When Creativity Becomes Confidence: Leo’s Story
When Leo first joined the MacPhee Centre, he wasn’t sure what to expect. As a homeschooled student looking for extracurricular activities and creative programs, Leo’s mom suggested he try one of the Centre’s art workshops.
The first one he joined was a comics and illustration program.
“I was very sure that I wanted to make graphic novels,” Leo remembers. “And that’s still kind of a possibility. I decided it was a nice place that I like to keep coming.”
At first, Leo was shy and unsure.
What helped? The warmth of the people, the encouragement from mentors, and the space to just be.
“I really liked how nice everyone was and how accepting it was for just who you are — and there’s a lot of great art programs, so it was just a fun place to be.”
For Leo, creativity wasn’t just about learning techniques; it was about learning to express himself, try new things, and grow in confidence.
Through programs in watercolour, sketching, stop-motion animation and graphic novels, Leo discovered mediums that would later shape his post-secondary portfolio and his sense of identity as an artist.
But perhaps the most meaningful part of Leo’s experience wasn’t about the art itself, but the community.
For Leo, the MacPhee Centre was a place where it was okay to be quiet, where introverted youth could still feel seen and valued.
“I’ve found that a lot of other communities really reward people for being extroverted — not that quiet people aren’t welcome, but it’s not as fun for them. Here, I felt it was okay to just be me.”
That sense of acceptance allowed Leo to explore more of who he was, both as an artist and as a person.
“A lot of the things I learned here are things I’ve gone on to love and actually include in my portfolio. And I’ve learned to come out of my shell a bit and learn ways to talk to people.”
Now, after completing a foundation year at college, Leo is building his portfolio and applying to pursue a university arts degree. What began as a quiet interest in comics and sketching has grown into a full creative pursuit. And while Leo’s artistic skills have flourished, personal growth is just as important.
“If I didn’t have MacPhee Centre in my life, I wouldn’t have this other community to look back on, and I wouldn’t have learned what I have about photography, watercolour, sketching, and graphic novels. It wouldn’t have been quite as nice to not have this in my life.”
When asked to describe their experience in one word, Leo doesn’t hesitate: “Included.”
Leo’s story is a powerful reminder of how art fosters more than creativity — it builds resilience, confidence, and belonging.
Through the arts, youth like Leo discover that their voices matter, their ideas have value, and their futures can take shape in limitless ways.
This fall, as part of our campaign Where Seeds of Potential Take Shape, we’re celebrating the stories of youth who grow through creativity. Because when we invest in art, we invest in confidence, connection, and possibility.
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Help Young Artists Grow
Your support keeps MacPhee Centre programs free, inclusive, and accessible — so youth like Leo can keep discovering who they are and what they’re capable of.
Here’s how you can be part of it:
- Donate to help youth discover confidence, creativity, and community.
- Share this story with friends and family.
- Follow us on social media to see more youth stories and campaign updates.
Let’s plant possibility.
Let’s grow futures.
Let’s make sure every seed of potential take shape.