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Art with Heart is a 501c3 nonprofit based in Seattle, WA, dedicated to supporting the emotional well-being of children adversely affected by hardship, through the production of therapeutic books designed to help children and teens facing distress and hardship. They also offer trainings and workshops programs to help children, educators, volunteers and parents.

Founded in 2002, the organization creates illustrated therapeutic books designed for children, young adults and teens who have experienced (or are experiencing) trauma. Their books can be purchased online and they frequently provide bulk books to other nonprofits at a free or reduced rate. (For example, after Sandy Hook, Art with Heart employees provided books and conducted a workshop with both adults and children of that community. ) Art with Heart also offers trainings for service providers who are using their books as part of a curriculum or therapeutic treatment. Additionally, they train volunteers who conduct workshops in series for local children (in tandem with schools and community centers). )

The Art with Heart books blend multiple therapeutic approaches and are targeted to youth ranging in age from 4 or 5 through the teen years and are created as a collaboration between therapists and artists from around the world. "Art with Heart encourages and inspires kids to express their feelings through doodles and sketches, drawings and squiggles, puzzles, activities and journaling." In addition to its books, Art with Heart has developed classroom pilot programs and trainings for teachers and therapists as an additional tool for communities seeking help. In 2013, staff people traveled to Newtown, Pennsylvania to provide training and support to the teachers and therapists of the Sandy Hook Community as well as to work directly with youth who had been traumatized by the violent event. Beyond the books listed below, the organization sometimes receives special funding to create workbooks targeted toward a very specific population of kids. "Make Your Mark" is an example of one such book, created for a third grade classroom in Tucson, AZ and is a unique combination of content from "Oodles of Doodles" and "Magnificent Marvelous Me"

Art with Heart is funded by individuals and foundations such as the Safe Crossings Foundation and the Kirlin Charitable Foundation.

Books:

"Draw It Out" (2013) - Therapeutic activity book for grieving children. Contributors include artists from around the world such as Sylvia Chan and Kirsten Ulve. Kirsten Ulve identifies the "Draw It Out" project as one of the favorite projects she's ever worked on “Art with Heart’s Draw it Out is a beautifully created resource offering children support for their loss. As children process their feelings, this art-focused tool provides unique and engaging opportunities to discover hope and healing. Draw it Out empowers people with all levels of expertise help kids and families through challenging life circumstances,” Lisa Willis, Moyer Foundation/Camp Erin The cover art of "Draw It Out" was created by Serge Seidlitz.

"Magnificent Marvelous Me" (2008) - Therapeutic activity book that helps meet the emotional needs of elementary aged children who are facing family challenges. Children who are potentially traumatized by events such as illness, disability or a traumatic shift in family structure such as divorce can use this activity book to "decrease the sense of isolation, increase self-esteem and communication, give them a safe place to explore and work through their complex feelings [and] help build resiliency and coping skills." . Artists include Molly Z.

"Ink About It" was first released in 2011 and is designed for 'tweens and teens. This book combines writing and drawing prompts and helps young people to understand their own emotional ups and downs as well as to communicate their emotions and thoughts. 'Ink About It' provides social-emotional learning "based in cognitive-behavioral, narrative, and art therapies." The artwork in the book was created by many well known artists, among them Luke Ramsey, Doug Fraser, Gary Taxali, Robynn Raye, and Mark T. Smith.

"Chill & Spill" (2005) - Therapeutic activity book for teens facing crisis. “Chill & Spill is the best kind of therapy. This book provides the instrument that many teenagers need to externalize their feelings so that they might better understand themselves and resolve the issues that so often trouble them. It encourages the best kind of reflection and is destined to make an impact for good among young people going through a difficult time of life.” ~ Dr. Tony Campolo, PhD, Teacher & Author

"Oodles of Doodles" (first printing 2002) - Therapeutic activity book for hospitalized children. According to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, "Art with 'Heart’s Oodles of Doodles' activity book offers more than 40 engaging activities based in art therapy. Designed to help children communicate their feelings through pages that encourage communication and imagination. Hidden behind the colorful imagery are therapeutic benefits that give them back a much-needed sense of control and a safe place to express their fears and worries." "Oodles of Doodles" has been endorsed by the Livestrong Foundation, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Starlight Children's Foundation and the Society for the Arts in Healthcare, and is routinely used in an estimated 500 hospitals across North America.

"Leader's Companions"