Where Art Meets Healing
stART the Conversation returned for its 5th year on May 7, bringing together more than 400 attendees and 120 artists for an evening centered on art, healing, and mental health awareness. Held at the KCKCC Technical Education Center, the annual mental health art exhibition continues to create space for honest conversations and community connection.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It is a time to push back against stigma, open doors that too often stay closed, and remind people that they are not alone in what they’re carrying.
The room was filled with artwork exploring mental health, recovery, resilience, and hope. However, what filled the space even more was something harder to describe. People connected through shared experiences. Conversations felt easier to start. Art gave voice to feelings that many people struggle to put into words.
How stART the Conversation Began
stART the Conversation started with something simple but powerful. A group of Wyandot BHN clients created artwork and wanted a place to share it with the community.
Their message was clear. People living with mental illness are neighbors, coworkers, family members, and friends. They deserve understanding and support, not judgment.
Now, five years later, that message still drives this event forward.
In his May column, CEO Randy Callstrom wrote, “Mental health conversations don’t have to feel intimidating to be meaningful.” The energy in the room on May 7 proved exactly that.
Art as a Tool for Healing
Creativity has a unique way of bringing people together. It allows people to feel before they explain. As a result, conversations around mental health can feel more natural and open.
At Wyandot BHN, we see this every week through our Art Makers Place, led by licensed art therapist and program coordinator Jordan Graves.
Through studio sessions, group programming, therapy, and community workshops, Art Makers Place gives people a safe place to express themselves through creativity. In addition, research shows that creative expression can reduce stress, improve quality of life, and strengthen connections with others.
stART the Conversation brings that mission into the community. It takes the healing power of art beyond the studio walls and creates space for honest conversations.
Thank You for Being Part of the Conversation
Mental health conversations cannot stop when Mental Health Awareness Month ends. Instead, we hope this event encourages people to keep showing up for one another throughout the year.
A special thank you goes to The Art Gallery at KCKCC and KCKCC Technical Education Center for helping make this event possible year after year.
Most importantly, thank you to every artist who shared their story and every attendee who came out to support the event. Your presence helped make this year’s exhibition meaningful.
If you were unable to attend the event, recently discovered stART the Conversation, or want to share the artwork with others, you can still explore our digital exhibition online at wbhnstc.com
stART the Conversation will return to the KCKCC Technical Education Center on Thursday, May 6, 2027.
Here’s to five years — and many more to come.
