Thomases Family Endowment of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation Art Gallery
"Mental Health: Supporting Recovery Through Art"
by NAMI SEA
September 26 - October 11, 2026
Opening Reception & Workshop: Wednesday, September 30 | 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Support through Expressive Arts (S.E.A) is a mental health support group that focuses on self-exploration and expression through art. Therapeutic art activities can boost self-esteem, increase feelings of personal control, provide an outlet for difficult to express emotions, and foster a sense of community as well as heightened feelings of social inclusion.
Support groups themselves are extremely helpful for building healthy connections which can be transformative to those dealing with mental illness. Studies show the process of creating art and engaging in other creative activities stimulates the release of dopamine, a neural transmitter activated when doing pleasurable things. Increased levels of dopamine can be beneficial for those who are dealing with mental health issues and addiction.
The journey of self-discovery itself that occurs during the creative process can help break down emotional barriers and supplement traditional therapy efforts as well.
Benefits of an art support group include:
Self discovery: exploring new talents and creative outlets as well as recognizing and acknowledging unexpressed feelings.
Self-esteem: the artistic process can instill feelings of self-worth and confidence leading to new exploration of talent.
Emotional release: art can give an outlet for feelings and fears that people are unable to adequately express because they are too intense or too difficult to put into words.
Stress relief: art can be a powerful tool for stress relief and relaxation. It can also provide relief from intense emotions associated with emotional and physical illnesses.
Health benefits: expressive activities have been shown to contribute to lower blood pressure, reduced stress, improved memory, and may also contribute to a lessening of physical pain and an improved immune system.
NAMI Mahoning Valley would like to thank those who make the Support through Expressive Arts group possible:
The Jewish Community Center of Youngstown
The HELMS Foundation
The Trumbull and Mahoning Mental Health & Recovery Boards
About NAMI Mahoning Valley
NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans* affected by mental illness. NAMI Mahoning Valley is our region’s voice on mental health.
What started as a small group of families gathered around a kitchen table in 1979 has blossomed into the nation’s leading voice on mental health. Today, NAMI is an association of hundreds of local affiliates, state organizations, and volunteers who work in communities to raise awareness and provide support and education that was not previously available to those in need.
