What is SoulfulVoyage?

 

"SoulfulVoyage is a place of art and inspiration; a safe haven of expression; a journey through life; but ultimately a story of self-growth and realization that many can relate to." - Shon Pittman

 

My SoulfulVoyage

SoulfulVoyage emerged in 2014 from a personal need of expression and self-growth. I have battled with mental illness since childhood and have had trouble with communicating in a healthy way, which subsequently carried into my adulthood. In 2013 while in college, I had finally reached a breaking point. I had had enough. I had enough with holding in pain; enough with letting anxiety and fear control me; enough with not loving myself wholeheartedly. Soulfulvoyage became an expression that encapsulated what it meant to journey on a path of self-awareness and self-expression; and I decided to use art as my catalyst. The voyage of soul searching hasn't been easy but it has definitely been worth it and I know everyone has a story to tell and a SoulfulVoyage of their own.

The Mission

To provide the tools necessary for others to have the ability to openly express themselves through a creative outlet, (2) to promote the importance of art therapy and art programs in the school systems, (3) to help raise self-expression and self-esteem, form coping mechanisms, and build up a sense of self, (4) to unite and involve the community in making a difference in each others lives.

The Vision

SoulfulVoyage aims to shift the conversation to promoting and raising awareness of the importance of mental health, specifically in the black communities; and exhibit how art can be used as an outlet. 

According to the Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, African Americans are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems than the general population.

 

SoulfulVoyage also wishes to inspire other artists to band together, tell their stories, and make a difference in a person's life by sharing their talents. 

 "The biggest advantage of art is that it can express things that may not be easily expressed verbally; not everyone has a voice or a loud enough voice." - Shon Pittman