I like painting for a longer time now, and I know I am an artist because now when I paint something like a beautiful sky; I can push and smear the paint to make what I want...like awesome clouds!

Anna
Student

Toni Freesen's artwork in our pediatric clinic has transformed a clinic area to a welcoming fun colorful adventure for children & parents to explore over time. Kids love finding new details in artwork. Her messages are positive and filled with love. Toni's artwork has brightened our workplace. One of the most fascinating aspects of the artwork is how it transforms throughout the day in various lighting. Toni's work reveals new details even years after having a piece I find new and exciting elements. Her palate is fabulous and if you have a chance ask her to wear a piece of your clothing while working painting. My jeans themselves became a unique piece of artwork.

Monique Karaganis
Polar Pediatrics, Inc

...the [Seasons of Change] mural was created on four separate canvases, one to coincide with each of the four seasons. The representative element across each canvas is a tree, which is surrounded by components corresponding to each of the four seasons. Embedded within each canvas are pictures, poems, inspirational words, etc., that Clients created to represent their thoughts, feelings, images, etc., associated with the four seasons and the seasons of life. Ms. Freesen preserved and incorporated each creation and stroke of the paintbrush done by each Client via the use of her extreme artistic abilities associated with her signature style of "layer painting." Approximately 50 individuals who suffer from a severe mental illness were trained by Ms. Freesen in the techniques and therapeutic benefits of painting and color. And, each of these 50 people, along with hundreds more, have been blessed with the opportunity to admire and be inspired by the "Seasons of Change" daily.

Dr. Cynthia Mester
Mental Health Center Central Illinois