Art for a Cause

Art for a Cause is a partnership between the Waukesha County Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts that uses simple, guided art projects to strengthen community care for individuals and families impacted by substance use and substance-related loss. The artwork created—cards, butterflies, remembrance items, and occasional installations—becomes a visible message to grieving families: we are here to support you.

Why Art for a Cause Matters.

Substance Use Disorder is a widespread public health issue and substance-related loss is more common than many people realize. About 42% of U.S. Adults say they know someone who has died from a drug overdose (Athey et al., 2024).

Stigma can complicate the grieving process by making these deaths harder to publicly mourn and talk about.  Affected families often receive fewer messages of care, fewer offers of help, and less support and compassion than they deserve.  

We want to change that by:

•       Driving forward stigma-free, empathetic responses
•       Normalizing community support following a substance-related loss
•       Creating a space for reflection and remembrance
•       Connecting people to alternative, non-clinical opportunities

How the Program Works

Art for a Cause is a series of individual, instructor-led community workshops offered monthly. Each session is a one-time, 45-minute commitment and includes a guided, hands-on art experience designed to be welcoming, reflective, and meaningful—no prior art experience required.

Projects may include:

• Cards for a Cause – handmade cards with caring messages shared with families after a substance-related loss
• Butterfly Projects – symbols of transformation that will be used in a variety of different ways. 
• Memorial and Remembrance Pieces – such as pressed-flower vigils and memory ornaments

Completed artwork will be shared or displayed with care through Waukesha County Health and Human Services programming and community awareness efforts, helping ensure families feel seen, supported, and remembered.

Who Can Participate?

•        Open to adults of all ages (18+)
•        Especially welcoming to older adults and seniors
•        Designed for anyone who enjoys creating, connecting and contributing to the well-being of community.
•     Participants do not need personal experience with substance-related loss to participate—many people attend simply to offer support through meaningful, creative action.

Partnership Rooted in Strengthening Community Health

Art for a Cause is a partnership between Waukesha County Health & Human Services and the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts, reflecting a growing strategy in public health nationwide to partner with community-based organizations to strengthen social connections, reduce stigma and strengthen community health.

Together, we aim to:

• Reduce stigma related to substance use disorder and substance-related loss.
• Expand community-based prevention and education efforts
• Use art to support healing, remembrance and awareness
• Build sustainable cross-sector partnerships that strengthen community connections.

Looking Ahead

Art for a Cause is a pilot initiative with plans to grow or adapt based on participant feedback and community response. All feedback will be considered in shaping future workshops and opportunities.

Whether you are creating art alongside us, honoring your loved one’s memory, or simply showing your support, Art for a Cause invites you to be part of something meaningful—where compassion is visible and no person in the Waukesha County community is left feeling alone with loss.