Why Art

The Power of Creative Expression

We believe art is a powerful tool for healing, connection, and emotional wellness. Our journey began with a simple observation: sometimes words alone are not enough.

When our founder, Vickie Marasco, observed teens in recovery programs, she noticed that despite access to specialized services, many struggled to express themselves verbally. But when these same young people were given the opportunity to create art in a safe, nonjudgmental environment, something remarkable happened. They began to open up, share their experiences, and connect with others in ways they hadn't been able to before.

This observation led to a question:

What if we harness the healing power of art-making to support emotional wellness for everyone?

The Mental Health Crisis

Today, we face an unprecedented mental health crisis across all age groups. The COVID-19 pandemic has only intensified existing challenges, creating a perfect storm of isolation, anxiety, and emotional distress.

The Numbers Tell a Story

Youth Mental Health

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, more than 1 in 3 high school students reported experiencing persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2021, a 40% increase since 2009.

Access to Care

In Illinois, there is a significant gap between those who need mental health services and those who can access them. Many communities face shortages of mental health professionals, with some areas having only one provider for every 1,000 residents.

Underserved Communities

The crisis hits hardest in historically marginalized communities. In Lake County, areas like Waukegan and North Chicago face particularly acute challenges, with limited access to mental health resources and higher rates of trauma exposure.

The Human Impact

Behind these statistics are real people facing real challenges. A teenager struggling with anxiety who cannot sleep at night. A veteran dealing with PTSD who feels disconnected from their community. A senior citizen experiencing loneliness and depression after the loss of a spouse.

Traditional mental health services are essential, but they're not always accessible, affordable, or approachable for everyone. And even when available, they often focus on verbal expression, which on its own is not always the most effective way for some people to process and communicate their emotions.

The Science of Art and Healing

Research increasingly demonstrates what we have observed firsthand: art-making has profound effects on our mental and physical wellbeing.

The Evidence

Stress Reduction

Studies show that just 45 minutes of creative activity can significantly reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body.

Longevity

Research suggests that engaging in creative activities once a month or more can extend life expectancy by up to 10 years.

Prescribed Art

Doctors are now "prescribing" museum visits to decrease loneliness and increase cognitive skills.

Brain Changes

Neuroimaging studies reveal that engaging with art activates multiple brain regions involved in memory, emotion, and reward processing.

Why Art Works

Art-making works as a therapeutic tool for several reasons:

Non-Verbal Expression: Art provides a way to express emotions and experiences that may be difficult to put into words.
Embodied Experience: The physical act of creating engages both mind and body, helping to process emotions through movement and touch.
Safe Exploration: Art offers a safe space to explore difficult feelings without judgment or pressure.
Community Building: Creating art in groups fosters connection and reduces isolation—a key factor in mental health.‍
Empowerment: Completing an art project builds confidence and a sense of accomplishment.

The Art Impact Project Difference

What makes our approach unique is how we combine art-making with safe, nonjudgmental support in group settings. We are not providing formal art therapy, and our groups are not art lessons. Instead, we are creating safe spaces where people can engage in creative expression alongside others who understand their experiences. Our programs are often a bridge to care, reaching vulnerable members of society that may not trust in a formal therapeutic setting.

Our Model

Our (typically*) 90-minute programs include:

A brief introduction to the project
Dedicated time for artmaking
Group discussion and reflection
Connection with others who share similar experiences

We provide all materials and supplies, and our programs are always free to participants. We work directly in the communities where people already are—schools, treatment centers, libraries, senior living facilities—making our services accessible to those who need them most.

_{*each program is adapted to meet the needs of the setting and stakeholders}

The Art Impact Project Difference - Our Model

The Results We Are Seeing

The impact of our work is measured through comprehensive program evaluation tools that help us understand how participants benefit from our programs. Our data shows:

Community Connection

90% of site partners agree that our programs help their clients feel more connected to others.

Feelings of Wellness

98% of AIP adult participants said that art-making is helpful to them and supports their mental health and wellness.

Improved Self Acceptance

85% of AIP teens said participating helped me accept and appreciate different aspects of who I am.

Increased Emotional Expression

80% of adult participants report that art-making helps them express emotions they struggle to put into words.

Participant Voices

The true measure of our impact comes from the stories of those we serve:

Participant

“It helped me discover new coping skills and strategies to help me feel calm.”

Neurographic Art Project

Participant

Gorton Center

Participant

“I learned how many imperfect traits I have in myself that I didn’t take the time to realize are the good parts of me.”

Perspectives Project

Participant

“I learned that my journey of sobriety is BRIGHT in my FUTURE.”

Quill Project

Participant

“I have multiple parts of me. All these parts make up who I am as a person and I should be proud of who I am.”

Soundtrack of My Life Project

Participant

“Don’t be ashamed to be different.”

Sugar Skulls Project

Join Us in Making an Impact

At Art Impact Project, we believe that everyone deserves access to tools that support their emotional wellness. Through our partnerships with schools, treatment programs, libraries, veterans' organizations, faith communities, and senior living facilities, we are bringing the healing power of art to those who need it most.

In 2024 alone, we served 1,923 teens and 422 adults through our programs—a significant increase from the previous year. But the need is far greater than what we can currently meet.

Whether you are looking to participate in our programs, volunteer as an Art Advocate, or support our mission through donations, there are many ways to join us in making a difference through art.

Together, we can harness the power of creative expression to build a healthier, more connected community for all.

"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." — Pablo Picasso