Workshop to provide art tools for mental health and resilience

(BROOKVILLE, Ind.) – Families will have the opportunity to learn practical and creative arts tools to help them respond and process crises, trauma and difficult life events. 

The nonprofit group Stayin’ Alive is hosting the workshop series and there will be a session for children and another for teenagers and adults.

It’s called  “Creativity Can Save Your Life: Practical Art Tools for Mental Health and Resilience” and is made possible through a grant from the Indiana Arts Commission. 

For Kids 

A session for 6-12 year olds will be held at the Franklin County Community Foundation building from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, October 10. 

Kids must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Children will be introduced to fun, age-appropriate ways to work through feelings and experiences that may be weighing on them, and families will receive follow-up materials to continue the exercises beyond the workshop.

Kids who attend will get free therapeutic toys, and parents will receive a free handbook with material from the first workshop for parents. The workshop is free.

For Teens and Adults

A workshop for teens and adults will be held at the Franklin County Community Foundation building from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, November 7. 

Participants will learn how art and creativity can help them respond to stress, improve quality of life, and build resilience through simple tools they can return to when problems arise. The workshop is free.

The workshops are facilitated by author and artist J. Scott McElroy (How to CARE) in collaboration with Stayin Alive Director Bethany Luers. McElroy is based in Indianapolis and is trained in therapeutic art and trauma-informed care. The workshops will also include a local mental health worker and a local artist assistant.

Workshop Content

Exercises for the workshops were developed by art therapy professionals and are adapted for each audience. The creative activities are designed to help participants connect with and process feelings, their bodies, and the surrounding environment. 

Why Creativity for Mental Health?

Research shows that engagement with the arts and creativity can support people facing crisis, trauma, and mental health challenges. Art-making activities can help reduce stress, including the stress hormone cortisol, while making or viewing art can stimulate feel-good brain chemicals such as dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, helping people feel calmer, and more connected.

Location

The free workshops are held at the Franklin County Community Foundation building, located at 527 Main Street in Brookville.