Healing Hearts logo for an art exhibit showcasing individuals healing from the impacts of gun violence

Healing HeARTS, a testament to the power of art in fostering healing and growth. This exhibit showcased the work of more than a dozen individuals who have been impacted by gun violence. Through a transformative program facilitated by the Indy Arts Center and Brooke’s Place, in partnership with the Indy Peace Fellowship, participants embarked on a ten-week journey of artistic exploration and peer support.

Collage of people creating pottery, shaping clay vessels, and working in a ceramics studio.

Participating Healing HeARTISTS + Their Work

During the program, participants expressed their feelings using different art techniques, such as glassblowing, printmaking, and ceramics. With the help of instructors and grief support leaders, they found comfort and strength in creating art together. This experience became a safe space where they could share their emotions and connect with others who understood their journey.

  • A. Bledsoe, True Connection, Ceramic

  • Bernard Mickle, The Safari, Ceramic

  • B. Dennis, Big B, Steel

  • B. Dennis, Capture, Steel

  • B. Dennis, Industry, Steel

  • B. Dennis, Inner You, Steel

  • Bre Engle, Home Is Where The Heart Is, Steel

  • Bre Engle, I Tried, Steel

  • B. Bonilla, Honduras, Glass

  • LaJuan Harris, Coffee F1rst, Ceramic

  • Dave McKnight, Nautical Luck, Steel

  • Dave McKnight, Majesty, Glass

  • Dave McKnight, God Did, Linocut

  • D. Lewis, Power, Glass

  • Eric Simmons, Lysa, Glass

  • Floyd Carson, Cloak of Colors, Glass

  • J. Taylor, Untitled, Ceramic

  • J. Taylor, Untitled, Steel

  • J. Taylor, The Art of Life, Glass

  • J. Taylor, Jacob Picasso, Linocut

  • The Artist Known as “J”, The Unknown, Ceramic

  • K. Bailey, Lines Behind Life, Linocut

  • Larry Wilson, POUR UP DRANK, Ceramic

  • Myles Simmons, Block Chain, Steel

  • Myles Simmons, Personal Growth, Glass

  • S. Sowell, So, I Tried.., Ceramic

  • S. Mills, Untitled, Glass

  • S. Mills, 3rd World, Linocut

  • Shonda Hyatt, My Cup is Full, Ceramic

  • Shonda Hyatt, Bloom Where You Are Planted, Glass

  • T. Cissell, Yae’r Golden Cup, Ceramic

  • T. Cissell, Concrete Rose, Glass

  • Taylor Sanders, My Heart, Ceramic

  • Taylor Sanders, Spiderman, Linocut

  • J. Phillips, Salt Shaker, Ceramic

  • T. Doss, Spoken Mug, Ceramic

  • T. Doss, Heart Attack, Linocut

  • Tom Shiveley, Peace, Glass

  • T. Hamilton, Hamilton Family, Glass

  • T. Hamilton, Tre1, Glass

  • Tylan Ackles, Vessel, Steel

  • Healing Hearts helps me with my attitude. I could be having a bad day or week. Healing Hearts is where I can express myself.

  • The Program has helped me think differently and has helped give me direction. I have enjoyed Healing HeARTs and being exposed to new things. Also, the counseling has helped me deal with some difficult things in my life.

  • Healing HeARTs has been a great experience and allowed me to be creative. I have enjoyed the support of the group.

Indy Peace Healing HeARTS in the News

Indianapolis youth participant holding a Healing Arts certificate at an Indy Peace event, promoting therapy and art for youth impacted by gun violence.
Indy Peace graphic featuring a WRTV article about art therapy for people impacted by gun violence alongside a quote about expressing emotions through art.

WRTV 'It saved my life': Art therapy helps heal those impacted by gun violence

WTHR New Indy Art Center exhibit features art by artists impacted by gun violence

A Partnership for Peace

Individuals from the Indy Peace Fellowship learned glassblowing, printmaking, ceramics, and more as part of Healing HeARTs, a program that uses artmaking and grief support to process complicated emotions and trauma. It’s a partnership between Indy Peace, Brooke’s Place, and the Indy Art Center.

Indy Public Safety Foundation logo with a blue-and-gold star emblem
Brooke's Place logo featuring a stylized purple heart and the organization's name
Indianapolis logo featuring a blue statue holding a torch, radiating lines, and the text "THE CITY OF INDIANAPOLIS" and "EST. 1821."
Indy Art Center logo