Brave Feelings, Bright Art - Rushville

🎨🧠 Express Yourself: An ArtBased Mental Health Program This interactive mental health program invites participants to explore their thoughts and emotions through creative, handson art activities in a supportive and welcoming environment. Designed to help youth better understand their feelings and develop healthy coping strategies, the program emphasizes that mental health is an important part of overall wellbeing-and that everyone experiences big emotions from time to time. Participants will take part in a variety of guided art experiences that encourage selfexpression, reflection, and stress relief. Activities may include emotion selfportraits, where girls use colors, shapes, and symbols to show how they feel on the inside; coloremotion mandalas, which promote mindfulness and calm through patterned drawing; and abstract feelings art, allowing emotions to be expressed freely without the need for words. Additional projects such as affirmation art and copingtool cards help reinforce positive selftalk and provide creative strategies participants can use beyond the program. Throughout the session, gentle discussions and optional sharing help build empathy, confidence, and connection, while reminding participants that all feelings are valid and that asking for help is a strength. No art experience is necessary-there are no "right" or "wrong" ways to create. The focus is on the process, not the final product. By the end of the program, participants will leave with artwork they can keep, new ways to manage stress and emotions, and a deeper understanding of how creativity can support mental wellness in everyday life.