Music, Art, & Poetry for Wellbeing
for Youth & Adults
At Walt's Waltz, we use music, art, poetry, and other forms of creative expression to increase mental health literacy, encourage healthy conversations, build resilience, and promote wellbeing. Through engaging, hands-on experiences, participants discover practical strategies they can continue using long after the workshop ends.
Designed for children, teens, adults, older adults, families, schools, colleges and universities, workplaces, healthcare organizations, faith communities, and community organizations, each workshop is thoughtfully adapted to meet the age, interests, developmental level, and unique needs of those participating. No artistic or musical experience is required. The focus is not on creating perfect artwork or performances, but on using creativity as a pathway to learning, reflection, self-expression, connection, and hope.
The Power of Creative Expression
Overview
Every workshop combines creative activities with practical, evidence-informed mental health education. Depending on the audience and setting, participants may engage in watercolor painting, music appreciation and reflection, guided writing, poetry, journaling, storytelling, mindfulness activities, gratitude practices, and meaningful group discussions.
Painting is one of the signature experiences in many Walt's Waltz workshops. Using watercolor, participants explore emotions through color, movement, texture, and imagery in a supportive, judgment-free environment. Rather than focusing on artistic skill or creating a perfect painting, participants are encouraged to express what they are thinking and feeling in ways that are personally meaningful. Every painting tells a unique story because every person's experiences, perspectives, and emotions are different.
Throughout the workshop, participants explore topics such as:
Understanding emotions and emotional awareness
Mental health literacy
Stress management and healthy coping strategies
Self-care and personal wellbeing
Building resilience and hope
Healthy communication and supportive relationships
Recognizing when to seek help
Community resources and support
Many activities encourage conversations beyond the workshop, giving families, friends, classmates, coworkers, and caregivers opportunities to continue discussing mental health in supportive and meaningful ways.
Our Approach
Every workshop combines creative activities with practical, evidence-informed mental health education. Depending on the audience and setting, participants may engage in watercolor painting, music appreciation and reflection, guided writing, poetry, journaling, storytelling, mindfulness activities, gratitude practices, and meaningful group discussions.
Painting is one of the signature experiences in many Walt's Waltz workshops. Using watercolor, participants explore emotions through color, movement, texture, and imagery in a supportive, judgment-free environment. Rather than focusing on artistic skill or creating a perfect painting, participants are encouraged to express what they are thinking and feeling in ways that are personally meaningful. Every painting tells a unique story because every person's experiences, perspectives, and emotions are different.
Throughout the workshop, participants explore topics such as:
Understanding emotions and emotional awareness
Mental health literacy
Stress management and healthy coping strategies
Self-care and personal wellbeing
Building resilience and hope
Healthy communication and supportive relationships
Recognizing when to seek help
Community resources and support
Many activities encourage conversations beyond the workshop, giving families, friends, classmates, coworkers, and caregivers opportunities to continue discussing mental health in supportive and meaningful ways.
Creative Wellbeing Kit
Every participant receives a Walt's Waltz Creative Wellbeing Kit designed to encourage continued learning, creative expression, and self-reflection beyond the workshop. Depending on available funding, each kit is presented in a Walt's Waltz canvas tote, canvas backpack, or drawstring backpack.
Kits include carefully selected resources that support continued creativity and wellbeing, including a mixed-media sketchbook, journal, 16-color watercolor set, heavy cardstock for artwork, mascot painting sheets, a handcrafted Walt's Waltz butterfly cabochon pin, a positive affirmation pocket mirror, self-care resources, and educational materials that encourage continued painting, journaling, poetry, and other creative practices at home, school, or work.
Who We Serve
Music, Art, and Poetry for Wellbeing can be adapted for a wide variety of audiences and settings, including:
Schools and after-school programs
Colleges and universities
Families
Community organizations
Healthcare organizations
Faith communities
Businesses and workplaces
Recreation programs
Libraries
Senior centers
Conferences, retreats, and special events
Programs may be offered as a single workshop, a multi-session series, or as part of a larger community wellbeing initiative.
Bringing Mental Health Education to Life
At Walt's Waltz, we believe learning should be engaging, meaningful, and accessible. Music, art, and poetry invite people to participate, reflect, ask questions, and connect with one another in ways that traditional presentations often cannot.
By combining education with creative experiences, we help individuals and communities increase mental health literacy, reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking, and build environments where every person feels seen, supported, and valued.
Together, we are creating communities where conversations about mental health are welcomed, creativity is celebrated, and wellbeing can flourish.