The Lonely Hearts Art Club is a community-driven, free creative gathering that embraces the idea that healing varies for each individual, and that art can serve as a valuable alternative or complement to conventional mental health care.

Founded by Melissa Doss, this club provides a supportive, low-pressure environment for adults to create, connect, and navigate life's challenges through art. No prior artistic experience is necessary, and all materials are supplied at no cost.

The inspiration for the Lonely Hearts Art Club emerged in 2024 during a meeting at Blue Dahlia Bistro. A customer, feeling overwhelmed, simply expressed feeling lonely. Through their conversation and shared creativity, Melissa saw how art could bridge communication gaps, leading to the creation of a space where loneliness is met with compassion and community. With ten years of sobriety and personal experiences with grief, relocation, and mental health issues, Melissa facilitates from a place of peer support. Though she is not a clinician, she emphasizes that recovery and wellness are individual journeys. The club focuses on art as a means for reflection, emotional processing, and connection, free from pressure, labels, or expectations.

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What was a small gathering of four has blossomed into a vibrant creative community. Lonely Hearts Art Club has since delved into mixed media art, guided prompts, guest speakers, and experiential learning, all aimed at exploring arts-based approaches to wellness. The club proudly partners with The Vibe Recovery Co-Op, which provides space and support for the program, reflecting a shared commitment to holistic recovery, creativity, and community.