A childhood frustration over minor imperfections led Milly Dalida Janevathanavitya down an unexpected path — from scrunched-up school assignments to founding Arttitude, an organization transforming lives through art therapy.
Beautiful artwork created with art therapy kits.
In her early years, Milly would crumple her homework at the slightest mistake. But this changed when she was introduced to watercolor. The fluid and forgiving nature of watercolors taught her to see imperfections differently. Over time, Milly started seeing mistakes as opportunities for creativity.
This personal transformation, paired with her understanding of the stigma surrounding mental health, inspired Milly to create Arttitude. Her goal? To make mental wellness practices accessible to all, especially vulnerable groups such as those with autism, ADHD, and past trauma. Through Arttitude, she aims to destigmatize mental health treatment and empower individuals to use art therapy as a tool for healing.
Arttitude operates through two main initiatives. The first is organizing in-person workshops where participants can discuss mental wellness and engage in art therapy. The second initiative is the distribution of Art Therapy First Aid Kits, which contain essential materials like paper, sharpies, watercolors, and a paintbrush. These kits come with a QR code that links to a video tutorial, allowing individuals to explore art therapy at their own pace. The technique, which Milly developed with the guidance of Professor Pimpanit Condee of Mahidol University, is at the heart of these kits. Try it out for yourself!
The Steps of Our Technique
- Use a sharpie to draw a freeform line on watercolor paper without lifting the pen for around three seconds. Allow your hands to relax and let your feelings guide the direction of the lines.
- Use a ruler to draw straight lines. The lines should start and end at a previously drawn line or the edge of the paper.
- Add shapes from household items as well as additional free-form lines. These lines should also start and end at a previously drawn line or the edge of the paper. Be as creative as you want to be, there is no right or wrong.
- Round out the corners of each intersection. Whilst softening the edges, be aware of the sense of recreating that wholeness of the harsh lines.
- Use watercolor to color in the boxes. When changing color, it is best to clean the brush with tissue until there is no previous color residue before using a new color.
Now, Arttitude has expanded beyond Milly’s hometown of Bangkok, Thailand. She introduced the nonprofit to Suffield Academy and the surrounding Suffield community, organizing workshops in various places including the Suffield Senior Center and the Kent Memorial Library. Today, Arttitude has a team of 54 trained art therapy instructors who have organized 25 in-person events and distributed over 1,000 Art Therapy First Aid Kits to 30 communities in seven countries.
Milly’s approachable methods have inspired many to incorporate art therapy into their routines, helping them find peace and healing through creative expression. To learn more about Arttitude or to explore art therapy yourself, visit their website or follow them on social media.
Website: https://www.arttitude.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arttitude.world
Instagram: @arttitude.world -Art therapy video tutorial: YouTube Tutorial