Creative Healing: Using Visual Art to Support Student Mental Health
Help me give my students art supplies that allow them to explore their emotions and develop coping skills through creative expression in a safe and supportive space.
At Halls Ferry Intermediate, I have the joy of supporting amazing students as their school counselor. Every day, I see how creative expression helps students open up, calm down, and build confidence. Some of our kiddos have big feelings and tough days and sometimes words just aren’t enough. That’s why I’m hoping to bring art into our counseling space, giving students a fun and meaningful way to explore their emotions, express themselves, and feel proud of who they are.
The goal of this project is to create a welcoming, art-friendly counseling space where students can use creativity as a tool for healing, growth, and self-discovery.
I want them to have access to materials that help them express emotions, build coping skills, and celebrate who they are—especially when they don’t have the words. With your help, I’ll be able to use canvases and easels during calming guided meditations and self-portrait projects that encourage students to reflect on who they are and recognize their unique strengths. We’ll use paint markers and smooth rocks to create cheerful affirmation keepsakes—little reminders that they are kind, capable, and enough, just as they are. Sketchbooks, drawing paper, colored pencils, and paints will let students get creative during group activities or one-on-one sessions, giving them a safe space to explore their feelings and boost their self-esteem through art.
To keep our supplies organized and easy to access, I’ll use a clear storage bin to keep everything tidy and ready for the next burst of creativity. This project will turn our counseling room into a cozy, colorful space where students can feel calm, be themselves, and grow in confidence. Thank you so much for helping me bring more creativity, kindness, and joy into the lives of the students I’m so lucky to serve!
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Kwik Stix Solid Tempera Paint Sticks, 96 Colors, Washable Paint Sticks for Kids, Super Quick Drying, Non-Toxic, Allergen Free, Paint Sticks Class Pack in Assorted Classic Colors, Paint for Kids and Toddlers
• Amazon Business
Crayola Oil Pastels - Assorted Colors, Set of 16
• Blick Art Materials
$2.46
20
$49.20
NAWOD 35 Premium Acrylic Paint Marker Pens, Double Pack of Both Extra Fine and Medium Tip, for Rock Painting, Mug, Ceramic, Glass, Wood, Fabric, Canvas, Metal, Pumpkin, DIY Crafts Making Art Supplies
• Amazon Business
$23.99
2
$47.98
Posca Paint Markers - Set of 8, Basic Colors, Medium Tip, 2.5 mm
• Blick Art Materials
$22.24
2
$44.48
SpaceXpert SpaceExpert Large Storage Bins with Lid, 52 Quart, Clear - Comfortable - Heavy Duty
• School Specialty
Lifetop 24PCS Rocks for Painting, 2"-3" Inches DIY Rocks Flat & Smooth Kindness Rocks for Crafts, Decoration, Medium Rocks for Painting,Hand Picked for Painting Rocks
• Amazon Business
$15.99
2
$31.98
uCreate Art1st Watercolor Paper 9 x 12 White 250 Sheets/Pack (P4930)
• Staples
$29.97
1
$29.97
Kwik Stix Tempera Paint - Global Skin Tone Colors, Set of 14
• Blick Art Materials
$14.82
2
$29.64
Simetufy 72 Pack Canvas Boards for Painting 5 x 7 inch, Blank Canvas Panels- Gesso Primed Acid-Free 100% Cotton for Acrylics Oil Watercolor Tempera Paints
• Amazon Business
$28.99
1
$28.99
ZBEIVAN 9x6x3 White Shipping Boxes Set of 25, Corrugated Cardboard Mailer Boxes for Packaging Small Business Mailing Gifts
• Amazon Business
$26.49
1
$26.49
9.4" Tall Natural Pine Wood Tripod Easel Photo Painting Display Portable Tripod Holder Stand& Adjustable Wooden Tripod Tabletop Holder Stand for Canvas
• Amazon Business
$26.39
1
$26.39
ZENFUN 15 Pack Paint Tray Palettes with 7 Wells, White Plastic Paint Mixing Tray Watercolor Painting Dish for Oil Art, Gouache, Kids Adults Painters, Easy to Clean
• Amazon Business
$17.99
1
$17.99
Calm - Mindfulness Flash Cards for Kids: 40 Activities to Help you Learn to Live in the Moment (Mindfulness for Kids)
• Amazon Business
$14.99
1
$14.99
Mr. Sketch Scented Marker Set - Assorted Colors, Set of 22
• Blick Art Materials
$14.21
1
$14.21
I Am, I Can: 365 affirmations for kids (Mindfulness for Kids)
• Amazon Business
$13.45
1
$13.45
Temper Tamers In a Jar®: Helping Kids Cool Off and Manage Anger
• Amazon Business
$12.99
1
$12.99
Crayola Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Pre-sharpened, Adult Coloring, 12 Count, Gift
• Amazon Business
$1.99
1
$1.99
Materials cost
$585.73
Vendor shipping charges
$3.98
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$8.79
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$628.50
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$110.91
Total project goal
$739.41
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$739.41
3 Donors
-$739.41
Donations toward project cost
-$628.50
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Channel-West and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
