 2019, she was offered a paid position.

“I’ve definitely become a lot more social since I started working here. To put it lightly, I wasn’t particularly social before I started working. I was a bit of a homebody. But now I can start conversations with people a lot more easily than I ever could in my life before.”

One of the most rewarding aspects of Justine’s role is helping children open up and express themselves.

“All my positive experiences can be summed up with a kid being really, really happy to talk to me about the things they like,” she shares. Drawing from her own experiences with shyness, she strives to make every child feel seen and heard.

“Nothing sucks more than a kid who can’t make friends because they’re terrified of what other people will think of them. I don’t want anyone to be that kid.”

Her empathetic approach has not only benefited the Gallery’s young visitors but has also reinforced her own confidence. “I’m more willing to strike up conversations, even outside of work,” Justine notes. “It just comes a lot more easily to me now.”

From Justine’s perspective, the MacKenzie Art Gallery is a place for everyone.

“It’s for people who are curious, who appreciate beauty in all of its many forms,” she says. “It’s where people from all walks of life can come together and appreciate something new or something old.”

The Gallery provides a safe, inclusive environment where individuals can explore art and, in turn, discover more about themselves.

“I feel good when I come here,” Justine reflects. “I know how things work. I know where things are. It just feels comfortable, like a warm sweater.”

Justine’s story is an example of how the MacKenzie Art Gallery impacts the community beyond its exhibitions. It’s a place that fosters personal growth, nurtures confidence, and builds connections.

“The whole point of art is to express yourself,” she emphasizes. “You don’t have to be an old master to do it. You can just pick up whatever you have on hand at home and start.”

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a curious newcomer, or someone looking for a welcoming community, the MacKenzie Art Gallery offers a space to explore, learn, and connect. Justine’s story highlights how art and community engagement can foster a deep sense of belonging. Through her workshops, she creates intergenerational connections, helping people of all ages express themselves and feel valued.

Her story demonstrates how art can positively impact lives, leaving a lasting impression long after individuals leave the Gallery. Justine’s experience shows that the Gallery’s programs not only empower individuals but also contribute to a stronger, more connected community.

 

Support our vision

At the MacKenzie Art Gallery, we believe art has the power to inspire and heal across generations. In this blog series, we share personal stories highlighting how art connects us, sparks creativity, and strengthens communities, both in Saskatchewan and beyond.

Your support helps us continue to leverage the power of art culture to improve quality of life, instill pride, and strengthen our community. Donations fund important programs and exhibitions that connect people, celebrate diverse artistic practices, and create lasting, positive change. By contributing, you’re helping to enrich lives and support a more vibrant, inclusive Saskatchewan. Join us in making a meaningful difference. Donate now.

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