The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation’s (NNJCF) ArtsBergen initiative launched the Mind Your Feelings exhibit at the Johnson Public Library’s Gallery Space, located at 274 Main Street in Hackensack. This original interactive public art project transforms community emotional experiences into a powerful tool for mental health awareness and also destigmatization.
The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation, a 501( c )(3) not-for-profit headquartered in Hackensack, serves North Jersey. The NNJCF extends its mission of community support through this groundbreaking installation. Artists Juanli Carrión and Rodolfo Kusulas collaborated with the NNJCF and also Bergen Makerspace. Furthermore, they worked together to create a temporary pilot interactive artwork exploring the connection between feelings and the body. The Mind Your Feelings exhibit opened on December 11, 2025. The public art remains on display through March 2026. The collaborators invite visitors to interact with the exhibit’s unique approach to understanding mental wellness. Check the library for its hours of operation either online or contact 201-343-4169.
Mind Your Feelings: Vision and Partnerships
The installation serves as a pilot project. Beyond this, ambitious future plans include a proposed large outdoor sculpture featuring a lit, oversized brain. Based upon the daily submission of the community’s feelings, the brain illuminates. Several partners came together to develop and implement the project, including Johnson Public Library, Bergen Makerspace, and also the City of Hackensack Health Department. In addition, Hackensack Stigma Free, Bergen Stigma Free, and The Things Network NYC collaborated to support this transformative project.
NNJCF’s Associate Director Danielle De Laurentis (left) poses with artists Juanli Carrión and Rodolfo Kusulas and NNJCF’s Executive Director Leonardo Vazquez and the Mind Your Feelings exhibit
“Since COVID, mental health challenges — anxiety, depression, loneliness, and stress — have risen and persisted. Furthermore, teens, especially, are deeply affected. As a result, the mental health challenges have deepened. In response, the NNJCF recognized the problem and worked to develop and implement Mind Your Feelings. This art-based project offers a creative approach to address these ongoing issues,” said Danielle De Laurentis, Associate Director of the NNJCF.
Community Impact and Research
A significant and historic body of evidence shows engaging with the arts reduces stress, improves emotional expression, and supports resilience. Across New Jersey, a growing practice exists by both the arts community and healthcare field connecting arts and wellness in new and innovative ways. Mind Your Feelings is a prime example and aims to achieve three critical objectives: raise awareness about the mind-body connection, destigmatize mental health conversations, and connect the public with local mental health resources.
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. In addition, a grant from the Alfred N. Sanzari Family Foundation provided support.
Continuing Mission of Public Art
The NNJCF ArtsBergen initiative produces meaningful public art that addresses community issues. Furthermore, this installation stands as a testament to the organization’s dedication to using creativity as a tool for social engagement and mental health awareness. Since 2015, NNJCF’s ArtsBergen has produced 28 public art projects and over 20 artist networking and learning events, solidifying its position as a leader in public art in Bergen County. For more information about the Mind Your Feelings’ installation, visit the exhibit’s online site. To discuss the project, contact the NNJCF at nnjcf@nnjcf.org or 201-568-5608.
Sponsors and Donations Appreciated
The NNJCF seeks donations to develop and implement the second phase of the project. This phase features an outdoor sculpture with a lighted, oversized brain. Make a donation of any size online. Contributions may also be sent by check made out to ‘The Northern N.J. Community Foundation’, with ‘Mind Your Feelings’ entered in the memo line. Send checks to the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation, 1 University Plaza, Suite 102, Hackensack, New Jersey 07601. For further information about sponsorships, donations, or the NNJCF, call 201-568-5608 or send an e-mail.
