Art for a Cause

WAUKESHA COUNTY AND THE SHARON LYNNE WILSON CENTER UNITE:
“ART FOR A CAUSE” PARTNERSHIP SUPPORTS FAMILIES AFFECTED BY SUBSTANCE-RELATED LOSS

Brookfield, WI (Wednesday, February 11, 2026) — Waukesha County Health & Human Services and the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts, are launching a class called Art for a Cause. This initiative is a free community art workshop intended to promote connection, creativity and strengthen community support for individuals and families impacted by substance use and substance-related loss. Substance-related loss is more common than people think; about 42% of U.S. adults say they know someone who has died from a drug overdose.

WHAT: Free community art workshop supporting individuals and families affected by substance use and substance-related loss.

WHERE: Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts, 3270 Mitchell Park Drive, Brookfield, WI

WHEN: Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Media availability: 9:30–10:00 a.m.   Workshop begins: 10:00 a.m.  (Media will not attend the workshop itself.)

WHO: Available for interviews:

Stephanie Engle, Public Health Social Worker & Partnership Lead, WCHHS 

Elizabeth Aldred, Director, Waukesha County HHS 

Felicia Behnke Shaw, Clinical Therapist, Waukesha County HHS 

Erica Wilkinson, Education Manager & Visual Arts Coordinator, SLWCA

Bridget Munson, Development Director, SLWCA 

WHY:This new partnership uses art to help foster connection, compassion, and community support for people impacted by substance use and overdose loss. The program offers a simple, accessible way for residents to express care, reduce stigma, and support healing, without requiring participants to share personal stories or have prior art experience. For program information, visit: https://www.wilson-center.com/art-for-a-cause