Creative Arts Therapy Week (CATs Week) is held annually during the third week of March in the U.S. and Canada. This year it is celebrated March 15-21, 2026. This important event highlights the mental health benefits of art in all of its forms, from visual art to dance, music, poetry, and more. Creative Arts Therapy Week raises awareness about the healing modalities in art and promotes how these therapies improve and support mental and emotional resilience.
According to Venture, 1977, the English artist Adrian Hill originated the term art therapy in 1938. Hill was said to work with Dutch and Canadian mental health workers so his practice of art therapy was disseminated.
You will find many articles, interviews, exhibitions and resources on this website that are devoted to the benefits of art and art-making for life enhancement.
The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS is in total alignment with Creative Arts Therapy Week. We are devoted to this concept 365 days a year. The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS website is a community of artists, writers, therapists, organizations and advocates. We believe ART & ARTISTS are positive catalysts for enhancing the well-being of individuals, society and the environment. We believe ART & ARTISTS have the power to bring positive change to the world.
The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS was founded in 2015 by Renée Phillips, artists’ advocate and the Founder, Director & Curator of Manhattan Arts International. It was created after organizing several years of exhibitions devoted to The Healing Power of Art.
Suggested Reading
What Is Art Therapy?
Quotes About The Benefits of Art & Art-Making
Art Enhances Brain Function and Well-Being
Drawn to Help – Drawing Funny Pictures to Help Kids Health
Art and Mental Health is A Daily Priority For Us
A Resource Directory of More than 100 Art & Healing Organizations
Our Many Exhibitions Promote Healing Benefits
Here are a Few…
The Healing Power of Color 2026
Art Inspired by Nature 2025
The Healing Power of ART: Resilience 2022 Exhibition
Love, Peace, Harmony and Unity
Color in Art is a Therapeutic, Healing Modality
“Variety of form and brilliancy of color in the object presented to patients are an actual means of recovery.” ~ Florence Nightingale
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