Lindsay Hurtt, M.A., ATR currently works at Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services in Los Angeles, California as an Art Therapist and Clinician helping severely, emotionally disturbed, adolescent boys. She has been implementing various forms of art therapy for over 2 years with this population and been witness to the power of creativity and the ability to express emotions when words are not possible.

Lindsay’s aim is to connect people around the world through creativity and the heART. In an effort to meet this objective, she has engaged the boys to create “compassionate art.” Encouraging the boys in the United States to learn about various populations around the world and how their stories and creativity can impact others in the world. This type of encouragement art provides hope to other children affected by certain trauma and helps promote empathy and awareness. The artwork also helps the boys connect to their own heARTs to understand their experience as it relates to others.

Current projects include:

Friendship Flags: Flags will be created by both girls in Daraja and the boys at Vista Del Mar to provide an exchange and establish an connection across the globe.

Personal Pages: Personal scrapbook pages are created by individuals in both locations to include a picture and a message. Books will be exchanged between both Daraja and Vista Del Mar. This offers an opportunity for understanding of other cultures, a message of hope and yes, connection!

Book of heARTs: A favorite directive at Global ARTery, kids are given the image of an anatomical heart and asked to share what’s inside. A collection of heARTs will be exchanged between both groups.