Words Are Hard

An Artistic Exploration of Mental Health, Storytelling, and Creative Expression

Inspired by the published photo essay on living with mental illness and challenging stigma, Words Are Hard has evolved from a roundtable discussion into an inclusive, art-centered event. Participants explore the early stages of recovery, examining the impact of each person’s mental health journey, feelings of limitation, and possibilities for growth and healing.

The event features an interactive art gallery, speaker sessions, and opportunities to contribute to community art projects. A special Open Mic & Community Stories session invites attendees to share through words, art, or attentive listening, fostering connection, understanding, and community engagement.

Hear from past participants why this event matters.

Creative Expression

Creative Expression invites participants to explore mental health through art, offering space for reflection, self-expression, and hands-on engagement.

Features a gallery of visual art and diverse creative works.
Highlights art as a tool for self-expression and reflection.
Offers attendees the chance to create their own pieces at the Community Art Station.
Showcases artwork exploring mental health, resilience, and personal journeys.
Demonstrates that communication takes many forms, and not all of it is verbal.

Whether observing or creating, Creative Expression offers a welcoming space to engage, reflect, and connect through art.

Main display table at Words Are Hard featuring five canvas paintings on silver easels: a central figure covered in ‘I AM’ affirmations, a cherry blossom tree, a butterfly on flowers, a blue waterfall, and a vibrant multi-colored tree, with Question Cards and a visitor sign-in sheet on the table.

Canvas paintings expressing self-affirmation, nature, and reflection on mental health.

🎨 Call for Artists

Voices & Stories

Voices & Stories brings lived experience to the forefront through storytelling, performance, and shared dialogue.

Features performances and speaker sessions grounded in lived experience..
Includes artists, storytellers, and attendees sharing personal experiences.
Organized into three thematic segments inspired by the Words Are Hard photo essay
◦ Identity Stolen – Exploring identity and self-worth.
◦ Fighting the Darkness – Overcoming depression, anxiety, and hardships.
◦ Spark of Hope – Stories of resilience and healing.
Encourages expression through spoken word, storytelling, and dialogue.
Supports reflection, engagement, and community connection.

Together, these stories highlight the power of connection, empathy, and shared understanding around mental health.

Presenter with vibrant green hair holding a microphone and looking toward a seated man in a red shirt, with a screen behind them reading ‘Fighting the Darkness,’ during the Words Are Hard event.

Presenters sharing lived experience and dialogue during the Fighting the Darkness segment.

🎤 Call for Speakers

Share Your Story

Words Are Hard is built on shared experiences. Whether through art, spoken word, or quiet reflection, every story adds to the collective voice of this community.

Whether you choose to listen, create, share, or simply explore the work of others, your participation adds to the collective story of this community.

Listen to 4:12 Connections

Explore conversations centered on lived experience, creativity, and recovery

Apply as an Artist or Speaker

Submit your work or voice for a future Words Are Hard event

Become a Sponsor or Vendor

Support this community-centered event and help make space for meaningful dialogue

A Look Back Through the Years

Since its inception, Words Are Hard has shown how art can communicate, heal, and bring people together. Past events featured galleries, interactive projects, and roundtable discussions that encouraged dialogue, reflection, and community connection.

While the format has grown, the gallery remains central, giving artists and participants a space to share their perspectives and inspire conversation.

May 4, 2022 – Where it all began

The inaugural Words Are Hard event, featuring a roundtable discussion where participants shared personal stories and reflected on mental well-being in a supportive setting.

The Green Phoenix