Turning Brushes Into Breakthroughs

FAMU Students Using Art to Support Mental Wellness

Turning Brushes into Breakthroughs: FAMU Students Using Art to Support Mental Wellness

By Haylee Thomas | Contributor

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Between deadlines, jobs, and the pressures of senior year, many students at Florida A&M University are embracing creative expression —painting, poetry, and dance — as tools for mental wellness and community support.

“Art gives me a voice when words fail,” said Gabrielle Idore, a junior who hosts painting sessions. “It’s not about being perfect, it’s about releasing what’s inside.”

The university’s Counseling Services has noted an uptick in interest for creative workshops. Some student groups have hosted “Paint & Panic” nights during midterms, events combining music, snacks, and art supplies.

“Our students are resilient,” said Mr. Lowder, a campus counselor. “When we partner with the arts, we create environments where healing happens softly and socially.”

In a school culture rooted in activism and identity, these creative spaces allow students to engage with their mental health in ways that feel culturally authentic and self-directed.

Idore added, “Sometimes it’s easier to paint your feelings than say them out loud. And that’s okay.”

As more students seek holistic well-being, FAMU’s evolving blend of art and wellness may soon become as integral to campus life as lectures and labs.