The role of the arts and its influence on positive mental health and social inclusion:

Since 2009 ArtHouse has provided 300 fully accessible cost-free programs to over 5,000 young people aged 7-17 who may have never experienced the arts and have transitioned from shyness or lack of self-esteem to a feeling of accomplishment, confidence and self-worth.  And more recently, ArtHouse has been supporting seniors, often isolated, lonely and vulnerable. We know from our research into the arts and role they play to support positive mental health, that ArtHouse programs can change lives;  they can remove many of the barriers of anxiety and allow our participants to explore their creativity in a safe and trusting environment.

Don Pangman is the Founder of ArtHouse, a charitable organization which has served more than 5,000 young people aged 7-17 with 300 programs in Burlington, Oakville and more recently Milton. In June 2016 ArtHouse launched Take Sixty-Five, offering Arts Programs for Seniors at Halton Community Housing locations.

Don’s professional career includes 30 years on Bay Street and a more recent involvement in the charitable sector as a fundraising consultant.

Don is the recipient of the 2011 McPhie Award (Children’s Aid Foundation of Halton), the Paul Harris Fellow Award (Rotary International Foundation), Oakville’s Community Spirit Award in the Arts and in 2012 he was presented with The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Don and Judi proudly boast 5 children and 10 grandchildren.