A space for healing, education and creation

On Monday, Sept. 21, the Creating Space Healing Arts Community held their grand “slow” opening and ribbon cutting ceremony.

The new space, located at 1231 S Webster Ave. in Green Bay, is a place for the community to come together for healing, education and creation.

Paula Urcavich, founder of Creating Space, was inspired by her own journey. “My own hurt and healing journey has been the biggest catalyst, and my work with people as a therapist has been the motivation,” she said. “I’ve heard it said that you can only lead people as far as you have gone yourself, and I think that’s true. So, as I heal more and more, I can’t help but want to share what I’m learning.”

“I’ve also felt the limitations of that traditional model. That’s why I’m doing things differently at Creating Space,” Urcavich continued. Creating Space focuses on community healing through sharing experiences “in a variety of creative outlets.”

These changes to traditional therapy and group connection are reflected in the name. Urcavich recalls how it took her a year to come up with Creating Space Healing Arts Community, but it ultimately came to her when she repeated the phrase “creating space” while working with clients.

There are a variety of ways that people can connect with the Creating Space Healing Arts Community.
“From speaking engagements, psychoeducation [and] trainings, to therapeutic workshops, retreats and group intensives, to recurring and one-time events showcasing local artists, musicians, healing practices and wellness providers, to a seasonal book club and poetry open-mic,” Urcavich listed. “There are already so many different opportunities to connect and participate. I hope to expand partnerships with local providers, artists, organizations and nonprofits in order to collaborate and spread this healing work throughout the community.”

Urcavich has many goals for Creating Space. On an individual level, she hopes people will grow an awareness of their past and feel more connected with themselves and their purpose. She also hopes the community feels more connected with each other, able to be vulnerable with each other and spread healing throughout the Green Bay area.

“What I’m addressing here is bigger than the way we traditionally understand ‘mental health,’” Urcavich argued. “Mental health is part of it, but it’s more about unpacking the human experience and healing what’s there so that we can be free to be our true selves. Until we do, the impacts of past experiences are still running the show for most people.”

For more information or to get involved, visit creatingspace.community or call (920) 544-4400.