Artsy Fartsy is a small proprietorship owned by Rhonda Frank (she/her) in Porters Lake, Nova Scotia. Artsy Fartsy began in 2012, teaching mostly children and youth. In 2014 we expanded into working with adults. Today, we work with people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. We have held online classes with students of all ages throughout the world.

We employ local youth in our community and are an equal opportunity employer. We often work with and employ at-risk youth, members of the LGTBQ+ community, BIPOC community, and persons with disabilities.

We support our community using art and social prescribing practices. We instill the love of art in our students and we spread creativity and courage with our paint events across the province. We focus on providing our events in substance-free locations, such as community centers and recreation centers. We incorporate mental wellness into everything we do. We continually review and assess our path and have the courage to shift directions when necessary. 

Alcohol Awareness: As a supporter of alcohol awareness, our paint events are held in alcohol-free locations and are accessible to all ages.

Environmental Awareness: Artsy Fartsy strives to reduce our carbon footprint by using electric vehicles only, reducing our energy consumption, and off-setting our energy use with solar power. We only use re-usable and/or non-toxic supplies. We minimize waste generation and focuses on waste reduction, recycling, and proper disposal. Artsy Fartsy optimizes our water usage by monitoring and managing water consumption. We source products and services from environmentally responsible suppliers and prioritize suppliers that follow sustainable practices, use eco-friendly materials, or have certifications indicating their commitment to the environment. Being environmentally aware is an ongoing process. Continuously evaluating and improving our practices ensures our business operates in a sustainable and responsible manner.

Mental Health Awareness: As a certified Peer Support Specialist, our artist Rhonda Frank promotes awareness of mental health. We believe that being aware of mental health and wellness is crucial for creating a supportive and inclusive work environment.

Safe Space:  At Artsy Fartsy, inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a fundamental principle guiding everything we do. We’ve implemented inclusive policies and practices that ensure every participant and employee feels valued and respected, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. We strive to deepen our understanding of LGBTQ+ issues and foster a culture of empathy and acceptance.

In addition to our commitment to inclusivity, we actively promote visibility and representation of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals within our organization. Furthermore, our physical spaces are designed with inclusivity in mind.–our small studio offers a gender-neutral washroom providing a welcoming environment for all.

Our zero-tolerance policy for discrimination extends to all aspects of our organization. We firmly reject discrimination of any kind, including that based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. In the rare event that discrimination occurs, we have reporting mechanisms in place and provide support resources for those affected.

We actively participate in activities, such as our local Pride parade, in support of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Through these efforts and more, we’re proud to offer a safe and affirming space for 2SLGBTQ+ participants and employees alike. At Artsy Fartsy, everyone is welcome, celebrated, and respected.

What does Rainbow Registered mean? 

To quote the CGLCC”Rainbow Registered is a national accreditation for 2SLGBTQI+ friendly businesses and organizations. When you see a Rainbow Registered symbol, you know the business or organization meets a stringent set of standards to ensure 2SLGBTQI+ customers feel safe, welcomed, and accepted.

The accreditation program grants a time-limited recognition to businesses and organizations for demonstrating compliance with the quality standard. Accredited businesses are deemed market-ready for the 2SLGBTQI+ customer and given the right to be associated with the program’s prestigious Rainbow Registered designation mark.

We strive to bring creativity to the foreground. Through the visual arts, we create dynamic experiences that open the hearts and minds of others and allow for new ways of seeing ourselves, each other, and our diverse histories. Through art, we foster relationships built on mutual respect and compassion in our mission to create a more equitable society.