State of Art: Creative Healing as Art, Policy, and the Path to Youth Wellness

State of Art | Where Creativity Meets Healing

Episode Focus: Art, Policy, and the Path to Youth Wellness

In this November episode of State of Art, host Bree Pappan explores how the arts are transforming the conversation around youth mental health and wellness in Pueblo and beyond.

Bree welcomes Emma Gilchrist, Deputy Director of the Farley Health Policy Center and Instructor in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, who shares insights on advancing behavioral health integration and the role of policy in shaping prevention and wellness initiatives.

Also joining the conversation are Kennedy Pugh, Executive Director of Colorado Arts and Artist Associates, and Roxanne Pignanelli, founder of The Arts Academy at Pueblo County High School and C.A.T.C.H. Youth. Together, they discuss how cross-sector partnerships are using creativity as a bridge to healing—empowering young people through fine art, music, theater, and community engagement.

This episode offers a powerful look at how Pueblo is leading a statewide movement that connects art, science, and compassion to build resilience and reimagine mental health support for the next generation.