How it All Started The PeaceLove Story
“I painted. It made me feel better. I thought it would help others.”
PeaceLove co-founder Jeff Sparr is a man on an audacious mission – to help millions of people create peace of mind through expressive arts and storytelling. A family man, self-taught artist, and teacher, Jeff is above all a survivor, battling Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) much of his life.
SEEKING PEACE OF MIND
On a whim, and with no background or training, Jeff decided to try his hand at painting. Like discovering a superpower, he found painting dramatically subdued the symptoms of his OCD, providing a creative outlet and sense of control. This discovery changed the course of Jeff’s life, and he wanted to share it with the world.
In early 2009, Jeff and his cousin Matt purchased a bunch of art supplies and headed to a children’s intensive treatment unit at the local psychiatric hospital. Jeff shared his story and struggles and challenged the kids to paint what gave them peace of mind. The kids not only had fun but were able to communicate through their art in ways that they couldn’t in words. This experience inspired the creation of PeaceLove.
PEACELOVE SPREADS
From 2009 to 2015, we shared our story and workshops in classrooms, hospitals, community centers, and corporate board rooms. We reached over 25,000 people in diverse communities and the result was always the same – participants experienced improved mental wellness and gained new tools to talk about mental health. As word spread about the work that we were doing and requests poured in, we realized we would need to change our model to meet the growing demand for our programs.
THE CREATORS PROGRAM
In February 2015, we launched the CREATORS program to address the increasing demand for PeaceLove programs nationwide. Through the CREATORS program we train and empower frontline professionals to deliver our life-changing expressive arts curriculum to their communities. CREATORS work directly with individuals, families, and groups to help them achieve improved mental health and better quality of life through artistic expression.
Featured Partners
Our partners are influencers who grow and transform opportunities to support mental health and expressive arts.
Meet Our Team
We’re a group of passionate individuals dedicated to making the world a more mentally healthy place. Our purpose is to empower people to share stories and create peace of mind through expressive arts experiences.
Jeff Sparr
Jen Sparr
Matt Kaplan
Eric Rice
Alli Leson
Michael Gabrielle
Joy Lugo
Gloria Sparr
Christina Strachoff
Board Members
Our board members are committed to making a difference in the world of mental health. With their love, support, and guidance, together we are changing people’s lives and making communities stronger.
Doug Ulman
Brian Harris
Edward Gates
Jason Park
Jim DeMattei
Larry Goldstein
