To watch Faith Satterfield teach others how to draw is to not only watch a master artist at work, but to also watch compassion in action.

Drawing and painting have long been at the center of Satterfield’s being. After graduating with a degree in illustration from the U.K.’s prestigious University of Lincoln, Satterfield found herself back in her native Norwich to figure out how she would create a career as a visual artist.

Satterfield was open to possibilities, adapting her career plans as she went along. She started painting murals, sometimes as a volunteer, to gain experience and build her resume. She offered her services as an illustrator, started hosting paint parties, and developed her teaching skills.

It was when she literally stumbled into the office of Artreach, Inc., an agency that provides arts programs to adults living with mental illnesses, that she discovered a deeper purpose for her work as an artist.

Artreach happened to be looking for a visual arts teacher and Satterfield soon found herself leading workshops in a variety of media for program members of the arts and mental health agency.

At Artreach, art class may be the reason for getting together, but it becomes much more. Satterfield seamlessly demonstrates a specific drawing technique, while providing a safe and nurturing space (virtually or in-person) through easy conversation and sharing. The result is that participants come in where they are, but can relax and expand their ideas and thoughts as they work.

Personal expression is encouraged and everyone’s choices are validated as they are guided to finish their art project.

“Working with your hands, with craft, and the leftside of the brain is physiologically healing,” said Satterfield as she cited studies that showed how brain mass changes as a result of creative activity.

“Sometimes a program member will come into the class in a really bad place. As they are taken step by step through a process, and as they engage with the materials, I can see a shift happen,” said Satterfield.

“Making art unlocks something, their demeanor changes. At the end, they’ve finished something and they feel better.”

“Art, to me, is as much about giving as it is about receiving,” said Satterfield. “I know it sounds cliche, but I receive so much more back from those in my classes than I feel that I give them.”

In particular, Satterfield enjoys seeing the many interpretations that come out of several people tackling the same project. Yet, each one is unique, and beautiful.

“Working with Artreach has taught me so much about starting with an idea and being willing to let it evolve. Teaching others to create has given me empathy and patience with my own work,” Satterfield said.

“It’s all been a leap of Faith!” Satterfield said, with a chuckle.

Emma Palzere-Rae is Associate Director for Artreach, Inc. and founder of Be Well Productions. If you have a story about how creativity has helped you heal, please contact emma.artreachheals@gmail.com.