SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The Mental Health Arts Festival kicked off in Santa Barbara after a 2-year hiatus.
The rhythmic sound of drums echoed throughout Plaza De la Guerra as tourists and locals alike gazed at the extensive collection of paintings, jewelry and sculptures.
Art has helped many creatives like Taylor Meijer deal with the mental health issues they faced during the pandemic.
“We’ve been in lockdown for almost 2 years, so we might as well do some art,” said artist Taylor Meijer.
“Art is so integral to mental health and mental wellness. And I think that really shows here today. You can see how these people can really express how they feel and the way they see life through their artwork,” said Sophie Pelletier, representative of the Center for Mental Wellbeing.
Musicians like Vicente García shared the impact that music has had on their mental health.
“Music allows us to be in the present moment. When we are anxious, when we are depressed, we are not in the present moment. Either we live in the future or we live in the memories of the past. But what music does is help us to be here right now in the present moment,” Vicente said.
Vicente is not the only person who finds artistic expression therapeutic. Local artist Samantha Martinez shared her struggles with self-harm and how her art helped her find a way out of her mental health issues.
“Anatomy issues, brain fog, whatever goes on inside your head. I like to put that on paper and just be real with what I feel inside, Samantha Martinez said.
