The counseling department is bringing awareness to mental health creatively and meaningfully through an art gallery this May. Dr. Melissa Ramdas, an assistant professor in the Mental Health Counseling program, is hosting a student art exhibit. The idea stems from her passion for creative expression and her work as a licensed mental health counselor.
“I wanted to combine something I love, art, with something just as important: mental health,” Ramdas explained.
The gallery invites students to explore and express mental well-being through their lens, encouraging a diverse range of artistic expression.
“We often don’t talk about mental health unless someone’s struggling,” Ramdas noted. “But what does it look like when you’re doing okay? What does wellbeing look like?”
A few submissions, including a painting and a drawing, have already been received, but Ramdas hopes more students will share their work before the May 2 deadline.
The exhibit welcomes all forms of art, whether it’s drawings, photography, music, poetry, or paintings, offering students a chance to contribute in whatever medium they feel most comfortable.
“Art is subjective,” she said. “The beauty is just putting yourself out there.”
The exhibit will be displayed in the hallways of Main Hall, with a reception scheduled for May 9 to celebrate the student artists and have a broader conversation about mental health on campus. Dr. Ramdas sees this as an opportunity to engage students in meaningful dialogue.
“Finals are around the corner,” she said. “So if someone walks by and feels a little lighter or a little more hopeful, that’s everything.” The event also serves as a reminder that resources and support are available to students beyond the classroom, ensuring they know they are not alone.
This initiative comes at an important time. According to the American Psychiatric Association, 60 percent of college students have experienced one or more mental health challenges. Events like this are designed to encourage more open conversations and reduce the stigma around seeking help when needed.
For Ramdas, this art gallery isn’t just about highlighting times of crisis. It’s about celebrating wellness, reflection, and the therapeutic power of creativity. It’s a reminder that mental health can be a holistic journey.
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