Provided by ARTfactory
The ARTfactory is proud to announce it has received renewed funding from UVA Health Haymarket and Prince William Medical Centers to support its ARTful Wellness Series, an innovative arts-based initiative that promotes mental health, emotional well-being, and community connection through creative expression.
Now entering its third year, the partnership between Haymarket and Prince William Medical Centers and the ARTfactory builds on the demonstrated success of the ARTful Wellness Series over the past two years. Since its launch, the program has served 240 participants, offered 38 free workshops and events, and engaged youth, adults, families, and seniors through creative experiences. Participant feedback from the first two years has shown increased feelings of connection, reduced stress, and improved emotional well-being, underscoring the value of arts-based wellness programming in the community.
“This continued investment from UVA Health speaks to the proven impact of the ARTful Wellness Series and our shared belief that creativity plays a vital role in overall health,” said Talya Conroy, Chief Executive Officer of the ARTfactory. “As we enter our third year of partnership, we are able to deepen our reach, strengthen our programming, and respond directly to the wellness needs we’ve seen emerge over the past two years.”
Funding this year will support 15 free and accessible wellness-focused arts classes, a professional theatrical production, and a curated visual arts exhibition centered on healing and resilience. These programs collectively serve individuals across generations, creating space for reflection, dialogue, and emotional connection through the arts.
A cornerstone of the ARTful Wellness series is Actors Theatre’s production of Visiting Mr. Green by Jeff Baron. This touching and humorous play explores the power of human connection across generations and cultures. Through sharp dialogue, laughter, and heartfelt emotion, the play addresses themes of loneliness, grief, faith, forgiveness, and acceptance—highlighting the healing power of empathy and simply showing up for one another. UVA and the ARTfactory will be holding a special talk-back after opening night’s performance, and the performances are free for students and local teachers.
In addition to theatrical programming, UVA Health supports experiences designed to support reflection and emotional well-being. This includes ARTfactory Presents: Auguster Williams — A Solo Exhibition of Resilience, Healing, and Transformation, on display March 13 through April 19, 2026. The exhibition invites viewers to engage with themes of personal strength, recovery, and transformation, further reinforcing the role of the arts as a pathway to wellness.
“At UVA Health, we believe health extends beyond clinical care and into the everyday spaces where people connect, create, and heal,” said Mike Barkema, MHA, Assistant Vice President of Operations, UVA Health Prince William Medical Center. “Our continued support of the ARTful Wellness Series reflects our commitment to strengthening the mental and emotional well-being of the communities we serve. Our Community Health Needs Assessment identified mental health and social isolation as key priorities in our region, and programs like this directly respond to those needs. The arts have a unique ability to reduce isolation, foster resilience, and create meaningful connections across generations.”
The ARTful Wellness Series reflects the ARTfactory’s broader mission to make the arts accessible to all and to use creative expression as a powerful tool for connection, resilience, and positive change.
For more information about the ARTful Wellness Series or upcoming programs, visit virginiaartfactory.org or contact the ARTfactory at info@virginiaartfactory.org. Performances of Visiting Mr. Green will be held on Feb. 27 and 28, and March 1, 6, 7, and 8 at the ARTfactory.
