Devorah Stone picks up a paint brush, eyes her colourful painting propped up on an easel and dabs on a splash of colour.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 called The Beat Goes On,B次元官网网址� she says proudly, taking a step back to admire her handiwork: a large human heart painted in several shades of red, among other colours.

For the past two years the Victoria resident has been a regular fixture at the Pandora Arts Collective SocietyB次元官网网址檚 open studio sessions held two afternoons a week in Fernwood.

Each week, between 10 and 20 artists drop by the studio, provided rent-free by the Fernwood Community Association. There, they use free supplies to create paintings, sculptures, sketches and mixed-media works.

The space has served as a lifeline for people, some of whom have physical disabilities or mental health conditions.

But now the societyB次元官网网址檚 future is in jeopardy and it may have to be closed. What little funds the group had have been tapped out.

B次元官网网址淲e donB次元官网网址檛 have any sort of steady anything. ItB次元官网网址檚 all private donations,B次元官网网址� says Stone, volunteer board vice-president. B次元官网网址淲e have been living grant to grant.B次元官网网址�

The non-profit society needs $1,000 to cover its expenses this month, prompting board members to issue an urgent plea for help. The hope is that 12 people will each donate $1,000 a month for the next three years. Already three donors have stepped forward.

Members pay $10 a month or $2 per drop-in session. Many arenB次元官网网址檛 able to pay but are welcomed at the studio, regardless.

B次元官网网址淲e donB次元官网网址檛 want money to be a barrier,B次元官网网址� Stone says.

B次元官网网址淭he reason that Pandora (Arts) is so great is that itB次元官网网址檚 for people who canB次元官网网址檛 afford to take lessons and they canB次元官网网址檛 afford the materials and supplies, and they can come there and paint,B次元官网网址� says society board member Stephanie Taggart.

The initiative began in 2004 as an art therapy program that was funded by the Vancouver Island Health Authority and located on Pandora Avenue. After its funding was cut, several dedicated people worked to keep it going and eventually set up shop in Fernwood.

The act of creating is therapeutic for many, says Clive Beal, society director.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e keeping people out of emergency services.B次元官网网址�

The amateur artists treasure the encouragement, support and sense of community they receive at the all-inclusive space.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 kind of a healing process for them to come and paint,B次元官网网址� says Taggart, who has been coming to the studio for three years.

Stone, a self-described extrovert, says she felt isolated before attending the open art sessions.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 given me an outlet, my confidence back, friends and a sense of purpose. ItB次元官网网址檚 really been a major part of my life,B次元官网网址� she says. B次元官网网址淚t gives a lot of people a place to go.B次元官网网址�

How to help

To make a monetary or in-kind donation to the Pandora Arts Collective Society or  volunteer or participate in the open studio sessions, please call 250-920-7227 and leave a message, or visit www.pandoraarts.ca. Studio sessions happen Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1923 Fernwood Rd. from 12:30 to 4 p.m.