The Story Behind the Show

My sister, Art, and NAMI…

My sister is an artist who lives in Wisconsin and navigates multiple mental health diagnoses. She has always been a central figure in my life, and we have always been close. We've talked on the phone often through the years, sharing stories about our days, our experiences, and our interests. Art was also a regular part of our conversations, and she often sent me photographs of her latest drawings and paintings. In 2019, however, she was going through a particularly difficult period, and I found myself increasingly concerned about her well-being.

Many of our conversations during that time were heavy. She often expressed grief, sadness, frustration, and sometimes anger. Those moments were real, and they were difficult for both of us. At the same time, she was creating a lot of art and sharing it with me. As she showed me one piece after another, I started to notice that what she was creating told a different story. Her drawings and paintings were bright, colorful, even joyful, which surprised me. That contrast between what we talked about and what appeared in her artwork was striking. Through her art, I was able to see another side of her—the side that could still laugh and play and create something light in the midst of all she was carrying. It gave us a different way to connect, and we were able to laugh together about some of her creations. This was when I first realized how powerful art can be.

Art doesn't just reflect how someone feels; it can also reveal what may be hidden beneath the surface and offer a way to process complex emotions, step outside of them, and return with a different perspective. In my sister's case, what was hidden beneath the surface seemed to be a joyful, whimsical spirit that emerged through her work, like a playful garden fairy peeking around a flower petal. That realization felt like a gift. It gave us a new way to relate to each other, and it allowed us to find moments of joy and laughter, even during a difficult time.

Because she is such an important person in my life, I also realized during that stressful period that her mental health affected my mental health. I needed support, so I became involved with NAMI Greater Bloomington Area (NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness). In an effort to help her feel less isolated and more connected to other artists and her community, I discovered a Healing Art Show hosted by NAMI Wisconsin. I reached out to one of the organizers to learn what it would take to bring a similar exhibit to Bloomington. The idea stayed with me for several years and eventually became the foundation for what is now the Healing Art Show Bloomington, a community art exhibit celebrating the connection between creativity, mental health, and well-being.

Building the Healing Art Show Bloomington…

I kept coming back to the possibility of bringing a similar exhibit to Bloomington—exploring partnerships with local arts organizations and community stakeholders. There was interest—which was exciting—but the right mix of shared vision, capacity, and support hadn’t come together quite yet.

Even so, I didn’t let go of the idea. The goal of bringing a Healing Art Show to Bloomington stayed with me.

Five years later, that’s when things shifted. The right partnerships aligned, and the vision moved from idea to reality. The first Healing Art Show launched in October 2024, intentionally tied to World Mental Health Day on October 10. The show is rooted in three simple goals: to bring greater awareness to mental health, to normalize conversations about mental health, and help stop the stigma that so often surrounds it.

From the beginning, art has served as the bridge—not because it explains everything, but because it gives form to what can be difficult to say directly. It also creates space for something more: expression, connection, and moments of joy.

Now in its third year, the show continues to grow in both participation and community support. In 2025, partnerships with the Indiana University Arts & Humanities Council and NAMI Greater Bloomington Area helped expand its reach and visibility. I’m incredibly grateful for their continued support.

Each year, more artists participate, and more conversations begin. This is what matters most.

Creating this website was a natural next step—a place to document the show’s growth and invite others to be part of what it continues to become. Please explore previous exhibits and artwork, and feel free to share this site with others who may be inspired to participate or who may be uplifted by what they see here.

—Juliette Kniola
Coordinator, Healing Art Show Bloomington