Illuminate: Champions for Change—Art, Connection, and Mental Well-Being

There are moments in life when something arrives that feels deeply aligned—where your personal journey, your creative work, and a greater purpose all meet in the same space.

Being part of Illuminate: Champions for Change is one of those moments for me.

On April 30th, at Arts Umbrella on Granville Island, this special fundraising evening will bring together community leaders, organizations, and supporters who are committed to improving mental health and addressing loneliness in our communities. Hosted by Bit Happier in collaboration with the Stigma-Free Mental Health Society, the event is focused on something that touches all of us—connection, well-being, and the courage to speak openly about mental health.

This cause is not abstract to me.

There was a time in my life when my mental health was at its lowest point. It was a period marked by deep struggle, and ultimately, it was through creativity—through making art—that I found my way back to myself. Art became a place of grounding, of expression, and of healing when I needed it most.

That is why supporting this event feels so important.

Bit Happier is doing meaningful work in the space of mental wellness, using creativity, technology, and community to address loneliness and help people feel more connected. Alongside them, the Stigma-Free Mental Health Society continues to create real impact across Canada, especially through their work with youth and education programs that reduce stigma and open up conversations.

Together, this evening is about more than fundraising—it is about bringing people together to illuminate what is possible when we care for one another.

As part of the event, I’ve donated an original painting to the silent auction:

Playdate in the City II, 20" x 20" x 1.5", acrylic and mixed media on canvas, from the Love is Love series, © Deb Chaney 2026

This piece explores connection in a very human way.

Each square within the grid began to feel like a person to me—distinct, contained, yet always in relationship with those around it. Some connect, some hold space, some move closer, some pull away. It reflects the subtle ways we influence each other while still maintaining our own sense of self.

At its core, this painting is about what it means to love authentically—to stay open, to connect, and to be in relationship without losing yourself in the process.

It is something I am still learning.

If this work speaks to you, I invite you to take part in the silent auction or attend the event. Your presence and your support contribute directly to initiatives that are helping people feel less alone in the world.

Because at the end of the day, that’s what this is about.

Connection.

Compassion.

And creating spaces where people can feel seen, supported, and well.

For more information on the evening's schedule and location, please visit my Events page.