Come see what the kids are doing at this year’s annual North Sarasota County K-12 Spring Art Show! During this exhibition, we are presenting a panel discussion to cover the importance of creativity in childhood development.

Explore the role art plays in the emotional wellbeing of young people with a panel of experts. Art Center Sarasota will host an informative panel discussion in collaboration with Sunshine from Darkness, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting mental health.

According to the American Art Therapy Association, artistic expression may decrease anxiety, feelings of anger and depression. In addition, the creative process can enhance cognitive abilities, foster greater self-awareness, and help young people regulate their emotions.

PANEL

• Art Therapist Lisa Richardson, L.M.H.C.
• Neuropsychologist Amie Austin, Ph.D
• Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist, Ethan Weiss, M.S., L.C.S.W
• Moderated by Education Director Jane Harris, Art Center Sarasota
• ALIGNING MISSIONS

The mission of Sunshine from Darkness is to raise awareness of mental health disorders and erase its stigma. Art Center Sarasota’s mission is to provide opportunities for creative expression and art appreciation through art education, exhibitions and cultural programs.

Sunshine from Darkness is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to raising funds for mental health research and local charities that provide mental health and addiction disorder services in the Sarasota community.

Founded as a subsidiary of the Lee and Bob Peterson Foundation, Sunshine from Darkness hosts two events each year, the Journey to Wellness Symposium and Inspiring Hope Dinner. These events serve educational and fundraising purposes by providing local community professionals and philanthropists the opportunity to engage with the broader mental health community.