Tucked in the cozy neighborhood of Decatur, local nonprofit Paint Love uses art, movement, and breath to help individuals improve their mental well-being. We sat down with Executive Director Laura Shaw to understand more about Paint Love’s mission.
What does Paint Love bring to the Decatur community?
We provide art programs for kids while prioritizing children who face poverty and trauma - which after the pandemic, was pretty much everyone.
How did Paint Love start?
In 2024, we will be open for 10 years! Paint Love was started by Julie Mckevitt who is a local artist that realized the power of art for mental health and critical thinking. She spent her time volunteering at Title 1 schools and nonprofits that did not have art programs. While doing so, she quickly realized that these children often do not have access to creative outlets, or home environments that support their mental health - so she created a 501(c)(3) whose mission is just that.
How many children have you served?
We have served 10,000 kids in 2023 alone!
Do you mind sharing more about the mental connection to art?
Oh, man! Physically creating art has so many benefits as it contributes to mental health. Art aids our brain-body connection. Typically in poverty, our bodies are stuck in fight or flight mode and this prolonged stress causes us to have mental fatigue. Art allows your body to return to its normal resting state by providing tactical feedback (ie: touch). Even doodling is good for your brain because it allows you to unlock access to cognitive critical thinking.
Does Paint Love have any big plans for 2024?
Besides celebrating 10 years of operations, we want to focus on growing the Dekalb, Fulton, and Cobb County school's presence. We work with school improvement plans to enhance what they are currently doing by utilizing creativity.
If you want to learn more about Paint Love or to donate your time to bringing art to the Atlanta Metro region, please visit: https://www.gopaintlove.org/
"Typically in poverty, our bodies are stuck in fight or flight mode and this prolonged stress causes us to have mental fatigue. Art allows your body to return to its normal resting state by providing tactical feedback."
