We’re all artists, according to a former U.S. Surgeon General. Here’s what else we learned at the Bridging Visual Arts & Healthcare Symposium.

Shop our FLOW watercolor⁠, FROLIC flower-pressing, and HONOR mosaic gift sets at The House Healer in College Park, Orlando, our first brick-and-mortar retail partner. Ugly Art Studio founder Samantha Dunne with Nicole Belle, owner of The House Healer in College Park The first thing you notice at The House Healer in College Park is how good it smells. Incense, candles, and room sprays give the shop a light, lovely scent. The second thing you notice is how it feels: welcoming.

When someone you love is in the hospital, it’s hard to know how to best support them or what to bring. Bringing something to their room that you can do together is a creative and thoughtful way to help pass the time and connect.

Orlando is home to a vibrant creative community — and at The Ugly Art Studio , we’re proud to contribute a distinct approach to art workshops rooted in wellbeing, research, and human connection . We offer art-for-wellbeing workshops in Orlando and across Central Florida that invite people to slow down, create together, and reconnect with themselves and one another. Our workshops are intentionally designed to feel welcoming, thoughtful, and restorative — blending creative exp

Art has always been a powerful medium for self-expression and personal growth. Engaging in creative art classes can unlock hidden talents, boost confidence, and develop new skills. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, participating in structured art sessions offers numerous benefits that go beyond just creating beautiful pieces. This article explores how creative art classes can enhance your creativity and skills, providing practical insights and recommendatio

Art has long been celebrated for its beauty and creativity, but its impact goes far beyond aesthetics. Engaging with art can significantly improve your mental health and overall wellbeing. Whether you are creating art or simply appreciating it, the connection between art and mental health is powerful and transformative. The Connection Between Art and Mental Health Art offers a unique way to express emotions that might be difficult to put into words. When you engage in artisti

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Arts in Health Intensive , organized and delivered by the University of Florida’s Center...

I’m thrilled to share that I’ve enrolled in the Arts in Health Intensive at the University of Florida’s Center for Arts in Medicine in Gainesville. This three-day immersive program has been a cornerstone in the field of arts in health for over two decades—bringing together artists, healthcare professionals, educators, and changemakers to explore how creativity can support healing and well-being. As the founder of The Ugly Art Studio, which offers art classes in Lake Nona, I’m

In a world where creativity knows no bounds, mobile creative studios have emerged as a powerful tool for artists and creators. These...

This June, Professor Daisy Fancourt presented a powerful case to the UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group on Creative Health: the arts are...

Inspired by this * podcast episode from Understanding Societ Why Art Matters At The Ugly Art Studio, we believe that making art isn’t...