Creating Hope
Through Art,
Music &Community

Inspiring connection. Building confidence.
Transforming lives.

We believe every person has a story worth telling.

Sometimes music helps us hear it, and art helps us share it.

Chord & Canvas is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching lives through art, music, and meaningful human connection. We create inclusive experiences for individuals with disabilities, those in recovery, people on the autism spectrum, veterans, seniors, schools, and community organizations. Whether accompanied by live musicians or thoughtfully curated playlists from our music partners, every Chord & Canvas experience is designed to inspire creativity, build confidence, and foster community.

Founder Shannon Harris with a painting created live at a concert
Our Story

Where music, art & community come together.

Inspired by music. Created with purpose.

Chord & Canvas was founded by coastal artist and educator Shannon Harris, who has spent more than 25 years helping people discover the creativity already inside them. After a macular degeneration diagnosis at 49, Shannon turned a setback into a calling — a belief that creativity is one of God's greatest gifts and a powerful tool for healing.

What began with a paintbrush and a song has grown into something bigger: intentional environments where music and art work together to promote connection, creativity, and well-being. Our goal is simple — create spaces where people can slow down, create, and reconnect, with themselves and with one another.

Our Programs

Whether accompanied by a live performance or a thoughtfully curated playlist from one of our music partners, every experience is designed to inspire creativity, conversation, and connection.

Studio Sessions

Relax in a beautifully designed studio while painting alongside a carefully curated playlist featuring music from our artist partners — or a live guest musician.

Live Music + Live Painting

An immersive experience where musicians perform while artists create in real time — transforming music into visual art at festivals, fundraisers, and celebrations.

Community Outreach

Taking Chord & Canvas into schools, recovery centers, disability organizations, hospitals, senior living communities, churches, and nonprofit partners.

Corporate & Team Experiences

Creative team-building events for businesses and organizations — slow down, make something together, and reconnect as a team.

Who We Serve

Creating inclusive experiences for every corner of our community.

Disabilities

Autism Programs

Recovery Centers

Veterans & First Responders

Senior Communities

Schools & Youth

Churches

Hospitals & Rehabilitation

Families & Community

Learn More About Our Impact

Art has a rhythm.  Music has a color.
Together they create connection.

Every masterpiece begins with a single note
The Annual Gala

An Evening of

Music, Art & Hope

Our signature night of the year — artwork created by program participants displayed alongside invited artists, live music, dinner, painting demonstrations, and stories from the people whose lives this work has touched.

Silent Auction Live Auction Live Music Dinner Painting Demonstrations Participant Stories
Artist presenting a live painting at an evening event

Get Involved

Every gift of time, talent, or treasure helps make healing creative, accessible, and deeply personal.

Volunteer

Give your time at studio sessions, community outreach visits, and events throughout the year.

Join the Team →

Become a Music Partner

Musicians and artists — lend your sound to a session, a playlist, or a live painting performance.

Partner With Us →

Become an Artist Partner

Painters and creatives — help lead workshops and bring the canvas side of Chord & Canvas to life.

Partner With Us →

Host an Event

Bring a Chord & Canvas experience to your school, church, organization, or community space.

Start Planning →

Corporate Sponsorship

Put your business behind the mission — gala sponsorships, program underwriting, and team experiences.

Request the Packet →

Donate

Every dollar brings art, music, and connection to someone who needs hope, beauty, and healing.

Donate Today ♡ →

Events

Coming soon!

Studio sessions, live music + live painting nights, and our annual gala are in the works. Join the list below and you'll be the first to know.

Notify Me
Live acoustic performance at a Chord & Canvas gathering
Live painting created during a concert
Finished paintings at an evening event
Every brushstroke has a soundtrack.

From studio sessions to live music events, every experience is designed to uplift and connect.

Explore Our Programs