mending art

“When I’m painting I’m relaxed and stress free. I believe painting inspires people to be the best that they can be. It gives me hope and lets me know that I can accomplish my goals even when I think I can’t.” – Jeanette, IC Artist Mending Art began as a casual meetup of 3-4 interested program participants at Mental Health Connecticut’s Independence Center (IC) in Waterbury, CT. Today, the program reaches over 120 participants at the IC, is made available to all program participants in our residential programs across the state, and reaches hundreds more in the community.

Mending Art is one of a variety of programs that helps our program participants learn new skills, engage in the community, and find and utilize creative outlets of expression. Numerous studies and research prove how art is linked to wellness and recovery. For many living with a mental health condition, Mending Art has been a stepping stone towards rejoining the workforce, going back to school, reconnecting with family and friends, and becoming active in the community.

Mending Art is also helping to demystify what it’s like to live with a mental health condition. Support from the Connecticut Community Foundation has allowed MHC to expand Mending Art to more program participants, and to work with Boys and Girls Club of Greater Waterbury, other MHC programs, nursing homes, libraries, coffee shops, galleries, and more.

community support

Through workshops, an open studio, trips to museums, learning from guest artists, community projects, and more, Mending Art artists find their own unique connection to art. We have new program participants joining every day. To ensure our artists have what they need to stay engaged, we need your support!

With your support, this program will continue to provide a safe environment for artistic expression for our program participants. Please give today! Your dollars will go directly to art supplies, educational materials, and other costs associated with this program. Funding provided by the generosity of our donors allows this program to grow. Thank you for your support!

“Drawing has helped me in my treatment for mental health. I feel it is a way to communicate my feelings with others. Drawing has helped me through some of my darkest and happiest times of my life, and I enjoy sharing and helping others with my work.”

– Jennifer, IC Artist

For more information, contact:

Amy Smith

Mending Art Coordinator

Mental Health Connecticut, Inc.

30 Peck Road #1202A

Torrington, CT 06790

860-856-7291