wellness and healing through art
Artful Mind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization benefiting those experiencing barriers to mental wellness by utilizing art.
About Artful Mind
Our Vision
Our vision is to build an art community where people living with mental illness and challenges have a safe place to create art. From designated weekly structured classes, to drop-in hours of organic, free expressions, our services are free to eligible adults. At Artful Mind, we build upon natural interests to showcase art in galleries and art shows, learn the craft of marketing, and selling work. As we continue to grow and expand our space, we will intertwine the general community for drop in opportunities.
We believe providing a safe, clean, open-minded art studio space for individuals to improve their mental health and wellness is an integral part of healing. Art is a beautiful way to heal, grow, and expand awareness.
Our Mission
The mission of Artful Mind is to significantly improve the mental health and well-being of adult community members experiencing mental illness through the engagement of therapeutic art services and exhibitions.
Our Story
Artful Mind evolved after Jessica spearheaded the first of its kind, public Strength Based Case Management Art Shows in 2022 at the County of San Diego. While working with adults living with mental illness, Jessica witnessed art being used as a common tool to help navigate difficult symptoms, work through traumas, and instigate healing. It became evident there was not a platform in San Diego to showcase art where people could share intimate experiences around their mental health journeys. Jessica's desire to aide San Diego's vulnerable populations with her passion for art, strengths in empathy and connectedness, makes Artful Mind a safe space to create and show art.
Classes
Our team
Jessica Greiner, M.S. Executive Director and Founder
Jessica Greiner, M.S. Executive Director and Founder
Jessica Greiner, M.S. Executive Director and Founder
Jessica Greiner founded Artful Mind in May 2023 after merging her dedication to helping those in need with her passion for art. Jessica has worked in the mental health field for over 20 years working with children to adults. She also practices art in her spare time while raising little humans. Jessica holds a M.S. in Mental Health Couns
Jessica Greiner founded Artful Mind in May 2023 after merging her dedication to helping those in need with her passion for art. Jessica has worked in the mental health field for over 20 years working with children to adults. She also practices art in her spare time while raising little humans. Jessica holds a M.S. in Mental Health Counseling from Suffolk University and a B.S. in Psychology from Penn State University.
Natalie Blair, LMFT Board Member
Jessica Greiner, M.S. Executive Director and Founder
Jessica Greiner, M.S. Executive Director and Founder
Natalie Blair joined our team as our first Board Member in July 2023. She brings a wealth of knowledge and extensive history in the mental health field. She owns her own practice after working with the County of San Diego for many years. Not only is she a trusted friend, but a compassionate and empathetic soul. She is a treasure to our mission.
Rachel Soto, Board Member
Jessica Greiner, M.S. Executive Director and Founder
Volunteers and Art Instructors
Rachel Soto joined our team in April 2024. She brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the arts to this role. With over two decades of involvement in the arts community, Rachel has dedicated her career to promoting cultural enrichment and fostering creativity.
Rachel holds a Bachelor's degree in Studio Art from McDaniel Colleg
Rachel Soto joined our team in April 2024. She brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the arts to this role. With over two decades of involvement in the arts community, Rachel has dedicated her career to promoting cultural enrichment and fostering creativity.
Rachel holds a Bachelor's degree in Studio Art from McDaniel College and a Master's degree in Behavioral Science from the University of Maryland, College Park. Her academic background has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the historical, social, and economic aspects of the arts.
Volunteers and Art Instructors
Jessica Greiner, M.S. Executive Director and Founder
Volunteers and Art Instructors
Hanyi Wang joined our team in 2024 and brings an abundance of knowledge in Cognitive Science and Visual Arts, after graduating from UCSD in 2023. Hanyi has experience in multiple art-related genres and we are thrilled to see what creativity she brings to our art classes! Come meet Hanyi at our Thursday evening classes and experience instr
Hanyi Wang joined our team in 2024 and brings an abundance of knowledge in Cognitive Science and Visual Arts, after graduating from UCSD in 2023. Hanyi has experience in multiple art-related genres and we are thrilled to see what creativity she brings to our art classes! Come meet Hanyi at our Thursday evening classes and experience instruction from her firsthand!
Sophia Rogers joined our team in 2024 and we are excited to have her share passions for collages, photographs, sculptures, and installations along with her painting techniques. Her experience in nonprofits and working with adults with special needs is an essential skillset we are grateful to have. Come and meet Sophia at our Thursday evening classes where she is one of our instructors!
Mary Ann Frances volunteered as our first Art Instructor in October 2023. Her unique and creative approach to art is a beautiful gift to our artists. She can be found most weekends in her art studio located in Liberty Station. Stop by and visit her!
Bette Ann Pierce is volunteering as our in-house photographer. She is an incredibly talented artist! If you have the pleasure of meeting her at an art class, she can provide you with art instruction that will help you grow as an artist.
Steve Galindo III volunteers with us in various ways. He participates with a local group of artists who provide poetry and spoken word to different neighborhoods in San Diego
Summer Soiree Fundraiser Tickets
Purchase your PREMIER TICKETS for our July Fundraiser on sale through May 31!