Ceo/Founder: Marlissa Karpeh, MA, ATR-P
Mar 17, 2023
Free in Color: A Vision for Healing, Creativity, and Community
Free in Color: A Vision for Healing, Creativity, and Community
Healing is not a linear process, nor is it a solitary one. Free in Color was founded to address a missing piece in the journey of healing—one that centers imagination, readiness, and safety. We ask the fundamental questions: What is healing? How do people heal best? Through exploration, lived experiences, and evidence-based research, we have realized that healing happens when individuals feel safe enough to explore their thoughts and use their imagination to express themselves. Healing is an intentional process, but it does not have to be done alone.
It was through this realization that Free in Color evolved from an idea into a movement, one that embraces community healing as a means to nurture not only individuals but also the collective soul. When we come together, we feel seen, heard, and valued. Our creative expression becomes a bridge to transformation and connection.
Our Purpose and Vision
Free in Color exists to provide community-based wellness and therapeutic services that use creativity to enhance mental health and emotional well-being. We believe that art and self-expression are powerful tools for healing, and we work to ensure that these tools are accessible to those who need them most. Our focus is on youth, women of color, underserved communities, and global cultural wellness. Through culturally responsive programming, we foster a sense of belonging and wholeness.
As of June 2024, Free in Color's founder, Marlissa M. Karpeh, ATR-P, has officially become a Clinical Mental Health Therapist. This milestone reinforces the mission of Free in Color by integrating both creative and clinical approaches to healing. Marlissa’s expertise in art therapy, community engagement, and mental health advocacy has shaped the organization's vision and impact.
Our Impact
Since its inception in 2019, Free in Color has implemented over 20 programs across the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota. We have responded to social justice issues through direct action, engaged in community conversations, and provided creative spaces for expression, joy, and resilience. We have laughed, played, and cried alongside the communities we serve, always upholding the belief that healing happens through connection.
Our Values
Free in Color is rooted in the principles of:
Social Interest: We are committed to serving and uplifting marginalized communities.
Collaboration: We work alongside other organizations and leaders to strengthen collective impact.
Cultural Respect: We honor diverse identities, traditions, and lived experiences.
Wellness: We promote mental, emotional, and creative well-being as vital to healing.
Creativity: We believe imagination and artistic expression are fundamental to transformation.
As we look ahead, Free in Color remains dedicated to expanding access to creative healing spaces, advocating for mental health, and fostering a world where all individuals—especially those from historically underrepresented communities—can heal, grow, and thrive. Together, we create, we heal, and we rise.
Join us in this journey. Because healing is not just about surviving; it’s about reclaiming joy, embracing creativity, and building a future where we are free—in color.