We believe that everyone can
create with their hearts.
Mind in the Mountains is a social enterprise that uses creativity to support mental well-being in everyday community spaces.
Inspired by the principles of play, reflection, and beauty, we design creative experiences that nurture well-being, encourage self-expression, and make creativity accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Since our founding in August 2022, we had
80+
workshops and events
in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur
8000+
participants reached
with
3000+
children and youth engaged
We facilitated intergenerational bonding through parent-child and youth-elderly sessions.
and
1000+
adults creating since their childhood
We provided safe, accessible spaces for them to express their emotions through the language of art.
30+
corporate companies, education sectors, brands and communities reached
including...
and more!
“Though I've never considered myself very competent at visual arts, this workshop helped me to rediscover the joy of self expression and celebration through painting - that indeed, there is joy in the process of creating in itself!”
― Reflective Art Participant
Stories from our Studio
TUFT-A-SOAP
In collaboration with @workshopmummy, we hosted a cosy Soap Tufting Workshop where participants slowed down as they needle felted wool onto soap. It was a wholesome afternoon of being present, creating with their hands, and enjoying unhurried conversations together.
MOOD-CHANGING CANDLE
In collaboration with our creative collaborator, @enjoyce.studio, mothers and daughters gathered for a candle-making workshop filled with colour, reflection, and connection. From choosing and breaking wax in colours that represented who they were, to sealing their candles with colours that symbolised healing, each piece became a small expression of their story. It was a gentle afternoon of slowing down, creating with intention, and sharing meaningful moments together.
"IT REMINDS ME OF NATURE"
Created by Therese, one of our facilitators and a dear friend of Mind in the Mountains, this thrifted piece came to life through playful exploration. With no end goal in mind, she freely experimented with colours, marks, and brushstrokes, simply enjoying the process of creating. As she stepped back to take it all in, she smiled and said, "It reminds me of nature." Sometimes, when we give ourselves permission to create without expectations, we discover something beautiful waiting to emerge.
BOYS CAN DO IT TOO!
Surprise, surprise! A group of guys surprised us with their deep and heartfelt artworks during The Reflective Art Experience. Some of them didn't think they were creative at first, but they pleasantly surprised themselves with what they created. Hearts were opened, raw emotions were shared, and every symbol and colour held a story that was uniquely their own.
"IT'S ABOUT THE JOURNEY"
There was no right or wrong way to create. Guided through a reflective art experience, Marie explored our studio using strings, paint, toothbrushes, combs, and other unexpected tools. Each mark became part of her story as she embraced curiosity over perfection. At the end of the session, she smiled and said, "It's about the journey," realising she didn't need to have all the answers—and that was okay.
"EXPLORATION"
Created by Carissa, this piece is a reflection on what it means to abide. Through an open exploration of colour and paint, she embraced stillness and discovered that even in the uncertainty of the unknown, she was not alone. The forest represents the vastness of the journey ahead, while the umbrella and light remind her that she is protected and safe to explore, one step at a time.
THE ART BAR
“Got to play in such an awesome space!! Creative spaces that doesn’t judge what the end product looks like, Odd tools and infinite paint, learn something about yourself, create in your own way. 100%% recommend for group activitues" - Sophie
"BUTTERCUP" & "SWIMMING"
Created by Amelia and her husband during The Reflective Art Experience, their artworks held an unexpected surprise. As they reflected on their pieces, they realised they had both independently interpreted them with a "pink fish" at the heart of their stories. A beautiful reminder that creativity has a way of connecting us in ways we never expect.
"BEYOND THE BOUNDARIES"
Created by Phyllis during The Reflective Art Experience, this artwork reflects the different parts of her life—ordered, structured, and thoughtfully separated. Yet the misaligned borders symbolise that not everything is perfectly in place. Through creating, she arrived at a quiet acceptance that life can be both beautiful and imperfect, and that it's okay for some things to remain unfinished.
Past Events
Our Story
We began with a simple desire: to bind up the wounded hearts of our modern day. Mental health, like climbing a mountain, is not a straight path. The journey winds, meanders, and sometimes even feels like we’re moving backwards. Yet when we focus on the process, we learn to notice each step, and appreciate every small step we make.
The creative process mirrors this journey. It invites patience, self-compassion, and letting go of control. In allowing the process to unfold, we find healing—not in the end result, but in the small, intangible rewards along the way: the trees of healing, the flowers of openness, the birds of freedom, and the view of the path behind us.
Our work began with empathy for those parts of us that feel unseen or undervalued, experienced by the everyday person. We saw strength in weakness, empathy in shared journeys, and deep meaning in helping someone feel understood. We created spaces where art becomes a path to solace, reflection, and peace—bringing minds into the mountains.
This vision grew into our mission: to encourage creativity with heart for everyone, in the hope of nurturing an emotionally healthy society.
“Nobody escapes being wounded. We are all wounded people, whether physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. The main question is not 'How can we hide our wounds?' so we don't have to be embarrassed but 'How can we put our Woundedness in the service of others?' When our wounds cease to be a source of shame and become a source of healing, we have become wounded healers.”
―Henri Nouwen
We provide experiences built on three foundational virtues to unlock your creative potential:
HUMILITY
Be like a child—see art as play! Approach creativity with a heart of play, or without perfectionism, and allow yourself to explore freely.
patience
Embrace the process. Let go of the need to control the result and let it be authentic rather than aesthetic.
JOY
Enjoy creation! Find delight in the act of creating itself, reconnecting with the simple pleasure of bringing something new into the world.
Our workshops draw inspiration from the concepts of therapeutic art-making to foster creativity and emotional connection. Though not formal art therapy, they help individuals use the art-making process to explore and connect with themselves in meaningful ways.
what does it mean to create with our hearts?
Creating with our hearts means engaging in an emotionally engaged, values-driven creative process that connects people to their inner experiences — such as emotions, thoughts, and meaning — fostering genuine connection with themselves and others.
Why Creativity?
Creativity is not just about making art—it’s about creating something that reflects who you are inside. Research in psychology shows that creative practices, such as painting, drawing, and journaling, can significantly enhance mental wellness. These activities stimulate parts of the brain linked to emotional processing and stress relief, reducing anxiety, depression, and even trauma. By giving form to your inner experiences, you unlock new ways to heal and grow.
The Power of Art for Mental Wellness
Studies in positive psychology and art therapy suggest that art can:
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Reduce stress and anxiety: Engaging in creative work helps lower cortisol levels, improving mood and providing a sense of calm.
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Boost self-esteem: Completing a creative project fosters feelings of accomplishment and pride.
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Enhance emotional expression: Art provides a safe outlet for expressing complex emotions, allowing for deeper self-reflection and understanding.
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Build resilience: Through creative exploration, individuals learn to approach challenges from new perspectives and build coping strategies.
“Though I've never considered myself very competent at visual arts, this workshop helped me to rediscover the joy of self expression and celebration through painting - that indeed, there is joy in the process of creating in itself!”
― Reflective Art Participant
Benefits of art on mental health
Studies in positive psychology and art therapy suggest that art can:
-
Reduce stress and anxiety: Engaging in creative work helps lower cortisol levels, improving mood and providing a sense of calm.
-
Boost self-esteem: Completing a creative project fosters feelings of accomplishment and pride.
-
Enhance emotional expression: Art provides a safe outlet for expressing complex emotions, allowing for deeper self-reflection and understanding.
-
Build resilience: Through creative exploration, individuals learn to approach challenges from new perspectives and build coping strategies.
REDUCES STRESS
Increases self-worth, self-esteem, and confidence
Studies have shown that people who made art reported higher self-worth, self-esteem and confidence, despite art skill level. Researchers suggested that making art helped them express and identify their unique identities which helped them establish a sense of self-worth. Being able to create something out of nothing also helped increase confidence and self-esteem.
Helps decision making and problem solving
Expressing our struggles onto a canvas allows us to take a step back from ruminating (unhelpful over-thinking) in our minds. Looking at it on a canvas where it is tangible and within our control allows us to feel like we can manage this better and work our way through it by modifying the artwork.
Express emotions authentically
When we express our emotions through art, we are able to access an area of the brain that language cannot access fully. Making art allows us to express deeper and even unconscious emotions when we cannot talk it out.