The Art Room celebrates members' mental health journeys in its annual art exhibition -

The Art Room is hosting its 3rd Annual Member Exhibition in downtown Denton at the UNT CoLab. The exhibition will run from March 7-15 and over 50 pieces of art, each a unique work created by Art Room members, volunteers and staff, will be displayed.

“The Art Room’s Member Exhibition is a celebration of our members’ artwork, and it offers us a chance to showcase [their] creativity, talent, and resolve,” stated Art Room President Marlys Lamar. “We hope that by inviting the community, they can get a glimpse of how we all can benefit from being involved in creative expression…and can learn more about The Art Room and the benefits it offers its members, and by extension, the community at large.”

The Art Room is a nonprofit studio that provides a safe, supportive environment for adults and teens with mental health struggles to tap into the healing potential of art. Participants receive open studio time, classes, materials, support and guidance from dedicated volunteers with mental health and artmaking expertise, all at no cost to those who become program members.

The exhibition marked its opening night, March 7, with an inspiring evening. Attendees enjoyed light appetizers and drinks while listening to lilting live music and the UNT CoLab was packed with artists, families, friends and supporters. The walls were decorated with various artworks, each one telling the story of the artist who made them.

When Lee Hagerman became a member of The Art Room, she had not created art since her graduation from college in 2007. Since Hagerman was young, she dreamed of pursuing a career as an artist and now, through her experiences at The Art Room, she feels that her creative interest and passion for painting have been rekindled.

“I was way out of practice when I came back to art,” said Hagerman. “[At The Art Room] they reinforced things that I had learned before again through workshops.”

Darby Hicks started her journey at The Art Room in the Summer of 2024, alongside her brother and their friends. After experiencing issues within her family, Hicks needed a space where she could freely express both herself and her passion for art while enjoying friendships.

“Art can be so healing,” said Hicks. “It [has the] potential to bring people together, who might not have experienced the same things, but can still relate to each other’s experiences through the visualization of [their art].”

With a background in technical theater design and all things ‘nerdy,’ James Campbell has flourished artistically during his time as a member. From writing books to painting minotaurs, Campbell’s creativity has always been his outlet, and The Art Room has provided him with space and material to continue his journey.

“I did lots of art that helped me work through some key things,” said Campbell. “Since then, I’ve been trying to do something creative every day, whether that’s putting something on paper, sculpting, creating [resin jewelry], or whatever floats my boat at any moment.”

It doesn’t matter if you are a novice or a professional, The Art Room welcomes all and their exhibition aims to showcase the transformative power of art as a tool for mental well-being, hoping to inspire both current and future generations of artists.

“I…want those attending to take away some of the spirit of The Art Room,” said Lamar. “[Here] art matters, our members matter, and we believe in the power of art to be regenerative—to express and affirm a positive part of ourselves.”

The Art Room is in its seventh year and has been steadily growing since its opening in 2019. In 2024, 195 members attended classes or open studios for a total of 1,761 visits for the year. The Art Room welcomes new members weekly and has had over 700 applications for membership in all programs.

“As a nonprofit, we’re always looking for donations and financial support, and we’ll be hosting an annual fundraising bike ride on May 17th,” said Lamar. “[The event is] called the Positive Psychology Ride, celebrating that May is Mental Health Awareness Month [and] National Bike Month. Please consider riding with us!”