Paint to Heal

Expresssive Art Workshops

Thank you to our Fall/Winter Paint to Heal Co-Sponsor- AFSP Long Island

Paint to Heal is intended for individuals who have lost loved ones to suicide. We hope to bring the healing benefits of art therapy and building community through this unique program.

The group will meet at the Nassau County Museum of Art Manes Center from 9 to 11:30am. The facilitator will use painting and other expressive art media and techniques. During these sessions, participants will be able to meet and connect, make art and share their work. Prior experience or knowledge of art is NOT required, only the willingness to try and experiment with painting and other art media.

Expressive Arts 2024/25 Fall & Winter Schedule (Saturdays):

  • October 19

  • November 16

  • December 14

  • January 11

  • February 8

  • March 8

Cost: $60 per individual session

Workshop includes expressive art session led by experienced art therapist, support group, art materials/supplies and breakfast.

Description of a session below (subject to modifications).

Session - After initial meet and share, the art session will start with a brief warm up activity followed by painting on canvas. Based on participants’ preferences, a prompt can be given. This can be either free painting or may be focused on a theme of such as memories of loved ones and ways their person influenced our identity and life. Participants will be encouraged to continue making art on a personal art journal after this session. Session will resume with sharing and closing.

Expressive Art has been shown to help with the following:

  • Emotional Expression: provides a non-verbal outlet for individuals experiencing grief, allowing them to express complex and often overwhelming emotions that may be difficult to articulate verbally.

  • Coping and Resilience: Engaging in creative activities can help individuals develop coping strategies and build resilience as they navigate the grieving process, enabling them to better manage their emotions and find a sense of strength.

  • Self-Exploration: encourages self-exploration and introspection, helping individuals gain a deeper understanding of their grief, its impact on their lives, and their path toward healing.

  • Stress Reduction: Creating art can have a calming effect and reduce stress, promoting relaxation and helping individuals find moments of peace during a challenging time.

  • Sense of Control: empowers individuals by giving them a sense of control over their creative process, which can be especially important when they may feel a lack of control in other aspects of their lives during the grieving process.