What do Iraq war veterans, abused teenage girls, and patients suffering from mental illness all have in common?

They are all reaping the benefits of art not only as an outlet for creativity, but as a means to build self-esteem and cope with their difficult pasts.

Earlier this month, veterans returning from Iraq participated in a revolutionary new program called the Combat Paper Project. This month’s workshop, held in Savannah, Georgia, brought together a group of veterans who were able to transform their negative memories into something positive by shredding their old uniforms and military memorabilia to create something new. The shredded pieces were used to make paper where the veterans could then write, paint, or screen images to tell their personal war stories. Paula Howie, an art therapist with 24 years of experience said “It’s interesting they’re using something the person wore in combat and changing it into something else. I think that’s key. It’s the beginning of changing these negative memories or thoughts into something more positive and productive.” To read more, click here.

War veterans aren’t the only ones utilizing art to express their feelings. During a five-week intensive art therapy program, teen girls at Studio Sfumato in Medford, Oregon utilize the process of making art to overcome the pain of being victims of physical and sexual abuse. The program not only helps the girls come to terms with their pasts but also helps lead the way for them as they realize their future potential. This process of self-discovery and relationship building with other girls allows them each to blossom out of the experience. Tamika, a program participate speaks highly of her involvement, “You have friends and people who love you. It’s good to know you’re not alone. And despite whatever happened to you, you are a person.” For more on this program, click here.

At Chicago’s Clayton Residential Home, executive director Randy Walker has implemented an art therapy program to enable his patients coping with mental illness to achieve their highest level of independence. Through art, these patients can often express what they can not find the words to say, in turn building their sense of self confidence ability to communicate their feelings. “It’s also a really vulnerable thing to make art,” says Angela Lyonsmith, a therapist at Clayton, “To try this out is really brave, and art in this setting, engaging in a creative process, helps make people whole.” To learn more, click here.

What part does art play in your life? How has it impacted you and those around you?