The Mind Your Feelings public art project closed this month at Johnson Public Library in Hackensack after a successful five-month installation. More than 800 community members participated in conversations about mental health through an interactive public artwork. The findings of Mind Your Feelings revealed how public art destigmatizes well-being discussions and raises awareness of the mind/body connection. As a result, this project, produced by the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation’s ArtsBergen, served as a powerful catalyst for understanding community well-being and mental health awareness.
‘Mind Your Feelings’ showed how an interactive public art installation transforms feelings, color, and also drawings into social data on community well-being.
On May 12, 2026, project leaders presented the findings of Mind Your Feelings to professionals from philanthropy, arts, health, education, local government, and healthcare. Artists Juanli Carrion and Rodolfo Kusulas led a virtual presentation and discussion. They shared anonymous exhibit data with stakeholders committed to advancing public art and also arts-in-health initiatives across Northern New Jersey.
Findings of Mind Your Feelings
The findings of Mind Your Feelings reveal these significant patterns, as well as insights for public art and health initiatives moving forward.
- Public art creates safe entry points for conversations around mental health and well-being.
- People are more willing to be transparent when questions are asked in a disarming, fun, and also accessible format.
- Emotional expression varies across language and cultural groups; therefore, highlighting the importance of inclusive engagement strategies.
- Data generated through participatory art offers valuable insight into community well-being.
These findings demonstrate the project’s impact. In addition, they point to strong potential for expanding mental-health awareness through creative community engagement.
Looking Ahead
Building on this success, the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation looks forward to the project’s next phase. The Foundation seeks partners interested in:
- Serving as host sites for the Mind Your Feelings exhibit,
- Collaborating on future public art and arts-in-health initiatives, or
- Exploring how public art aids public health research and community engagement.
Become a Mind Your Feelings Partner
If your organization wants to bring Mind Your Feelings to your community or learn more about the findings, contact NNJCF’s Associate Director Danielle De Laurentis at danielle@nnjcf.org. For more information about the project, visit its website.
Project Support for Mind Your Feelings
Support for the project was made possible by funds from the Bergen County Division of Cultural & Historic Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. The Alfred N. Sanzari Family Foundation also provided a grant to support this innovative initiative.
