Business Details
24 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Arts-Based Mental Health Programs in Seattle
Founded in 2002, we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges through creative self-expression. Our community-driven programs foster acceptance and connection, serving as a catalyst for personal growth and recovery. With a volunteer-led model since 2016, we ensure 100% of funds directly support arts-based programming across the Puget Sound region. Our team combines expertise in mental health, education, and the arts to address social isolation and stigma through weekly classes in drawing, painting, drama, photography, and more.Partnering with local organizations, we prioritize accessibility for underserved populations, including Indigenous communities and individuals experiencing homelessness. Over two decades, we've cultivated a safe space where artistic expression becomes a pathway to healing, building relationships that transcend traditional therapeutic approaches.
Services
Art classes
Community outreach
Volunteer programs
Mental health workshops
Partnership development
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We operate 100% volunteer-run programs ensuring maximum funding for community services
- Our team includes mental health professionals and DEI experts with decades of experience
- We offer diverse art modalities including painting, drama, and music therapy alternatives
- We maintain partnerships with 30+ local organizations serving marginalized populations
- Our programs have demonstrated measurable impact through 15+ years of continuous operation
What people say
Kept me alive
Meet new people
Lasting differences
Healing through art
Amazing artwork
Services
Art Classes
We offer free weekly art classes in drawing, painting, drama, photography, and music. These sessions help participants build confidence and social connections through creative expression. Our volunteer instructors work with adults facing mental health challenges across Seattle.
Community Outreach
Our outreach team collaborates with 30+ local organizations to expand access to mental health resources. We develop partnerships with shelters, clinics, and cultural centers to reach underserved populations. This includes coordinating supply donations and program logistics.
Volunteer Programs
We provide volunteer roles for community members to lead art classes or coordinate outreach efforts. Volunteers receive support in developing lesson plans and tracking program impact. This creates meaningful engagement opportunities for both artists and mental health advocates.
Mental Health Workshops
Our workshops combine artistic activities with mental health education. Participants learn coping strategies through creative projects while building supportive relationships. Sessions emphasize peer connection and stigma reduction in a welcoming environment.
Partnership Development
We establish connections with healthcare providers, educational institutions, and cultural organizations. These partnerships help expand our reach to diverse communities. Current collaborations include university programs and Indigenous health initiatives across Washington State.
People
Chandler Lewis
President and Acting Executive Director
With 12+ years in nonprofit management and DEI work, Chandler oversees all operations. He holds a Masters in Organizational Leadership and has directed the organization since 2016. His leadership made programs 100% volunteer-run to maximize community impact.
Daniel Cole
Board Member
A tech project manager with global experience, Daniel contributes expertise in program development. He has led international game development projects and focuses on creating community connections through creative initiatives in Seattle.
Tanya Marceau
Board Member
Tanya brings public administration expertise and Indigenous community perspective. As a mental health professional with the Cowlitz Tribe, she works to destigmatize mental health conversations and expand cultural awareness in program development.
Shiv Subramanyam
Board Member
A physics graduate pursuing computational linguistics, Shiv contributes educational expertise. He believes in art's transformative power and works to create accessible platforms for underrepresented individuals to explore artistic expression.
Aaron Rosser
Board Member & UW Chapter President
A UW student studying Philosophy and Psychology, Aaron leads campus initiatives. He focuses on holistic mental health approaches through arts programming and has expanded student involvement in the organization's mission.
Questions
What mental health services do you offer?
We provide arts-based programming including painting, drama, and music classes to support mental wellness through creative expression.
Are your programs free?
Yes, all our community programs and art classes are completely free for participants facing mental health challenges.
How can I volunteer?
We offer volunteer opportunities leading art classes, coordinating outreach, and supporting program operations in Seattle.
Do you serve homeless individuals?
Yes, we partner with shelters and service organizations to reach homeless populations through our outreach programs.
How are donations used?
As a volunteer-run organization, 100% of donations directly fund our arts-based mental health programming and community initiatives.
Do you work with Indigenous communities?
Yes, our board includes Indigenous representation and we actively collaborate with tribal health organizations in Washington State.
