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Art Impact Project enhances emotional wellness through creative expression

We believe that art-making is one of the most powerful untapped sources of intervention available, especially at a time when access to mental health care is extremely limited and the need has never been higher.

Our mission & story
Art Impact Project enhances emotional wellness through creative expression
Art Impact Project - Why Art - Youth Mental Health
the challenge we face

The Mental Health Crisis

Today, we face an unprecedented mental health crisis across all age groups. Traditional mental health services are essential, but they are not always accessible, affordable, or approachable for everyone.

why art?

The Science of Art and Healing

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

Art Impact Project - Science of Art and Healing - Prescribed Art

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.

90%
site partners agree that our programs help their clients feel more connected to others.
98%
adult participants said art-making is helpful to them and supports their mental health and wellness.
85%
AIP teens said participating helped them accept and appreciate different aspects of who they are.
80%
adult participants report that art-making helps them express emotions they struggle to put into words.

Our latest story

Art Impact Project - Stories - The Science Behind Art and Healing
Why Art
6.19.2025
The Science Behind Art and Healing
When we engage in creative activities, our brains light up in remarkable ways.
written by
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Media Coverage

Fox News 32 | Good News Guarantee

Art Impact Project helps veterans process emotions through creative expression

Sep 16, 2024
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Forest & Bluff | The Healing Powers of Art

Art Impact Project welcomes a new Executive Director.

Dec 1, 2023
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Chicago Tribune | Lake County News Sun

Waukegan students decorate masks to express feelings; ‘It is a really powerful vehicle for them to share their thoughts’

Apr 28, 2023
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Praise for Art Impact Project

Art Impact Project - Testimonials - Program Partner - Ms Calloway - NCCHS
“AIP programming has helped students express their emotions in a positive way, offering students a creative outlet. The program has provided an opportunity to engage with positive adults and their peers outside of the academic situation. It has been such a pleasure to have Art Impact Project within Freshman Academy. I look forward to continuing our partnership next year!”

Ms. Calloway

Assistant Principal

North Chicago Community High School

Art Impact Project - Testimonials - Volunteer - Rachel Plummer
“We are such complicated beings. Art is a meaningful way to make sense of it all.”

Rachel Plummer

AIP Volunteer

Art Impact Project - Testimonials - Program Partner - Bruce Johnson - Executive Director - Nicasa Behavioral Health Services
“Our Clients are often misunderstood and feel unheard. Art Impact Project helps them gain an understanding of themselves and express it to others creatively and emotionally. I view AIP as a perfect complement to our substance use and mental health services. It’s beautiful, vulnerable, deep, raw, painful, therapeutic, and a constant reminder we need to meet our Clients where they are and in a modality that reaches them! ”

Bruce Johnson

Executive Director

Nicasa Behavioral Health Services

Art Impact Project - Testimonials - Participant - Neurographic Art - Gorton Center
“It helped me discover new coping skills and strategies to help me feel calm.”

Thanks to Our Foundational Partners

Association of Women Attorneys
Caring Women's Connection
Community Purse
First Presbyterian Church Lake Forest
Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County
Highland Park Community Foundation
Lake County Bar Foundation
Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Rotary Club Foundation
Steans Family Foundation
Sunrise Libertyville Rotary Foundation
The Grainger Foundation
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The Art Impact Project - White - Horizontal Logo
Address:
104 E. Scranton Avenue, Unit 1
Lake Bluff, IL 60044
Contact:
(224) 544-5450
info@artimpactproject.org
© {year} Art Impact Project. All rights reserved.
A 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization.
Funding provided in part by Illinois Dept. of Human Services.
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