The Butterfly Art Project

The Butterfly Art Project was created to support children in healing by allowing them to express themselves through art. Many children who have experienced trauma struggle to put their emotions into words, but art offers a safe and powerful alternative. Through drawing, painting, and imaginative play, children are able to externalise their inner world and begin to process feelings that might otherwise remain trapped. Art promotes creative skills and emotional expression, helping children reconnect with joy, imagination, and self-worth. I believe that children heal by expressing themselves because trauma can make a child feel stuck, helpless, and disconnected, creating a draining emotional environment. Art gives them a way out.

When you empower a child to express and heal, you don’t just change one life, you begin to transform the environment around them. As children regain trust, confidence, and hope, families and communities benefit too. BAP builds emotional resilience in young people by:

-Breaking cycles of silence, fear, or aggression

-Fostering a culture where creativity is seen as strength

By creating safe spaces for children and adults to connect, grow, and create together, BAP shows us that healing isn’t a solo journey, it's a community one. BAP doesn’t only help individual children; it sparks change across entire communities. The program trains and mentors a movement of Community Art Facilitators (CAFs) who provide psycho-social support through art-therapeutic classes in under-resourced South African areas. 

These facilitators are often parents, youth workers, or teachers who:

-Learn trauma-informed art facilitation methods.

-Lead art sessions in schools, homes, and community centres.

-Gain valuable skills, confidence, and a renewed sense of leadership and purpose.
The training includes practical art-making, child development insight, and creative planning, helping facilitators guide children not only in art, but also in emotional growth and resilience.

Just like a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly, every child has the power to rise beyond their past. With patience, creativity, and the right support, even what once felt broken can become beautiful.

Get involved!

https://www.butterflyartproject.org/team