Nurturing Resilience and Connection Through the Power of Art
Transformation through Art
We believe making art fosters positive mental health, inspires reflection, and promotes holistic healing.
Togetherness Through Creativity
We believe creating side-by-side builds empathy, understanding, and the authentic human connection we all need to thrive.
Abundance Through Generosity
We believe that compassionate volunteerism cultivates communities of hope and possibility.
We believe art heals.
At Art for the Journey, we envision a world where everyone has access to the healing power of creativity.
This work flourishes at the intersection of art and health, where quality arts access becomes a stepping stone to social connection, holistic well-being, and personal resilience, long after the paint dries.
We are artists, educators, health professionals, and community activists. Powered by a cohort of skilled volunteers, every day we deliver programs that empower, educate, celebrate, and foster transformation.
Our Program Pillars
- Trauma-Informed Engagement
- Strengths-Based Psychology
- Low-Risk Creative Expression
- Autonomy with Support
- Diverse Community Building
What We Do
We deliver best-practice visual art programs to under-resourced communities across Central Virginia. Through a robust partnership model, we collaborate with community organizations and institutions to best reach populations that are marginalized or under-resourced.
Our youth programs provide a welcoming environment for personal expression and creativity. With a special focus on trauma-informed care, we aim to inspire young people to explore the world through art-making, arts education, and positive mental health practices. We provide both curricular and after-school classes.
We bring programs to veterans living with PTSD, women in recovery, women in prison, cancer survivors, medical students, and more. Through both skills-based classes and open-ended projects, participants hone hidden talents, process experiences, build relationships, and reimagine their future.
Our flagship program, Opening Minds through Art (OMA), empowers people of all ages and cognitive abilities to make independent, creative choices within a supportive relationship. As Master Trainers in this best-practice methodology developed at Scripps Gerontology, we focus on equipping and resourcing local OMA facilitators. Our newest initiative is an adapted program, Elevating Lives through Art (ELA), designed for people with disabilities.
Our events bring the community together to celebrate the transformative power of art. We host an annual art exhibit fundraiser, highlighting the works of local artists. Our Art Bus also brings outdoor collaborative art projects to festivals where the entire community can gather around a pop-up art experience.
See Us In Action
From an art class to a mission…
Discover the Beauty and Benefits of Therapeutic Art
By tapping into creative expression and fostering mindfulness and connection, therapeutic art-making experiences can reduce stress, improve self-esteem, foster resilience, and promote overall mental and emotional well-being. Join us on this journey of self-discovery and growth.
Our Board of Directors
Our Programs
Our Art for the Journey programs offer individuals the opportunity to explore their creativity, gain new skills, and express themselves through different art mediums. Take a look at our programs below, or check out the full list of programs by clicking here!
Art at Camp Wannacure
Helping Kids in NeedArt at Camp WannacureCamp Wannacure is a special day camp for children…
Art Cafe at Marywood Senior Apartments
Art Cafe at MarywoodTwice monthly at Marywood Senior Apartments, residents come together to make art in an…
Art Classes for Underserved Youth
Experience the Joy of Art ClassesWeekly Art Lessons at Anna Julia Cooper SchoolArt for the…
Carmel Art Club – On Hold
A Weekly Art Club for Creative TeensFor middle and high school students, academic, extracurricular, and…
Elevating Lives through Art (ELA)
Creating a Community of InclusionElevating Lives through Art (ELA) provides innovative and evidence-based art experiences…
Fun Friday with Youth Life Foundation
Join Us for an Inspiring Art ExperienceCelebrate Creativity with Fun Fridays!Fun Fridays with Youth Life…
OMA Facilitator Certification Training
Opening Minds through Art (OMA)Facilitator Training Opening Minds through Art (OMA) is an award-winning, evidence-based,…
Opening Minds through Art (OMA)
Opening Minds through Art (OMA) Opening Minds through Art (OMA)Opening Minds through Art (OMA) is…
Paint In at VCU Medical School – On Hold
Experience the Joy of Painting for Your Well-BeingJoin our quarterly Paint In class at VCU…
Prison Art Class
Restoring Hope and Humanity Through CreativityOur art classes at Virginia Correctional Center for Women provide…
The Creative Corner
The Creative CornerJoin Lauren Paullin as she leads us on a journey through the world…
The LighthouseRVA
Veterans Art Program
Art for HealingAt Art for the Journey, we recognize and commemorate the bravery, selflessness, and…
Yeama
Mary G. S.
Heather
Meet Our Team
Get to know the amazing team of dedicated individuals who make Art for the Journey possible!
Each member of our staff began as a volunteer.
Our Valued
Community Partners
We don’t do this work alone, but as a team. Our community includes not only hundreds of volunteers from the community and from local universities, but many other organizational and institutional partners who share our vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Art Programs in Action!
Some work from our talented artists, ages four to 104!
