Who We Are

At the heart of our mission is a commitment to inclusion and accessibility. Inspired by our founder Melany's journey with autoimmune diseases, we recognize that not everyone can participate in traditional activities like sports. By focusing on arts and crafts, we offer an alternative way for people of all abilities to connect, express themselves, and feel part of a supportive community.

Arts and crafts can be powerful tool for inclusion, allowing everyone to express themselves and feel part of something bigger.

Together, we can make a difference—one piece of art at a time.

Community | Altruism

About Us

At GoūtArt, we trust in the ability of art to change lives through arts and crafts. Our goal is to unite artists and community members to create meaningful projects, allowing communities to express themselves, heal, and connect through arts & crafts.

Connection

Our Story

Founded in 2023, by our creative family, we began our journey with a shared vision of combining altruism with artistic expression. What started as a small community initiative has grown into a vibrant not-for-profit organization, with the help of many friends and volunteers, inspiring creativity and community connection in every project we undertake.

Resilience

Mel’s Inspiration

Our founder, Melany, lives with autoimmune diseases, which brought a unique perspective to our mission. She noticed that many people promote sports as a means to heal mental health and build community connections.

However, she realized that not everyone can participate in sports, especially those with disabilities. Mel wondered, “What about people who cannot engage in physical activities?” This question sparked the idea of using arts and crafts as a way to foster connection, healing, and community involvement.

Meet the Team

We are a family of four, Elizabeth, Megane, Melany and Nicholas. Together, we are passionate about fostering a supportive and creative environment for artists and our local community. By coming together, we believe we can make a meaningful impact and cultivate a space where creativity thrives and generosity flows. Join us on this artistic journey and be part of our growing family!

  • Elizabeth

    She loves to sing and helping by taking photographies. Eli is genuine and love to help others. She is one of the most empathic human being on this planet.

  • Megane

    Megane is a gifted sketch artist whose work reflects her free spirit. Embracing new experiences with an open mind, Megane is now discovering music by learning the guitar.

  • arts & crafts non-profit, art therapy, art ottawa, arts & crafts embrun Ontario

    Melany

    She's a dedicated crafter with a keen eye for detail and love creating beautiful, handmade items. She loves photography and storytelling in book writing and videography.

  • arts & crafts non-profit, art therapy, art ottawa, arts & crafts embrun Ontario

    Nicholas

    Nick is a skilled handyman who helps creating handy projects for charities. He designs and builds custom solutions. Nick's craftsmanship ensures our creative ideas are functional and inspiring.

Thank You to All Our Volunteers for 2025!

Special thanks to Val, Ray-Jeanne, Jeff, the Baker Family, Julie, Judith, Pat, Adélie, Briele, Élina, Aidria for helping us this year.

Our Core Values

  • Maison Interlude House for Women Victims of Domestic Violence, Women Shelter Art Therapy, Arts & Crafs

    Altruism

    We believe in selflessly giving back to our community and making a positive impact through our actions.

  • Creativity

    We celebrate artistic expression and encourage innovative approaches to art.

  • Community

    We are committed to building a supportive and inclusive community where everyone can contribute and thrive.

  • Sustainability

    Protecting our environment is part of our mission, and we strive to implement eco-friendly practices in most of what we do.

At Altruism GoūtArt Community, our mission is to create a world where creativity, sustainability, and inclusivity thrive together. We believe that art has the power to heal, connect, and inspire, and we are committed to promoting these values through our work. Our mission is built upon nine core pillars.

Our 9 Mission Pillars

Community Engagement

We actively engage with local communities—particularly marginalized and underserved groups—to identify their needs and aspirations. By involving community members of all ages in our artistic projects and initiatives, we strengthen social bonds and empower individuals to take an active role in shaping their cultural environment.

Artistic Expression

We support and encourage artistic expression in all its forms, from visual arts and music to culinary art and craft. Through workshops with spotlight artists, exhibitions, and performances, we provide inclusive platforms for individuals—including children, seniors, and those facing social or systemic barriers—to share their stories.

Collaboration and Partnerships

We collaborate with non-profits, artists, schools, local businesses, and cultural institutions to amplify our impact. These partnerships allow us to better serve marginalized communities and to create meaningful, intergenerational artistic experiences rooted in human connection.

Education and Outreach

We believe education is a powerful tool for fostering empathy and understanding. Our outreach and educational workshops use creative practices to promote diversity, cultural awareness, and social inclusion, with programming adapted for children, individuals, families, and older adults.

Healing and Well-being 

We recognize the profound impact that art can have on mental health and overall well-being. Our programs are designed to support the mental and emotional health of our community members, braking isolation, fostering resilience and personal growth.

Advocacy

We advocate for the essential role of the arts in building strong, inclusive communities. By working with policymakers, institutions, and community leaders, we promote the recognition of arts-based initiatives as vital tools for social cohesion, mental health, and community well-being.

Measuring Impact

We are committed to measuring the impact of our work on individuals and communities. Through data collection and participant feedback, we continuously improve our initiatives to ensure they effectively serve marginalized populations and meet real community needs.

Promoting Inclusivity

We strive to make the arts accessible to everyone, regardless of background, ability, or age. Our inclusive approach intentionally supports marginalized communities while fostering intergenerational participation between children, adults, and seniors.

Sustainability

We promote sustainability by encouraging the use of recycled and upcycled materials in our art projects. This approach not only protects the environment but also lowers barriers to participation, making creative practices more accessible to communities with limited resources—today and for future generations.