Collective Artmaking: Painting Connections and Building Community

Collective Artmaking: Painting Connections and Building Community

In our core elective course "Arts for Mental Health" class, we often gathered around a long sheet of paper to create art together. Those moments were incredible, as we combined our ideas, colors, and emotions, transforming a blank canvas into a vibrant reflection of our collective feelings. I remember feeling a deep sense of connection and support as we poured our thoughts onto the paper, knowing we were all in this together. We didn’t even need words to express what we were feeling—just the simple act of creating together said it all.

 At a time when it can be hard to connect, especially as freshers in a new college environment, making art as a group helps build friendships and break down barriers. This kind of shared experience allows everyone to bring their own unique perspective, enriching the artwork while fostering understanding and empathy among the group.

 This sense of connection is rooted in the supportive group container we established during our sessions. A key element of making collective art truly special is creating a space where everyone feels safe to express themselves without worrying about judgment. In our class, this safe space encouraged a sense of belonging, allowing us to talk about our personal experiences and emotions while engaging in our artmaking. The process of collaborating felt like a big team hug, knowing that we could express our vulnerabilities together made the experience even more impactful.

Video: Students making collective artwork

 Working together on the prompt to share “what is your understanding of mental health?” we created pieces that reflected our thoughts about mental health, stigma, and the importance of support. This not only resulted in some pretty amazing artworks but also encouraged conversations that matter. Ultimately, collective artmaking becomes a shared journey of healing and connection, reminding us all that we’re never alone in our struggles.

Click on the link below to get the glimpse of collective artmaking

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BTLu35y6qBz1X93KXAxtfF64bn6sZSOI/view?usp=sharing