Art & Life with Lu Monteleone-Grinnell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lu Monteleone-Grinnell.

After the passing of her first husband, Lu started to paint just for the love of it; places she had been, people she admired, and even things that hurt. Soon she realized painting helped her cope with her loss. She felt good and discovered she could release her pain through painting. Shortly after his death, she found herself in an abusive relationship and slowly drifted away from painting. However, in an effort to escape from the environment of the toxic relationship, she quickly returned to painting once again. It was in this place she found the peace and solace she needed, releasing her pain, frustration, anger, and hurt (in a positive way). Painting was something she could focus on, something she could accomplish and feel good about. There was a moment, deeply focused on her painting, when something big happened. Lu came to the realization this healing experience was something she had to share with others; and, it was in this moment when Art Healing Hearts was born.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
Art Healing Hearts is an art program which helps others release their negativity, sadness, pain, and confusion through artistic expression. I work with adults as well as high school and middle school youths. Participants in the program often have traumatic brain injuries, severe mental illness, or other special needs. I have found that troubled youth, the elderly and victims of abuse have also benefited greatly from this program. I work hands on with my class. I bring out the inner artist of each participant and teach them that you can take the negativity, pain, confusion, and turn it into something beautiful.

How do you think about success, as an artist, and what do quality do you feel is most helpful?
It is my mission, through Art Healing Hearts, to help others learn to release the negativity, the sadness, the pain and confusion through artistic expression. My goal is to go into the places where some would rather not go, and help people use art as an expression of their feelings and begin the process of recovery and healing, freeing the artist from their hurt, pain, confusion, and addictions this is where I can find success.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
People can visit the Art Healing Hearts Instagram page as well as our Facebook page. I’ve also facilitated art shows in the community to raise awareness for the participants that join my class, where some participant’s artwork is for purchase. People can support my program by liking the Art Healing Hearts Facebook page, and following on Instagram. I am also always in need for supplies such as canvas’, paint and paint brush sets. Any local business that want to display our art is always welcomed!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.arthealinghearts.com
• Email: lumonteleone@arthealinghearts.com
• Instagram: @arthealinghearts
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arthealinghearts/

Image Credit:
Angeles Center
Forbes Center for Rehabilitation and Healing
Los Preitos Boys Juvenile Detention Center
Boys and Girls Club

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.