CREATIVE Treatment for
by Rob Mariani Assistant Editor
PeaceLove is a community movement of hope and support for the millions impacted by mental illness. Through creative pro- grams, products, and spaces we strive to make mental illness cool…not cool to have…cool to support!
Too often the symptoms are invisible, or too subtle to detect because they happen deep inside our brains. Today, 1 in 4 people live with a diagnosable mental illness. And yet two thirds won’t get the help they need due largely to the stigma that is often attached to conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, Bi-Polar, or OCD.
18 | Rhode Island Creative Magazine
The easiest way to support this effort is to simply wear a PeaceLove T-shirt. Its design is intended to arouse curiosity and to start a conversation about a subject so many people do not want to talk about or acknowledge. By simply wearing one, countless conversations are started that begin with the
question, “Hey, that design is really cool…what does it mean?” These types of interactions allow us to safely share our story and connections to mental illness. These are the conversations that educate, create understanding, and ultimately show the community where and how they can help.
Every PeaceLove t-shirt purchased provides one free “Paint- 4Peace(™) Art Experience to an individual in need.
Peacelove’s impact is made possible through the sale of merchandise and the support of partners. Together, they provide free art classes to diverse communities impacted by mental health disorders. Their work is based on the belief that creative expression truly can transform and help heal. Since February of 2009, thanks largely to community support, PeaceLove has provided over 12,000 free Art Experiences to communities impacted by mental illness including schools, recovery programs, hospitals, veterans’ organizations, senior centers, universities and Boys & Girls Clubs.
They offer expressive arts workshops for children, adolescents, families, adults, and communities of all abilities and skill levels. Workshops are open to anyone and everyone who is searching for peace of mind.
The organization’s community workshops continue to create a framework for inspiration, healing and personal growth that can be enjoyed by first time creators and seasoned artists alike. The only requirements are a willing- ness to experience new challenges, motivation to explore one’s self creative- ly and a desire to Create Peace of Mind™.
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