About Artful Connections
Brisbane-based creative wellbeing kits designed by qualified art therapist Debra Shapiro — helping Australian families reconnect through creativity
Our Story
A paintbrush can unlock a memory. Creating something together can bring a family closer in ways words sometimes can.
Through her work running art therapy sessions in aged care homes across Brisbane, Debra Shapiro has seen how powerful these moments can be and built Artful Connections to bring them into the home.
"Artful Connections came from seeing how much people want to feel seen, heard, and connected, and how creativity gives families a way back to each other." - Debra Shapiro, Founder
A life shaped by creativity and care
Deb has been an artist her whole life, beginning at the age of 4 when her artist mother set her up at an easel to paint from a reference of a copper kettle.
Born in Canada and shaped by years of living and working around the world, Deb now calls Brisbane home. In 2010, she completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours), deepening her commitment to creative practice.
Alongside her work as an artist, Deb spent 20 years supporting people in therapeutic practices, helping individuals navigate stress, change, ageing, and emotional challenges. Over time, her work naturally evolved to bring these two worlds together.
In 2019, Deb formally stepped into art therapy, combining creativity with a practical, human-centred approach to wellbeing.
Where Artful Connections began
Deb runs weekly art therapy sessions in aged care homes across Brisbane, where she sees firsthand how creativity helps people reconnect.
In those sessions, she witnessed something powerful.
People who were withdrawn becoming engaged again.
Conversations starting where there had been silence.
Families reconnecting through something simple and shared.
Not because the art was perfect, but because the act of creating together mattered.
Those moments became the foundation for Artful Connections.
A gentle, practical approach
Artful Connections is built on principles drawn from art therapy practice, with a focus on accessibility, comfort, and meaningful engagement.
The kits are designed to be used confidently at home by families and carers, informed by therapeutic practice while remaining practical, approachable, and easy to use.
(They are not a substitute for clinical art therapy.)
Deb's Qualifications
Fine Arts Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours)
Art Therapy
Qualified Art Therapist (DIP)
Healing Practices
20+ years in meditation and healing disciplines
Professional Artist
Works held in private collections worldwide
Ready to Create Beautiful Connections?
Explore our Gift Boxes, read our latest insights on the blog, or get in touch to learn more.