Combining art and therapy, Spirit Horse Therapeutic Arts helps people discover their creativity, while learning about wellness and self-care during workshops, guided walks, and through original art.

June Farnsworth, artist, art therapist, and owner of Spirit Horse Therapeutic Arts, says the company is all about empowering people to discover themselves and using art and nature as a path to wellness.

June is a self-taught artist who has completed training as a Therapeutic Arts Practitioner through CIIAT– The Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy, is certified as an Equine-Assisted Therapy Practitioner, and continues her training in the arts therapy fields. She launched Spirit Horse in 2022 and has continued to grow her public offerings since.

“(I was) wanting to provide others with a transformational experience through nature, art, and sound,” June says. “Rooted in the stunning landscapes of Newfoundland and Labrador, our workshops provide a serene setting for individuals to explore their creativity, connect with nature, and cultivate mindfulness. Through therapeutic arts practices, we aim to empower participants to inner peace and balance.”

Connect & Create

Also part of Spirit Horse is June’s studio, where she develops artwork which can be found in public and private collections throughout the northern peninsula, including murals, beautiful caribou antler art, and more traditional canvases and prints.

June offers a number of structured workshops, but works with clients to offer customized programs as well, like an Ugly Stick workshop she completed with children in Pasadena or her Ocean Drum Journey, which focuses on rhythmic sounds found in nature.

One of the greatest benefits of operating a business like hers, June says, is the ability to be creative each day. She particularly enjoys the collaboration with other businesses and communities.

Artistic Licence

Collaboration was also part of the start-up journey for June, who worked with CBDC Nortip to develop the business from an idea into a reality.

“My business will provide positive impacts on the community through health and wellness workshops and programs,” she says. “CBDC has provided support that I needed to get my business off the ground.”

June took part in several programs through CBDC including the Self Employment Assistance Program (SEA), which allows business owners to make an income while starting out, the Consultant Advisory Services (CAS), which helps businesses to hire experts to support their growth, and Business Training/Counselling. In addition, June accesses a microloan through CBDC to meet specific capital needs her business needed to operate.

“I would like to thank CBDC Nortip for all the support I have received for my small business,” she says. “From business advice, financial and marketing support they are a great resource for the Northern Peninsula.”

Are you ready to start your creative enterprise? CBDCs throughout the province are ready to help you find the programs which can bring your business to life – from start-up to succession planning. Get in touch to discover how we can help!

Thank you to our Government of Canada partners at the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), who collaborate with us to support small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs. Together, we will continue to build a stronger Atlantic Canadian economy, fostering job growth and strengthening our rural communities.