meet us

Gord & Diane Finlayson

The building up and establishing of More than Just Art, a place for art, growth and healing, is our way of sharing with you our vision for growth and learning in the pursuit of wellbeing in our lives.

We believe in and work from the premise that a variety of experiences are necessary for any person seeking wellness. Children, teens, adults and seniors can benefit from learning and practicing skills in a supportive and stress free environment.

In establishing this centre it is our goal to provide an inclusive gathering space and a place of learning and empowerment for members of our community regardless of age. It is our goal to make available a central place from which other teacher/facilitators and holistic practitioners can offer their services and teach their programs in a professional and welcoming facility.

“We are committed to providing the community with a place to Learn and Practice Visual and Holistic Arts.”

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We invite you to grow with us!

diane finlayson

PROGRAMMING & FACILITATION

Whether facilitating workshops in the Art Process, in Meditation or as a practitioner in the Reiki Healing Process, I am most fortunate in witnessing and participating in individual milestones and daily miracles.

My career began as a primary school teacher. In 2001, in partnership with a friend, The Art Room was established to teach art to children and adults in the York Region Community. An affiliation with the York District Catholic School Board led me through a wonderful experience of teaching Visual Arts at the Elementary Level spanning Kindergarten through Grade 8. It was through this work that my greatest learning would begin to take place.

It was here that I saw the power of art as a most definite vehicle of expression, a vehicle for growth and of great personal achievements but mostly, I witnessed great emotional healing taking place in both the very young and the elderly because through the process of making art was achieved freedom of expression in the absence of criticism.

An extreme personal life situation led me onto my own path of self-discovery. The changes which turned my life upside down marked the beginning of a serious Spiritual Journey. Here I would come to know the real essence of my life, come into a deep and personal relationship with God and nothing has since remained the same.

“Mind, Body, Spirit are one. To achieve balance in life this trinity must become a unified whole and this has impacted my ‘life’s work’. I am dedicated to sharing what is freely given to me and to use various healing modalities to assist anyone seeking balance and healing in their life.”

QUALIFICATIONS

B.Ed specialized in Early Childhood Development • Certified Mindfulness Instructor & Meditation Facilitator for Children, Teens & Adults • Therapeutic Touch Practitioner • Reiki Master and Reiki Teacher

gord finlayson

Director & General Manager

Gord’s corporate career spanned 25 years in systems analysis, design and as Managing Director of IT Departments responsible for the operation of complete computer networks across Canada. Following his corporate ‘life’ Gord established the company GRF Residential Solutions, General Contracting.

His skills in planning and space design established a working model upon which everything has grown and developed. Gord managed the retrofit and construction of the site as well as being directly involved in much of the actual construction himself. His attention to detail, his expertise in design and his experience in carpentry and construction has ensured that More than Just Art is appropriately appointed as a formal but relaxed atmosphere for Visual and Holistic Arts.

His business acumen will serve well in managing the centre More Than Just Art, a place for art, growth and healing. He will oversee course registrations, room rentals, scheduling, marketing, internet communication and more.

Gord has been a keen and devoted supporter of Diane’s work in the community. From the very outset of discussions, the possibility and the vision of an expansion for More Than Just Art grew into reality.

QUALIFICATIONS

Business Administration Diploma • Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing Major) • Diploma in Computer Programming