Our Story

In February 2015, artist Doris Thurber’s daughter Maya died of a heroin/fentanyl overdose. A year and a half later, convinced that tackling the massive opioid crisis would require all the skills and engagement our community could muster, Thurber joined fellow artists Joanna Hay and Jennifer Zingg to launch Hands Healing HeArts, a weekly program within Franklin County Drug Court that guides participants through writing, visual art, theater and other creative processes to help give expression to their feelings, experiences and struggles. 

Garnering strong community support, the organization has grown to include several programs that address recovery, prevention, and resilience at all stages of the addiction cycle. In 2019, Hands Healing HeArts became Yes Arts, with the mission of mobilizing the power of community and the arts to disrupt the cycle of addiction. 

Our partnership with Drug Court continues as the Yes Arts Recovery Program, while our Youth and Community programs round out our comprehensive approach to disrupting the addiction cycle.

Yes Arts Recovery

The Yes Arts Recovery Program guides participants in Franklin County Drug Court through a variety of arts activities to enhance self-expression, connection and support.

Yes Arts Youth 

Our Yes Arts Youth Program, launched in partnership with local schools and social service organizations in 2018, provides high quality out-of-school arts programming to promote healthy development and alternatives to substance use. 

Yes Arts Community 

The Yes Arts Community Program uses artistic performances, exhibits and media to increase community empathy, dialogue, and engagement about addiction and recovery.