On July 5, Art Therapy the beloved healing-centered creative event hosted by Lawrence “Binkey” Tolefree made its much-anticipated return. This latest installment was held in the heart of Chicago’s artist community, Pilsen, drawing a diverse, multi-generational crowd.
Attendees gathered to recharge and reset through a variety of expressive outlets—coloring, dancing, molding clay, singing, poetry, or simply enjoying the positive energy. In a time when many are seeking safe spaces for connection and relief, Art Therapy offered exactly that: a chance to breathe, heal, and create without judgment.
Rolling out caught up with Binkey to explore what Art Therapy represents for the community and how it’s evolved into a movement.
What inspired you to create Art Therapy, and how does it reflect your personal journey?
Art Therapy was born from the cyphers and creative spaces I grew up in on Chicago’s open mic scene. I was influenced by artists like Amun Mirage, Phenom, Yaw, Khari Lemuel, Brother Mike (rest in power), and my own crew, Verbal Balance. Those spaces were filled with vulnerability, healing, and truth.
When I moved to Thailand, I carried that same energy and created Healing House—an open mic in my home where people from around the world gathered to connect. That taught me art is universal medicine. When I returned to the States during the pandemic, I could feel how deeply people needed connection—just like I did. So I opened my home again for cyphers, freestyles, stories, and instruments. That became the root of Art Therapy.
When you envisioned Art Therapy, what was the core message or feeling you wanted to share?
I wanted people to feel safe, seen, and celebrated. At its core, Art Therapy is about reminding us we aren’t alone. Creativity can pull us out of isolation and pain, and into community. I wanted it to be a space where my people—who I believe need it the most—but really anyone, can come and just be. The message is simple: healing belongs to all of us, and art is one of our oldest tools to get there.
How has Art Therapy evolved, and what has it meant for you personally?
Man, it started small—just a few folks gathered with instruments and open hearts. It grew naturally because people were hungry for authenticity, healing, and real connection. Over time, we added sound healing, DJ sets, origami, coloring books, and more. Each element speaks to a different part of the spirit.
For me, it’s been a full circle moment. It keeps me grounded and reminds me why I do what I do. Curating Art Therapy isn’t just for others—it’s for me too.
What do you hope people take away from the experience—emotionally and creatively?
I hope they leave feeling lighter, like something inside them shifted in a good way. I want folks to remember what it feels like to be in a room filled with love, laughter, and creative energy, free of judgment.
We’re so divided these days, and I can’t live in my purpose if I’m not using my gifts to bring people together. Whether they come to meditate, cypher, or just color in a corner, I want them to leave feeling more whole and inspired to keep creating in their lives.
Looking ahead, what’s your ultimate vision for Art Therapy?
I want Art Therapy to grow into a traveling experience—a healing movement that touches different cities and communities. I see it as a bridge between cultures, generations, and creative disciplines.
Whether it’s in a park, a gallery, a living room, or on a global stage, I want it to keep being a space where people come to reconnect—with themselves and each other. It’s bigger than me now. It’s a legacy of love and liberation.
