From Canvas to Care: 3 Ways Art Impacts the People We Serve

“Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.”
Isaiah 64:8

Every shelter guest and program participant we encounter at Denver Rescue Mission is experiencing their own journey and has their own unique story. Art collaboratives encourage shelter guests and program participants to share their thoughts, emotions and stories in empowering ways.

3 Ways Art Helps People Experiencing Homelessness

Though participating in an art project may not seem like a significant part of recovery, engaging in these creative opportunities can actually provide a great deal of healing for the people we serve.

Art helps provide an outlet for self-expression that can allow guests to process their experiences, improve cognitive function, provide a safe place for expression, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, and develop other skills like emotional resilience.

From Canvas to Care: 3 Ways Art Impacts the People We Serve

1) Art Improves Mental and Emotional Processing

Reduces stress and anxiety
Helps resolves inner conflict
Helps the healing process of grief
Helps work through negative behaviors/habits

2) Art Provides a Safe Space for Expression

Creates positive social connection through an organized activity
Establishes a comfortable place for life stories to be seen and heard
Allows space to share thoughts, emotions and find empowerment

3) Art Promotes Self-Worth/Accomplishment

Builds new skills which promote self-confidence
Fosters joy and improved mood
Acts as a tangible metaphor of creating something new for themselves

According to Joy McGuire-Olson, the Associate Clinical Director at The Crossing, she has seen firsthand the impact art and expression has had on participants in the New Life Program, Bridge, as well as the kids in the Youth Center.

“The art is such a meaningful way to express what is often hard to put in words,” said Joy. “It represents to me, an equalizer, in that the beauty of art often isn’t tied to the worth, value, or socioeconomic status of the creator.”

“Many of those who are overlooked by our communities because they aren’t perceived as enough or of value, carry beauty within them that many can appreciate.”

We look forward to continuing to offer opportunities for expression through art at our different locations and allowing our guests to create and share their stories.

“Many of those who are overlooked by our communities because they aren’t perceived as enough or of value, carry beauty within them that many can appreciate.”

– Joy McGuire-Olson