Mindful Arts Program:
Nature & Wellness Activities for High School & Middle School Students.
A Mindful Arts Program That Fires Up Connections & Builds Resilience.
Our Mindful Arts Program provides a safe and welcoming space where participants can connect more deeply with nature and themselves through the process of reflective art making. It begins with the here and now experience in nature, using mindfulness skills to awaken awareness, and is expanded and celebrated through the creative process of making art. Students are invited to use art to reflect on their experiences and learn to process emotions and thoughts in a safe, peaceful environment.
Our Mindful Arts Program encourages young people to become self-aware, make connections, and learn mindfulness attitudes, improving their mood and reducing stress. These activities also facilitate social interactions, collaboration, problem-solving, and community. Students gain confidence in using a range of art materials and cultivate positive thinking patterns.
"Everybody has a different way of expressing themselves and that's okay."
- Mindful Art Student
Our Mindful Arts Program is Creating a Positive Impact
When we began our Mindful Arts Program, we wanted to ensure that it had a real and measurable impact. We asked students how they felt before and after the sessions via a survey and this is what we found.
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The students’ moods generally improved after each session, with participants rating themselves as happier, more joyful, more hopeful post-session than pre-session.
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Stress levels among students consistently improved after each session, with participants rating themselves as more relaxed and calm post-session than pre-session, suggesting that the nature-based art activities effectively helped them relax and cope with daily pressures.
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Students reported stronger feelings of connection and belonging after each session, suggesting that the program helped to foster a supportive and inclusive environment.
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The students’ self-esteem scores generally improved after each session, with participants rating themselves as having greater confidence and pride post-session than pre-session. The art activities encouraged self-expression and provided students with opportunities to celebrate their creative achievements.
ABOUT THE
Mindful Arts Program
Our Mindful Arts Program Looks Like This:
Our Mindful Arts Program helps students explore connection, self-expression, and self-regulation through creative, nature-inspired activities. Led by a licensed art therapist and counselor, the program invites students to slow down, reflect, and express themselves through art.
Activities Include:
Mixed media art (drawing, painting, mosaics, rock art).
Mindfulness in nature to spark creativity.
Group projects to foster community.
Program Format:
We typically work with up to 10 students at a time and offer flexible options to meet your needs, including:
A 6-week series (weekly, 1.5 hour sessions) for deeper skill-building and connection.
Single-session classes for clubs, mental wellness events, or special programming.
The 6-week program costs $1,500 for up to 10 students, and pricing for one-time sessions varies depending on the format and group size.
Meet Our Facilitators
Angi Aldrich
LMHCA, ATR & Program Facilitator
Angi Aldrich, LMHCA, ATR, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate and Registered Art Therapist. Angi brings more than 25 years of experience working with children, teens, and families, blending her background as an art therapist, educator, and mental health professional. She currently serves as adjunct faculty at a local community college and has also taught art at the middle and high school levels, in addition to her extensive therapy work in schools and community settings.
Shawn Haymaker
LMHC, ATR & Program Facilitator
Shawn Haymaker is a compassionate art therapist, blending his expertise in psychology and fine arts to facilitate healing and growth. With a Master's degree in Art Therapy from Indiana University, Shawn has dedicated his career to helping individuals navigate trauma, grief, addiction, and mental health challenges. Through his empathetic approach and belief in the therapeutic power of creativity, Shawn fosters a safe environment where clients can freely express themselves through various artistic mediums. Beyond his clinical practice, Shawn is a passionate advocate for community outreach and education, spreading awareness of the healing potential of art therapy. His work continues to inspire hope and resilience, making a profound impact on the lives of those he serves.
“A particularly powerful observation has been witnessing students who initially appear withdrawn or hesitant gradually become more engaged through the art-making process. By the end of group sessions, many of these students find meaningful ways to express themselves authentically and connect with peers through shared creative experiences. In a recent middle school group, three students who had been isolated at the start of the session found their voice and presence through the collaborative art activity—a clear and inspiring success.”
