Through personal stories and candid conversation, this session offers a closer look at how creativity and artistic expression can support mental health, healing, and connection. Grounded in real experiences, the discussion explores how art can create space for reflection, resilience, and wellbeing while strengthening community and belonging.
Moderator
Julia Franklin will serve as the moderator for this session. Julia Franklin is an artist, arts advocate, and nonprofit leader whose work explores the connections between memory, identity, belonging, and healing. An Iowa Artist Fellow, Julia creates immersive installations and mixed-media artworks using found objects, personal artifacts, and collected stories to examine what we value and what we leave behind.
In addition to her studio practice, Julia serves as Executive Director of Mainframe Studios, the nation’s largest nonprofit artist studio building, where she supports a community of more than 220 artists. Her career has spanned arts education, philanthropy, and nonprofit leadership, including 18 years as a Professor of Art at Graceland University and service as a Community Investment Specialist at Bravo Greater Des Moines.
Whether creating artwork, supporting artists, or building community, Julia is guided by a belief that the arts help people make sense of their experiences, foster connection, and create pathways for individual and collective healing.
What to Expect
We’ll start with time to connect, followed by a brief introduction to frame the discussion. From there, you’ll hear a small number of personal stories that ground the conversation in lived experience. A moderated discussion will build on those perspectives, with time set aside for audience questions and dialogue.
The goal is to create a setting where people can listen, reflect, and engage more deeply with the realities behind mental health support.
This session will be held in Mainframe Studio #108. The venue is wheelchair accessible. If you have additional accessibility or accommodation needs, we welcome you to reach out in advance so we can support your experience. Mainframe Studios, Room #108 900 Keo Way Des Moines, IA 50309