On September 6th, 2019, Mental Health America of Hawai‘i, in partnership with the Hawai‘i Arts Alliance and NAMI Hawai‘i, held the first ever Hawai‘i Art and Mental Health Summit. This event highlighted the interconnectedness between the art world, mental health, and healing. Attendees explored creativity through art therapy interventions, storytelling, movement, drumming, drawing, aromatherapy, and much more.

The dream of this event was shared by many people, who without their dedication, time, and service, this would not have been possible. Our blessings go out to our amazing artist/presenter ohana: Tanya Yamanaka Aynessazian, Sherri Thal, BA, Matt Hidekazu Del Rosario (aka Lauhala Matt), John B. Kim, LCSW, Eugene “Eukarezt” Kristofher, Dawn Kurisu, and Mayu Langford, MT-BC, HHP, CBP. Each and every one of you heard the vision, grew it in remarkable ways, and shared it with all of us, with open arms and an open heart. We are forever grateful.

To our playground makers, Dr. Joy Agner, Dr. Anna Pruitt, Kazumi Yamaura, Nina Guerrero, Yoshiko Kato, Khyra Dillard, and Mayu Langford, thank you for building a sacred space for learning, exploration, and self-expression. A warm mahalo to Sutter Health/Kahi Mohala for providing scholarships and the opportunity for more people to share in this event.

We hope that everyone who joined us for the Hawai‘i Art and Mental Health Summit found something they were looking for and brought it home to grow. We look forward to continuing this journey with all of you.