In a fast, constantly changing world, taking care of and acknowledging our mental health is more important than ever. Practicing this through a cathartic medium, like art, can be one of the most impactful ways of doing so. Hosting the fourth annual Healing Arts Show, the Department of Art and Art History and the University Counseling Center at the U are supporters and believers in this beneficial and inspiring experience.
Creating the path for a more open and inclusive world for wellbeing
Beginning in 2022, the Healing Arts Show is an event that showcases art among various students in the pursuit of advocating for mental health struggles. From Feb. 23-27, talented University of Utah students will have their art showcased in the Union Lobby. With a new theme each year, this year’s is “Harmful, Comparison and Self Worth.”
Christina Kelly LeCluyse, the Associate Director of Outreach and Programming at the University of Utah Counseling Center, is a focal part of organizing the show. When asked why this theme was chosen, she said, “We see a lot [of harmful comparison] with our students when they come in for services. Oftentimes comparing themselves negatively, to peers, to friends, roommates, family members, often with a sense of ‘I’m not as good as somebody else.’ And so that was the invitation for this year, to have students explore that theme.”
Walking into the Union Lobby, several pieces are showcased of different mediums, though the clear aligning factor among all of them is a profound connection to the artist’s struggle and expressions.
The artists making it happen
Jasmine De La Cruz, a second-year student majoring in art teaching, had two large paintings on display and even designed the flyer for the show. Titled “Shared Experience” and “Red Silk and Nails,” both share a distinguishable style and design, focusing on the inner complexity and depth of women who are often objectified by the media and public. Though focused on symbols, flesh-like tones and bold colors, the eyes are the true focal points of the pieces.
“Red Silk and Nails” by Jasmine De La Cruz (right) | Monday, Feb. 16, 2026 (Photo by Lily Hersch | The Daily Utah Chronicle)
“Shared Experience” by Jasmine De La Cruz | Monday, Feb. 16, 2026 (Photo by Lily Hersch | The Daily Utah Chronicle)
“Both pieces are based around the urban cultures of Southern California and the correlations with the large amount of sex workers involved in said culture. A lot of which comes from my own experiences and childhood moments in LA and Long Beach. I wish to depict these women as people with pain and experiences, not just what objectification has caused them to be stereotyped and looked at,” De La Cruz said.
Another artist of many featured in the show was Pablo Cruz-Ayala, a student double-majoring in biomechanical engineering and honors studio art. Cruz-Ayala is the first artist-in-residence at the Springville Museum of Art for the Teaching Artist Fellowship for Youth, and is working on a mural project with six high schools in the Salt Lake City district. He is focused on bringing marginalized voices to the forefront of his work. His piece, titled “Water. Hilo. Time”, displays a large, multi-media landscape with zig-zagging patterns and a man of string slowly being torn away within it.
When asked about his work, he said, “For my general practice, I excavate at the borders of culture as a Mexican immigrant and mixed-status undocumented family. I’m passionate about collecting stories that are at risk [of being] forgotten. I try to create work as a living archive of the struggles, joys and lives of the communities within Utah.”
Each artist has distinct, intricate creative processes, but both emphasize the importance of an open line of communication with individuals. By creating true empathy and understanding of lived experiences, they are able to make their art come to life.
The fourth annual Healing Arts Show is open in the Union Lobby, with captivating and beautiful artwork for all to see and appreciate until Friday, Feb. 27. First, second and third place are chosen through the people; one can vote online or scan the QR codes featured by the pieces.
“One of my goals in doing this showcase is to really de-stigmatize mental health concerns and establish our common humanity,” LeCluyse said. “To help not only create more dialogue around these mental health needs, but hopefully have a shared sense of connection with one another. We all can identify with these issues, and we all struggle with them in some form or other.”