Las Vegas, Nevada · 501(c)(3) Nonprofit

Healing through the therapeutic arts

Art Healing Hearts brings guided painting programs to children with special needs, veterans, first responders, and patients in behavioral health hospitals. A brush, a canvas, and a trained instructor give people a safe way to process pain that words cannot reach.

Founder Lu Monteleone painting on a canvas during a class

Who We Serve

We go where the need is

Our instructors travel to the people we serve, so participants never need transportation, experience, or supplies of their own. Programs are adapted for ability, age, and clinical setting.

Children with special needs

Adapted, sensory friendly painting classes built around each child's abilities and pace. This is the heart of our work.

Behavioral health hospitals

Structured creative sessions that complement clinical care for inpatient and outpatient programs.

Veterans

Painting groups that give veterans a non clinical outlet for trauma, grief, and isolation.

First responders

Sessions for police, fire, and EMS personnel carrying the weight of repeated critical incidents.

As Seen In

Our story, in the press

FOX5 Las Vegas KTNV Morning Blend NPR Beverly Hills Journal Phoenix Voyager
Lu Monteleone, founder of Art Healing Hearts

Meet the Founder

Lu Monteleone

"I found my way through grief with a paintbrush. Now I hand that brush to someone else."

Lu is a working artist, exhibiting painter, and behavioral health professional. After losing a loved one, she discovered that painting gave her a way to move pain outward instead of holding it in. She founded Art Healing Hearts to bring that same experience to people in treatment, in recovery, and in families raising children with special needs.

Acrylic painting instruction in progress

Learn to Paint

Private lessons with Lu

  • One on one instruction, beginner through advanced
  • Acrylic painting technique and composition
  • Corporate team building workshops
  • In person in Las Vegas, or virtual by request
Book a lesson
Art Healing Hearts apparel

Wear the Mission

Shop and support

Art Healing Hearts tees and hoodies. Proceeds go directly to art supplies and instruction for the people we serve, so every order puts paint in someone's hands.

Visit the shop

Partner With Us

Bring healing arts to your patients

If you run a behavioral health hospital, a special needs program, or a veterans or first responder organization, we will build a program around your population and handle the materials, instruction, and scheduling.

Healing hearts through therapeutic arts

Art Healing Hearts is a non-profit charity organization that serves a unique purpose: To help people process grief and pain through artistic expression. From acrylic to oil paints, we believe that expressing yourself through the visual arts promotes catharsis and rejuvenation.

Lu Monteleone painting on a canvas

Watch our interview on KTNV's Morning Blend

Helping others through artistic expression <3

We go where the need is! Because participants in our program often have traumatic brain injuries, severe mental illness, and struggles with addiction — we bring healing opportunities to them in various facilities around the country.

Shelters

People of all ages experiencing homelessness and/or abuse.

Convalescent Homes

Elderly people and others in long-term care centers.

Youth Detention Centers

Young people who are confined in correctional facilities.

Behavioral Health Facilities

People living in residential care for mental health struggles.

Elderly woman painting a wine bottle in watercolor paints

Art Healing Hearts: A journey of healing

Art Healing Hearts began with one brushstroke of healing. Founded by Lu Monteleone, the program was born from her personal journey of coping with the loss of a loved one. Through painting, Lu discovered a powerful way to process grief and release emotional pain. This transformative experience ignited her passion to share the healing power of art with others, and Art Healing Hearts was born—a place where creativity meets recovery.

Become part of the canvas

Ready to make a difference? Whether you're painting alongside us as a volunteer, donating to bring art to those in need, or sharing our story on social media, your support adds vibrant colors to our mission. However you choose to get involved, you're helping us create something beautiful together!

Get Involved

The people behind the paint

Lu Monteleone

Lu Monteleone

Founder & CEO