Interview with Doug Holder
Recently I caught up with Somerville artist, and therapist Vie Cine, the founder of the therapeutic arts organization "Paint Your Truth."
How has it been for you working your craft in Somerville?
I’m the founder and lead facilitator of Paint Your Truth, a mobile process painting workshop series I began in 2016 in response to the #MeToo Movement, inspired by the work of Tarana Burke. Our mission is to prioritize self-care and healing for those most often excluded from traditional mental health services—especially survivors, BIPOC communities, and others at the margins.
My first workshop was held at the Hyde Park Library and was attended by Andrea Campbell, then Boston City Councilor, now Attorney General. Since then, Paint Your Truth has grown into a community-driven platform for emotional wellness through art.
I began facilitating workshops in Somerville in 2021 through the ArtBeat Festival, and I’ve loved building relationships here. There’s something deeply moving about seeing familiar faces return year after year—proof that this work resonates and leaves a lasting impression. It affirms what I’ve always believed: that community-based art therapy is not only valid but vital.
In 2025, I’m hosting a five-part workshop series titled the Paint Your Truth Community Healing Series 2025, held at the West Branch and Central Branch of the Somerville Public Library and at Arts at the Armory Café. These free workshops are supported by the Somerville Arts Council, Mass Cultural Council, Blick Art Materials, and Arts at the Armory. I’ve attached the promotional flyer for Paint Your Truth Community Healing Series 2025 with the dates, location, and details for every workshop. I dreamed of expanding our reach in 2024—and now, to see that dream realized in a city I’ve grown to love, with support from local institutions, is a true gift.
Your organization is a therapeutic arts organization. Explain.
In a world where mental health care often remains out of reach, especially for communities facing systemic barriers, Paint Your Truth creates an alternative path—centered in art, community, and empathy.
Our therapeutic approach is grounded in process painting, where the emphasis is on expression rather than perfection. Participants are invited to explore their emotional landscapes with compassion and curiosity, without judgment or expectation. It’s not about making “good art”—it’s about being honest and brave enough to show up as you are.
The Paint Your Truth Community Healing Series 2025 provides a safe, welcoming space where participants can reflect, release, and reconnect. We normalize the full range of emotional experiences—joy, sadness, grief, confusion, relief—and foster open dialogue around mental health. Our goal is to help people feel seen, supported, and empowered through creative expression.
You wrote that some of your clients paint images of self-care. What does that look like?
Self-care in our workshops looks different for everyone—and that’s the beauty of it. One person might paint a quiet sunrise, a symbol of hope. Another might express rage in bold red strokes or grief in stormy grays. Some create affirmations. Others make abstract pieces that defy explanation but feel right.
What unites all these images is the intention: a moment of choosing oneself, honoring one’s emotions, and making space for healing. The canvas becomes a mirror, a release valve, and a place of reclamation.
You said you worked with Andrea Campbell, a then Boston City Councilor, on this project. How did she help?
In 2016, I reached out to every Boston City Councilor to invite them to attend Paint Your Truth’s inaugural workshop. Andrea Campbell was the only one who personally responded. Her presence and support were meaningful—not just because of her position, but because she showed up with sincerity.
That day, I remember clearing my entire Saturday to do outreach. I sent over 20 emails and contacted staff to ensure the invitation was received. Andrea’s willingness to engage gave the project early credibility and helped me believe in the importance of what I was creating.
What positive results have you seen from your work?
The most powerful outcomes are the stories participants share with me:
“I didn’t know I needed to cry until I picked up the brush.”
“I felt seen.”
I’ve witnessed people reconnect with parts of themselves they thought were lost. I’ve seen friendships form among strangers. Some participants return year after year, bringing loved ones and spreading the word. The ripple effect is real—this work creates healing not just for individuals but for communities.
How can people get involved with your organization?
There are three key ways to support Paint Your Truth:Follow and share. Spreading the word helps us reach those who need this work the most. We’re active on:Instagram: @PaintYourTruth_
Threads: @paintyourtruth_
Bluesky: @PaintYourTruth.bsky.social
Facebook: Paint Your Truth
Twitter: @PaintYourTruth
Or reach us directly at PaintYourTruth.Art@gmail.com for workshop inquiries.
Attend a workshop—and bring a friend. Whether it’s at ArtBeat, a library, or a pop-up in the park, our sessions are always free, community-focused, and designed for all levels of artistic experience. Show up for yourself and let the art guide you.
Support us financially. Book a private process painting session: tailored workshops curated by me with a focus on sound therapy, emotional care, and community connection.
Make a donation to help us keep workshops free and accessible to all. Every contribution directly funds supplies, space rentals, and artist stipends.
Donate via PayPal here or use your device's camera to scan the donation QR code on the promotional flyer for Paint Your Truth Community Healing Series 2025.
