L.A. art initiative brings therapy to the streets

L.A. art initiative brings therapy to the streets

Artists and health experts recently partnered for the 'We Rise' initiative to create art in public spaces and engage communities in Los Angeles in conversations about mental health.

This report produced by Jillian Kitchener.

A peaceful altar honoring victims of COVID-19... colorful murals featuring survivors of violence... These moments of public art - recently part of the ‘We Rise’ initiative in Los Angeles, a partnership between artists and health experts not only to create meaningful art in public spaces, but to spark awareness about mental health to help L.A.

Heal.

Artist Gisela McDaniel created this vibrant mural based on interviews with people of all races whose stories speak of injustices magnified during the global health crisis.

Curator Cesar Garcia said these art spaces are instrumental as the city recovers from the pandemic.

"As the city reopens up having an opportunity for artists to provide little moments in which people can see themselves, see their own experiences, reflect and know that it's not just something that they're experiencing alone.

I think it's the beginning of a healing process for everybody." Artists Noah Reich and David Maldonado asked people to submit photos and stories of loved ones they have lost during the pandemic.

The result - a beautiful altar with white flowers and candles ornamenting a screen that displays photos of COVID-19 victims. Rich’s aim was connection through grief: "And so I think that's our hope, is that we know it's not just us as artists, that this is a symbolic peace for millions and millions out there that are standing with those through loss right now, that we are actually united together in our grief.” Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Dr. Jonahan Sherin, says the global health crisis has sent stress levels for many through the roof: "We've definitely seen spikes in anxiety and depression.

We believe there have been significant increases in violence, whether it's domestic violence or public violence.

These are all things that we're going to be struggling with for some time.

But I will say, the silver lining for me is that we have to as a county, a state, a country, a globe, recognize that mental health and well-being are primary.” Dr. Jorge Partida is Chief of Psychology for the department.

He says art therapy is a powerful tool in dealing with pain.

"Channeling the expression through art allows us in a nonverbal way to heal ourselves by connecting to the pain and suffering and giving it expression, giving it an outlet.”