For Johanna Christianson, a free mosaic workshop is more than an art class — it's a refuge.
"It's the only time I can free my mind," said Christianson, 46, of Minneapolis, as she proudly studied her mosaic of a purple-blue sky over a green house. "It helps me stay out of my head and bring it to a peaceful place."
Christianson is one of several people who have participated in a series of free arts workshops this year through Avivo, a Minneapolis-based mental health nonprofit. The Avivo program is part of a new partnership with COMPAS, a St. Paul arts nonprofit with more than 100 teaching artists.
The classes increase access to art and teach new skills to people living with a mental illness, but also help boost their confidence and combat isolation as they socialize with people who can relate to their challenges.
The 24 arts workshops — from poetry to painting — are being held until mid-October, funded by a $25,000 grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board.
While tapping into art to help improve mental health isn't a new tactic — Avivo has had its own arts program in Minneapolis for 15 years — the new partnership is increasing the number of people who benefit by hosting art workshops at community support programs in Bloomington, Crystal and Minneapolis. They expect to serve nearly 200 Hennepin County residents this year.
The workshops aren't considered art therapy. Rather, they are geared toward teaching people new skills and helping them connect with one another. It's also a way for participants to express themselves through art and be defined by more than a mental illness.
"Art can make change and create community and build skills; it's more than art-making," said Jes Reyes, the program coordinator for Avivo ArtWorks, which supports artists living with mental illness.