Gunnison Valley Prescription for the Arts​

Creativity can be a powerful part of well-being.

Gunnison Valley Prescription for the Arts connects children and adolescents with l​ocal artists for one-on-one creative experiences designed to support emotional well-being, self-expression, confidence, and resilience.

T​hrough the program, health care providers can refer young people who may benefit from a creative outlet as part of their overall mental health and well-being. Participants are matched with a local artist based on their individual interests and receive six individual sessions at no cost to the family.​

Why the Arts?

Not eve​ry young person finds connection and self-expression in the same way. For some, painting, music, photography, dance, clay, theater, or another creative pursuit can provide a meaningful way to explore their interests, express themselves, and build new skills.

Gunnison Valley Prescription for the Arts creates another avenue of support for young people in our community, particularly those experiencing challenges such as anxiety, low mood, social isolation, family changes, or other emotional difficulties. A clinical mental health diagnosis is not required to participate.

The program is intended to complement, not replace, other mental health care and support a young person may receive.

How It Works

1. Receive a referral
A healthcare provider identifies a child or adolescent who may benefit from participating in the program.

2. Explore their interests
The program connects with the young person and their caregiver to learn more about what they enjoy and the kinds of creative experiences they would like to explore.

3. Get matched with a local artist
Participants are paired with an artist who can help them explore their chosen creative interest.

4. Create
Each participant receives six individual sessions with their artist, creating space to learn, experiment, express themselves, and have fun.

What Counts as Art?

Art can mean something different to everyone, and that is part of the point.

Participants may be interested in:

• Painting, drawing, clay, fiber arts, photography or filmmaking
• Music, instruments or singing
• Dance, acting, improv or other performing arts
• Other forms of individual creative expression

Youth voice is central to Gunnison Valley Prescription for the Arts. Whenever possible, participants help guide their own creative experience by choosing an art form that is meaningful and exciting to them.

S​upporting Young People in the Gunnison Valley

Young people do not have to be in crisis to benefit from additional connection, encouragement, and opportunities for self-expression.

Gunnison Valley Prescription for the Arts was created to provide another supportive option for children and adolescents in our rural community. By connecting young people with local artists, the program brings together health, creativity, and community in a new way.

The program also removes financial barriers to participation so that families can access these creative experiences regardless of their ability to pay.

For Local Artists

You do not need to be an art therapist to participate as an artist with Gunnison Valley Prescription for the Arts.

Participating artists provide a welcoming environment where young people can explore creative expression and develop their interests. Because participants may be navigating challenging experiences, artists will receive trauma-informed training to help them create a supportive and appropriate environment.

Interested in sharing your creativity with young people in our community? Contact us to learn more about becoming a participating artist.

Interested in Prescription for the Arts?

Talk with your health care provider to learn whether Gunnison Valley Prescription for the Arts may be a good fit for your child.

For families: Ask your health care provider about a referral.

For health care providers: Contact us to learn more about referring a patient.

For artists: Contact us to learn more about participating in the program.

Creativity. Connection. Well-Being.

Gunnison Valley Prescription for the Arts believes that creative expression can give young people another way to connect, grow, and flourish.

DONATE TODAY

All donations are tax-deductible and those who pay Colorado State Income Tax are also eligible for an Enterprise Zone tax credit on their Colorado return. Donations of $100 or more earn a 25% tax credit.