Close-up shot of the brain on exhibit in 'Mind Your Feelings'. Photo by Northern New Jersey Community Foundation
(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation's (NNJCF) ArtsBergen initiative launched the 'Mind Your Feelings' exhibit at the Johnson Public Library's Gallery Space, located at 274 Main Street in Hackensack. This original interactive public art project transforms community emotional experiences into a powerful tool for mental health awareness and destigmatization.
The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation, a 501( c )(3) not-for-profit headquartered in Hackensack serving North Jersey, extends its mission of community support through this groundbreaking installation. Artists Juanli Carrión and Rodolfo Kusulas collaborated with the NNJCF and Bergen Makerspace to create a temporary pilot interactive artwork to explore the connection between feelings and the body. The 'Mind Your Feelings' exhibit opened on December 11, 2025 and will remain on display through March 2026. The exhibit invites visitors to interact with its unique approach to understanding mental wellness.
Project's Vision and Partnerships - The installation serves as a pilot project with ambitious future plans, including a proposed large outdoor sculpture featuring a lit, oversized brain that will illuminate based on the daily submission of the community's feelings. Partners, including Johnson Public Library, Bergen Makerspace, City of Hackensack Health Department, Hackensack Stigma Free, Bergen Stigma Free, and The Things Network NYC collaborated to support this transformative project.
Artists Juanli Carrión and Rodolfo Kusulas, photo by Northern New Jersey Community Foundation
"Since COVID, mental health challenges -- anxiety, depression, loneliness, and stress -- have risen and persisted. Teens, especially, are deeply affected, and the mental health challenges have deepened. In response, the NNJCF recognized the problem and worked to develop and implement 'Mind Your Feelings'. This art-based project offers a creative approach to address these ongoing issues," said Danielle De Laurentis, Associate Director of the NNJCF.
Community Impact and Research - A significant and historic body of evidence shows that engaging with the arts reduces stress, improves emotional expression, and supports resilience. Across New Jersey, a growing practice exists by both the arts community and healthcare field connecting arts and wellness in new and innovative ways. 'Mind Your Feelings' is a prime example and aims to achieve three critical objectives: raise awareness about the mind-body connection, destigmatize mental health conversations, and connect the public with local mental health resources.
Support for the project was made possible by funds from the Bergen County Division of Cultural & Historic Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and also a grant from the Alfred N. Sanzari Family Foundation.
Anthony Lombardi, a staff member from the Johnson Public Library, points to the brain exhibited in 'Mind Your Feelings'. Photo by Northern New Jersey Community Foundation
Continuing Mission of Public Art - The NNJCF ArtsBergen initiative produces meaningful public art that addresses community issues. This installation stands as a testament to the organization's dedication to using creativity as a tool for social engagement and mental health awareness. Since 2015, NNJCF's ArtsBergen has produced 28 public art projects and over 20 artist networking and learning events, solidifying its position as a leader in public art in Bergen County.
Sponsors and Donations Appreciated - The NNJCF seeks donations to develop and implement the second phase of the project, an outdoor sculpture featuring a lighted, oversized brain. Donations of any size are welcome and may be made online at https://www.nnjcf.org/donation/. Contributions may also be sent by check made out to 'The Northern N.J. Community Foundation', with 'Mind Your Feelings' entered in the memo line. Send checks to the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation, 1 University Plaza, Suite 102, Hackensack, New Jersey 07601.
Founded in 1998, The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c) 3 organization based in Hackensack, New Jersey, works with local governments, school districts, businesses, non-profit organizations, and citizen groups to improve community life. Through collaborative partnerships, regional problems are identified and resolved. Opportunities are discovered and explored by talking and learning from each other and sharing ideas, best practices, services, and resources. The Foundation works to grow more creative and inspiring places, greener and healthier places, and more places of belonging and opportunity.
ArtsBergen is the only initiative in Bergen County, New Jersey offering a range of services in creative placemaking. The initiative has partnered with multiple municipalities facilitating creative teams, developing public art and creative placemaking plans, and directing and managing public art projects to preserve and express community culture. For 11 years, ArtsBergen has worked with artists, arts organizations, businesses and municipal leaders, who use the arts to shape the social, physical, cultural, and economic identity of communities. This regional alliance produced and promoted public art projects to address a range of community issues, such as downtown revitalization, gentrification, mental health, and environmental concerns.
