Art Is Medicine open now in Green Bay

Art Is Medicine (AIM) celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week, officially opening its doors at 117 S Chestnut Ave. in Green Bay.

Art Is Medicine and Education Center, Inc. nonprofit organization empowering veterans, first responders, and their families by providing therapeutic and holistic programs.

“Our community has always had the mindset that you don’t discuss mental health. You don’t discuss what’s going on in your mind,” said Justin Scheidecker, president/co-founder. “And a lot of that is what contributes to the negative behaviors and outlets.”

At AIM, veterans and first responders can find support and opportunities to explore positive outlets to process what they’re experiencing.

“We as AIM are excited to have a great place to be able to have our programs and events. This location also allows us to continue to provide programs and events free to Veterans and First

Responders. It helps us to assist in building a strong community. If not for community support, AIM would not be able to continue to offer their programs and events,” Scheidecker said.

Through art, education and support services, AIM promotes mental health, well-being and happiness, fostering a strong, resilient community.

AIM’s founders, who are veterans and first responders themselves, found healing through expressive arts and started this nonprofit organization to help others do the same.

“I was injured in the line of duty and my left shoulder had to have surgery,” Scheidecker said. “That’s when I got introduced to drumming, drum circles and sound healing. If it was not for that aspect and outlet, I’m not sure where I would be… When we created AIM, we wanted to make sure that we had a good representation of veterans and first responders on our board so that it’s not just someone saying, ‘This is what you’re going through, here’s an outlet.’ It’s, ‘This is what has helped us.’ We want to pay it forward.”

Learn more about AIM and its offerings at artismedicinegb.org.