Transform Your Life Through Art

Artwork for the Soul (AFTS) was founded in 2019 by Rachel Ortiz as a creative, healing-centered initiative rooted in lived experience, community service, and trauma-informed practice. What began as a small, grassroots program offering art-based workshops for personal reflection and empowerment has grown into a trusted community resource serving youth and adults across Rochester, NY. In 2024, AFTS formally transitioned from a sole proprietorship to a limited liability company (LLC), strengthening its operational structure and positioning the organization for sustainable growth and expanded partnerships.

AFTS is a Minority Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) and Veteran-Owned certified organization, bringing unique leadership, cultural responsiveness, and accountability to the communities it serves. The organization has delivered programs in partnership with libraries, recovery centers, workforce development agencies, youth-serving organizations, and community groups—providing trauma-informed, non-clinical creative programming to individuals often underserved by traditional systems.

Founder and lead facilitator Rachel Ortiz brings over 27 years of experience in military leadership, resiliency training, suicide prevention, substance use prevention, and counseling. Her academic background includes a BS in Criminal Justice, a BA in Religion, CASAC-T certification, and ongoing graduate studies in Art Therapy. This blend of professional training, lived experience, and community connection ensures high-quality, ethical, and impactful programming.   

After completing 27 years of military service and maintaining over 30 years in recovery, I was introduced to art therapy during one of my PTSD treatment sessions. Integrating art into my healing journey has led to profound progress, demonstrating its powerful role in fostering recovery and resilience. Artwork for the Soul is a trauma-informed creative wellness organization that uses guided art experiences to promote healing, resilience, and personal growth.

Through creative expression we rebuild emotional regulation, empathy, and identity, turning creativity into a tool for peace and resilience in our communities.

I prioritize system-impacted youth ages 14–25 and adults ages 26–60+ who experience significant barriers to accessing traditional mental health, arts, and personal development services. To reach this underserved population, I partner directly with trusted community institutions already serving these groups, including workforce agencies, recovery centers, libraries, courts, youth organizations, and nonprofit service providers throughout Rochester and Greater Western New York. Programs are delivered on-site in familiar, accessible locations to reduce transportation and cost barriers. Outreach occurs through referral networks, partner staff, community events, and targeted presentations. All programming is offered in a trauma-informed, non-clinical, culturally responsive format that removes stigma, encourages participation, and ensures that individuals who are traditionally overlooked or disengaged feel safe, seen, and empowered to participate.