Normalizing Mental Health Through Art Therapy | Mindful Art X Mental Wellness
You, like us, may be heartbroken to see the effects COVID-19 is having on mental health and the arts. It's a situation none of us are happy see, but it will and is getting better. To promote art and mental wellness in the times of COVID-19, Nathon Kong and Les Impatients had the pleasure of collaborating with a few notable Montrealers to normalize talking about mental health, dispel the stigma and support those living with mental health issues.
When the pandemic hit, Nathon Kong launched a limited edition collection of face masks with the purpose of helping the community. The collection celebrates art and raises awareness about mental health by featuring the unique artwork of artists / patients from Les Impatients. Every piece tells the story of an artist struggling with mental health issues, sharing their journey to recovery through the power of creative expression.
To highlight these purposeful works of art and continue the conversation about mental health, we created a social media campaign, #MindfulArtxMentalWellness and invited a selection of individuals who have inspired many in our community, through their work, contributions and positive mindset. While a covered mouth alludes to being silenced, on the contrary, they donned a mask and encouraged speaking up about mental health. The group was diverse in every trait and ranged from athletes, media personalities to business professionals and mental health advocates. This was to showcase how mental health does not discriminate by race, age, gender or any other demographic trait. No one is immune and many suffer in silence.
The participants included: John Bowman, Patrice Brisebois, Svetlana Chernienko, Chloe Chow, Paul Desbaillets, Anne-Lovely Etienne, Maria F. Guzzo, Lee Haberkorn, Tracy Moore, Stefano Musacchio, Nadia Saputo, Andrea Soueidan, Stephen Voyce, Drea Wheeler. Our hope was that by sharing a thought or a story, each voice may open discussion and a door to helping someone's struggle.
Anne-Lovely Etienne Wears Nathon Kong at Les Impatient, Art Therapy Center in Montreal
Who is Les Impatients?
Maria F. Guzzo Wears Nathon Kong at Les Impatient, Art Therapy Center in Montreal
Les Impatients is a Montreal nonprofit organization that supports artists with mental health difficulties such as depression, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia. They offer therapeutic art classes in drawing, painting, and music where artists express their emotions and begin a journey to healing.
Chloe Chow wears Nathon Kong at Les Impatient, art therapy center in Montreal
Canadian Football Player John Bowman wears Nathon Kong at Les Impatient, art therapy center in Montreal
Nathon Kong works in collaboration with Les Impatients, incorporating their beautiful artworks onto silk face masks, silk scarves, and other silk fashion accessories. We donates 10% of our proceeds to Les Impatients so they can continue to support these artists and raise awareness for mental health.
Andrea Soueidan, founder of Altitude Connections, wears Nathon Kong at Les Impatient, art therapy center in Montreal
Svetlana Chernienko, Advocate for Mental Health, Wears Nathon Kong at Les Impatients, Art Therapy Center in Montreal
Fashion Combined with Art and Story
At Nathon Kong, we want you to have an emotional connection to what you wear. That is why we incorporate the artworks of Les Impatients with silk face mask made made by local artisans.
Canadian Ice Hockey Player Patrice Brisebois Wears Nathon Kong at Les Impatients, Art Therapy Center in Montreal
Nadia Saputo and Stefano Musacchio Wears Nathon Kong at Les Impatients, Art Therapy Center in Montreal
Each art work tells the story of an artist on a journey to mental health recovery.
Paul Desbaillets Wears Nathon Kong at Les Impatients, Art Therapy Center in Montreal
Lee Haberkorn Wears Nathon Kong at Les Impatients, Art Therapy Center in Montreal
Limited edition silk face masks come in a golden envelope with a certificate of authenticity. The certificate tells the story of the artisan who created the face mask as well as that of the artist who created the artwork.
Musical Artist Stephen Voyce Wears Nathon Kong at Les Impatients, Art Therapy Center in Montreal
TV Host Tracy Moore Wears Nathon Kong at Les Impatients, Art Therapy Center in Montreal
Nathon Kong with Marketing and Communications Expert Tuti Do, Founder of Rev Communications, Wearing Silk Face Masks at Les Impatients's Art Therapy Center in Montreal
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