Being Honest is the Best Truth, 2021

Mixed Media (acrylic paint, spray paint, glitter) on plywood

image of artwork depicting a line of diverse children above the words: act equal, be equal, we are equal

Adolescent Art Therapy Mural Collaboration between FRIENDS, Inc. and NAMI Washington County

Designed and drawn by four adolescent participants, ranging from ages 13–16. The intent of the group was to empower the adolescents to share their stories and perspectives on healthy relationships, safety, and mental health.

Artist Statement

How powerful would it feel to not feel alone?

To be included and to be accepted as you are.
To be accepted fully and wholly by friends, by family, by peers, and by society.
As you are, versus who some of them want you to be.
To be seen as you. As the incredible, resilient human you are.

How powerful would it be to not be silenced?

To be heard. To be celebrated.
To not be minimized or hushed.
Our voices deserve to be heard and shared.
To be celebrated and amplified.

People are in a relationship with people.
Whether a friend, a significant other, a family, a colleague
A relationship is strong when you’re heard and valued.
When you are valued as a whole person and you build each other up.
When you have mutual respect and acknowledge each other’s strengths and areas for growth.
And when you embrace our differences and recognize our similarities
That is how we grow as individuals and in humanity.

We want you to know that it is okay to expand your mind and to change your perspective.
To hold yourself accountable and to admit when you were ignorant or wrong.
It is a wonderful thing to allow yourself to grow and to notice progress and the evolution of thought.

We are happier and healthier when we are together and when we are heard.
Not only when we are heard, but when we amplify others’ voices who deserve to be celebrated.

We hope you acknowledge that we have pride in us,
That we have pride in others,
And that Pride is more than one month a year.

We hope you feel love, happiness, and courage.

We hope you know how powerful it is to not feel alone.

For displaying inquiries contact:

Ben Thomaas, executivedirector@namiwashingtonwi.org.