Fourteenth International Conference on the Arts in Society

Abstract

This lightning talk will describe a project utilizing art to provide a means for unheard voices to tell their unique stories. The impact of providing art materials to a variety of people with invisible disabilities, assessing their levels of emotional and physical pain before and after creative activities will be discussed. In the U.S., 10% of people have a medical condition which could be considered a type of invisible disability. Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for youth aged 10–14 and the 2nd leading cause of death for people aged 15–24. Approximately 20 veterans die daily by suicide. Many people suffer in silence and making art is powerful, helping provide a space for their individualized healing process. Artistic expression is a vehicle to amplify unheard voices. For example, art created by mentally ill homeless people including veterans, will raise awareness to their plight and demonstrate untapped talents that uplift their spirits and create a unique way to give more meaning to their lives. Through this project, I hope to encompass this idea in a visual format and develop a compelling message demonstrating that people need more than talk therapy to allow them the opportunity to express themselves. This project will allow them to have a voice and result not only in something beautiful to look at but also to create a way to alleviate anxiety and depression.