During the past five years and 8,000+ therapy sessions, we have witnessed firsthand the power of the Creative Arts in Mental Health CARE.

We have also witnessed barriers to these services due to cost, insurance restrictions and shortages of art therapists and expressive arts therapists in our community.

Now is the time to address these barriers and take action!

The pleasure of your company is requested for a Gala Evening, hosted by Karli Johnson, Founder of Creative Healing Art Therapy (CHAT) and the new Creative Healing Expressive Arts Center (CHEAC) nonprofit organization.

Enjoy signature libations, Mystic Kitchen hors d'oeuvres, and Primordia Foods vegan delights.

An evening filled with live jazz, art experiences to enrich your senses, and awe inspiring performances by Chicago Farmer, Nathan Taylor Band, the BCAI Cultural Arts and Humanities, Bruce Moon, and UU Artistry.

Join us as we celebrate five years of CHAT and engage in CHEAC advocacy!

About our Performances 

KARLI JOHNSON

Karli Johnson is an Art Therapist and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She graduated from Mount Mary College with her Master’s in Art Therapy in 2008 and worked with local agencies for ten years before starting Creative Healing Art Therapy, LLC. Karli works alongside individuals of all ages, using the creative process to help her clients connect with and address their emotional needs. Karli believes that art has survived in this world so that we can too. Her growing practice has a mission to share about the profession of Art Therapy so that youth of all backgrounds have access to the career path.

UNDRA UPHOFF

Undra Uphoff, a self-taught Abstract Contemporary Artist, always had passion for art but didn’t start pursuing it until one year ago. She is married to her best friend and has two boys that she loves deeply. Undra’s painting process brings her peace and allows her to express the immense gratitude that lives within her. As a board member of CHEAC, Undra hopes to inspire others to follow their love for art and express their emotions fully.

BRUCE MOON

Bruce L. Moon, Ph.D., ATR-BC, HLM is Professor Emeritus of art therapy at Mount Mary University.  He is the past Chair of the department, Director of the graduate art therapy program, and co-founder of the Doctor of Art Therapy program.  He is the author of twelve books and has presented papers, workshops, and performance art events throughout the United States, Canada, and Asia. He was the 2007 recipient of the Honorary Life Member Award (HLM) of the American Art Therapy Association, the 2009 recipient of the Buckeye Art Therapy Association HLM, and the 2017 recipient of AATA’s Jim Consoli Video/Film Award. Dr. Moon is an active painter, singer-songwriter, film maker and performance artist.  He has recorded several albums and performs regularly at small concert venues.  His music is available on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, and other streaming services.

BCAI-CAH

BCAI Cultural Arts and Humanities started in 2012 to be a protected space for youth to practice and breathe their art safely, providing socially aware art education and an expression platform to everyone, regardless of income and in honor of every background. BCAI’s mission is to inspire action using innovative artistry to increase awareness of self, community and culture with the goal for every generation to prosper in purpose, identity and unity. Their lineup includes martial arts, breakdance, performance team, co-creation class, Hip Hop Elemental Arts and a three week summer camp, Summer Arts Exposure. Responding to the needs of youth in our community, their upcoming scholarship fundraiser is centered around celebrating neurodiversity. Don’t miss it on 3/25/23!

CHICAGO FARMER

“Chicago Farmer represents the best qualities of Midwestern U.S.A. His lyrics, his stories and his heart are true. He’ll give you that feeling of ‘going home’. He’ll make you want to say all those things you’ve been meaning to say but were too afraid. At the same time his songs can make you ask yourself some deep questions. His songs give you hope. If you didn’t know him I believe just his voice would make you believe every word he says. Definitely one of my favorite singers out there today.”- Pokey LaFarge

NATHAN TAYLOR BAND

Born of home country folk blended with heartland jazz soaked in delta blues and roots music, The Nathan Taylor Band explodes with rich sound and purely blended talent. This talent is bathed in a wide range of vintage American blues & roots music, born of the soul of the heartland. From classic roots songs and blues of the delta to early New Orleans jazz and Nathan Taylor originals, their audiences dance to soulful spins on the old styles mixed with new music as they are transported to simpler times, past and present. 

Donations Gladly Accepted!

100% of all funds raised will connect our community with the creative arts in mental health care. Come see how!