Treatment Court Graduates Use Artwork as a Coping Mechanism

DULUTH, Minn. — Creating art can be a form of therapy, and that hailed true for a number of treatment court graduates.

For some of the graduates, it was time to showcase the artwork they made during the program.

One of the participants, Sage Matthews, credits creating art as a coping mechanism during a time of need.

At the art showcase, the artist displayed the dream catchers she assembled and painted during her time in treatment court.

“My whole life I’ve always felt like I was misplaced, so to feel wanted and good, it makes me want to go harder and do more art projects that are harder that I can conquer, they might take more time but I can do it you know, “said Matthews.

Matthews says her advice to others who are struggling with mental health is to reach out to those around you, and to give art a chance even if you don’t have experience.