About Debra Shapiro
Helping 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, she 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.
Our Mission
To help families connect through meaningful, guided creativity.
Artful Connections restores dignity, identity and memory through structured creative engagement for older Australians — especially those living with cognitive decline. Our therapist-informed approach ensures that every kit is designed with intention, combining evidence-based creative wellbeing principles with practical, accessible materials that families can use confidently at home.
Deb's Qualifications
Fine Arts Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours)
Art Therapy
Qualified Art Therapist
Healing Practices
15+ years in meditation and healing disciplines
Professional Artist
Works held in private collections worldwide
Our Approach
Artful Connections provides guided creative wellbeing kits designed by an experienced art therapist to help families create meaningful moments together at home. These kits are informed by art therapy practice but are not a substitute for clinical therapy.
Therapist-Informed Design
Every project is designed using principles from art therapy practice, ensuring therapeutic benefit.
Senior-Friendly Materials
Large-grip brushes, simple techniques, and forgiving materials designed for all ability levels.
Video Guidance
Deb walks you through every project step by step, so no art experience is needed.
Memory Preservation
Built-in Memory Book and conversation prompts create lasting keepsakes.
The Social Impact
Artful Connections restores dignity, identity and memory through structured creative engagement for older Australians — especially those living with cognitive decline.
The Commercial Model
A scalable, evidence-informed creative wellbeing model designed for aged care, NDIS and community delivery.
Ready to Create Beautiful Connections?
Explore our Gift Boxes or get in touch to learn more about Artful Connections.