Though many would argue that we still have a long way to go, mental health is finally getting a level of attention that has heretofore only been dreamed of by medical professionals and people living with ‘invisible wounds’. Public acceptance and a general reassessment of the conditions that were once only spoken of in hushed voices are now being brought into the light and viewed through the same lens as other medical ailments. As our understanding of the brain and nervous system grows, so too do our methods of treating or alleviating the symptoms. One North Texas non-profit organization has focused heavily on art therapy as a means of providing breakthroughs for children, teens and adults alike, and they are called The Art Station.
The Art Station, whose tagline is “Healing Through Art”, provides art therapy to individuals of all ages that are facing any number of life challenges due to mental illness. Odds are good that we all know someone who has suffered or currently suffers from a mental health challenge, whether the impetus stems from abuse or other traumas, anxiety, isolation or depression. This organization is specifically designed to help all of the above and is the only one of its kind in the state of Texas. Their staff includes art therapists from leading art therapy schools around the country, and these aren’t simply people who’ve attended a seminar or two and then filled out an application. To work as a therapist at The Art Station, you first need to acquire a Master’s degree in Art Therapy or in a Counseling related field. I was very impressed with the legitimacy of this program and its incredible reach within the community.
Just to name a few, there are TAS programs that serve the Fort Worth ISD school system, child and behavioral program treatment centers, healthcare workers and school teachers, family resource centers, and other support groups. The Art Station’s focus is primarily to help people rehab and grow from their individual traumas and triggers. I love that they’ve provided guidance to veterans and law enforcement personnel, but I found it particularly heartwarming to see the work that they do with children.
The CEO, Peggy Marshall, shared a story with me about a young girl named Mary who had experienced some personal trauma that left her with a decidedly dark outlook on life. Over a nine-month period, her painting sessions provided her with a breakthrough. Initially, the young girl filled her canvas with dark blacks, browns and grays with no discernable images or subject matter depicted. Over time, as she was better equipped to process her feelings, the painting transformation began to occur. The final result was a colorful painting with a sun, house, tree, bird, flower and grass. “Mary showed an entirely different perspective on the way she was experiencing life” through her paintings, said Marshall. What an amazing gift The Art Station gave this one little girl!
TAS has received tremendous support from the local community and from many caring benefactors within the city. In 2018, the former Second Lady of the United States, Karen Pence observed The Art Station in action and included the experience on her official blog, writing that art therapy is near and dear to her heart. She graciously said,
Karen Pence
second lady of the United States from 2017 to 2021
“[The Art Station’s] commitment to their profession and their devotion to their clients was in high relief today. What a treat to see how their founder, Jane Avila, took an old fire station, art therapists, and the community of Fort Worth, Texas to make such a positive impact on so many lives. Well done!! Keep up the great work”.
In 2021 alone, they completed 8,311 sessions, but there is a cost that comes with this mission of healing through art. The Art Station does a lot of work, sometimes at no cost. They have created an annual gala, “Public Figures, Private Artists” that gather community and business leaders and auction off works donated by WHO? This year they will have well over 50 artists’ works as part of the fundraiser, a list which includes some you may recognize: the Director of the Amon Carter – Andrew Walker, Mayor Mattie Parker, the Grandmother of Juneteenth – Dr. Opal Lee and yours truly, Mouty Shackelford. This year’s event is being held on October 19th, 2022. Please visit this website for more information or to make a donation
1616 Park Place, Fort Worth, Texas 76110 * Tel: 817-921-2401 Fax: 817-921-2405
I have always believed in the transformative power of art in our lives, our culture, and in our world. Organizations like The Art Station are showing that art truly can be a mechanism for healing and recovery.
Article by: Mouty Shackelford
