WHO WE ARE
Spreading hope, one sign at a time
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The Positive Painting Project is a community based non-profit organization that uses visual art to promote positive mental health and suicide prevention. We believe that art can be a powerful tool for healing and connection, and we are committed to providing opportunities for people of all ages to create and share their own art.
The Positive Painting Project was created to honor the memory of our daughter, Katie Whysong. Katie was a talented artist who struggled with depression and anxiety. A passionate advocate for mental health awareness, Katie had an amazing idea that we’ve since made our project's mission: using visual art to share positive and encouraging messages in schools and throughout communities. This is typically achieved by holding painting events at schools or festivals, allowing everyone to participate. These one-of-a-kind paintings are then screen-printed with messages encouraging mental health awareness, positivity, & support. They are then installed around the local schools and community spaces by students and volunteers.
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Our goal is to use this visual art to help de-stigmatize how we talk about mental health, to encourage seeking help when struggling, and to remind us to check-in on our friends. We are part of a global movement aimed at ending suicide and the stigma surrounding mental health — especially with our youth.
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Katie Whysong died by suicide on March 10, 2021 at just 15 years old. The Positive Painting Project is the continuation of her vision.
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