In this episode of Canvas of the Heart, we sit down with Kris Kollasch, an artist who has been involved with Free Arts nearly since our inception 30+ years ago. She shares some of her favorite artist mentorship moments over the years, including the creation of the iconic "Trees Like Me" murals with student participants and fellow artist Linda Pullinsi. She also shares her perspective on the significance of trees in her art—and our logo—as symbols of strength, growth and grounding. Musing on the healing nature of our work, Kris shares that "Art heals. We are not therapists, but making art is therapeutic 

Free Arts' research-based program model, Art + Mentors = Resilience, helps children build the resilience they need to maintain personal well-being by connecting them with caring adults and creative activities that develop their personal skills and sense of self. Free Arts believes that healthy connections with adults create change. Through partnerships with local child welfare agencies and shelters serving families, Free Arts is able to provide this intervention to children free of cost to program participants. 

To become a Free Arts Volunteer Mentor, please visit FreeArtsAZ.org/Volunteer 

Hosted by Matt Sandoval, CEO of Free Arts  

Produced by Alvaro Morello  

Music by Epidemic sound: Tell 'em no by Flux Vortex, Free Throw by Timothy Infinite 

Contact the podcast at hello@freeartsaz.org 

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You can make your donations to Free Arts at FreeArtsAz.org/Donate