“The life and essence of art—whether it be painting, music, or dance—lies in expressing through a wellspring of emotion the universal realm of the human spirit. It is a melding of the individual and the universal. That is why great art reaches out beyond ethnic and national barriers to move people all over the world.” Daisaku Ikeda

Why This Matters

Loneliness and disconnection are not just uncomfortable—they’re deadly. The World Health Organization reports that 1 in 6 people worldwide experience loneliness, contributing to nearly 871,000 deaths annually. Social isolation increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, depression, and anxiety. But research shows that social connection is as vital to health as good nutrition and exercise.

This is where art becomes medicine. The arts don’t just enrich lives—they restore wellbeing, build resilience, and help communities thrive.

 Combating Loneliness & Building Connection

Loneliness may be widespread, but the arts are a proven antidote. A UK study of nearly 6,000 adults found that 82% feel more socially connected through the arts. Whether painting, drumming, or attending performances, arts participation:

• Creates opportunities to meet new people

• Builds common ground across differences

• Fosters a sense of belonging and shared humanity

On Long Island, we see this daily: seniors forming sisterhoods through dance, teens gaining confidence on stage, and families uniting around mural projects.

Healing Trauma & Restoring Mental Health

Arts engagement is more than expression—it is therapy. Controlled studies show that creative arts therapies significantly reduce PTSD symptoms, with drama, music, dance/movement, and art all offering powerful tools for recovery.

• For children: drawing and calligraphy reduce stress and foster hope.

• For adults: art therapy and music help regulate emotions and ease anxiety.

• For communities: refugees and displaced families use art to reduce stigma and preserve cultural identity.

Healing Art Together brings this science to practice—offering trauma-informed workshops where participants release tension, share stories, and build resilience in safe, supportive spaces.

Featured Articles &Updates

At Healing Art Together, we believe art can rebuild what life’s challenges try to break down. Our mission is simple yet profound:

To bring art’s transformative power into healthcare and communities—through heartfelt collaboration with artists, health professionals, and artists like Janine.

We’re more than a program—we’re a movement of healing, hope, and human connection. Whether in care settings, educational environments, or local communities, our programs create meaningful impact.

✅ Reduced anxiety and depression
✅ Greater emotional expression
✅ Stronger community bonds
✅ A safe, creative outlet for trauma, grief, and recovery

🤝 Why Collaborate With Us

We invite mission-aligned organizations, healthcare institutions, and funders to join us in expanding this powerful work.

Together, we can:

• Expand access to creative healing programs

• Train more artist-educators and facilitators

• Reach underserved communities with art-based wellness

• Build a national model for integrating art into healthcare and emotional recovery

💫 Your support helps us brighten lives and build resilience—one brushstroke, one story, and one heart at a time.