VIEW FROM THE INSIDE
Exploring creativity and self-expression through puppetry.
“Powerful, impactful, and uniquely resonating.”
Our Story
The View from the Inside: Courage Journey workshop began over a cup of tea in downtown Calgary in 2014 when mutual colleagues brought them together. Wendy and Allan decided to use the power of symbol and metaphor on a mask-body puppet to explore stories of mental health and wellness.
The Impact of VIEW
Research shows that art programs provide opportunities to be actively creative, engage socially, and share valuable stories.
The art that participants create builds self-esteem, enhances their quality of life and creates a meaningful legacy as a result of a lifetime of experiences.
Over 500 people from diverse communities participated in VIEW from the Inside during it’s lifespan from 2014 - 2024.
Participants said the course:
Fosters Resiliency
Builds community
Encourages self-reflection
Creates a legacy
Brings fun and creativity
Provides a voice
In recognition of its impact, VIEW received the ATB Healing Through the Arts Award, celebrating its innovative use of the arts to promote connection, creativity, and healing.
“From the moment the box of art supplies arrived on my doorstep, it led me on a journey of confidence to do more art and play."
(VIEW was delivered online during COVID. Materials were mailed out to participants)
VIEW for Youth
The VIEW Youth Program (ages 12–18) used the power of puppetry, art, and drama to inspire self-expression, build confidence, and strengthen connections. It created welcoming, inclusive spaces where young people from all backgrounds—including newcomers, Indigenous, BIPOC, LGBTQ2S+, multilingual learners, and youth with diverse abilities and life experiences—explored identity, belonging, empathy, and well-being.
Through creative, hands-on experiences linked to Alberta's Career and Life Management, Art, and Drama curricula, participants developed resilience, critical thinking, healthy relationships, and the confidence to become compassionate, engaged members of their communities.
“The symbolism of the mask provides a safe container for participants to deeply explore dimensions of themselves that they may otherwise not feel comfortable processing and/or sharing.”
— Guidance Counsellor
VIEW for Adults and Seniors
The VIEW Adult & Senior Program invited participants to explore creativity, build social connections, and share the stories, wisdom, and life experiences that deserve to be remembered. Through puppetry, art, reflection, and conversation, participants created self-portrait puppet masks that became part of a unique video legacy project celebrating their voices and experiences. The program fostered self-expression, strengthened self-esteem, reduced feelings of isolation, and encouraged meaningful community connections while supporting emotional well-being.
“Everything was special, the whole thing. It made you accept yourself, all sides… love yourself, plus, it was great to meet all the other people in the class.”
HEALING OINTMENT - STORIES ARE THE SALVE OF OUR TIME
Inspired by, and in response to, the participant’s stories from View from the Inside this online exhibit entitled “Healing Ointment” celebrates the universal challenge of being human.
Created by Wendy Passmore-Godfey and Allan Rosales. Assisted by Suzanne Clease.
Exhibitions
Sharing Stories
Built into every VIEW course is the exhibition of the participants’ work. These art shows authenticate their work, validate their creative process, and help to build self-esteem.