The entrance of Jackson County Behavioral Health is now home to a striking new art installation: a pair of wings created with community-crafted vibrant feathers, now on display and open for the public to view and enjoy.
The canvas feathers were cut by Black River Falls High School art students and painted by community members at the 3rd Annual Jackson County Wellness Extravaganza held on May 14th of this year. According to the plaque displayed next to the wings, they “symbolize collective strength, hope, and healing. Each feather is uniquely contributed, representing the diverse voices, stories, and journeys of those participating. Together, they form a powerful emblem of transformation and resilience.” The feathers were brought together by artist Elizabeth Bryan‑Jacobs, working with her initiative The Spread Your Wings Project, to create the full set of wings.
The installation powerfully underscores the intersection of art and mental health: creativity emerges as a vital tool for expression, connection, and recovery. Through this collaborative work, the wings embody the idea that healing is not a solitary journey but a shared experience where support and self-expression lift us toward wellness. The artwork serves as a reminder that just like wings enable flight, art empowers individuals to rise above challenges and reclaim their sense of self.
This project was made possible by Jackson County Behavioral Health, supported by an Ashley for the Arts Community Cares Grant. The grant supports community-focused arts, music and cultural activities accessible to the public, and in this case has enabled a mental-health-focused art initiative in collaboration with the Behavioral Health Division.
You’re invited to visit & take photos
Jackson County Behavioral Health warmly invites all community members to visit the entrance of Jackson County Behavioral Health and experience the wings for themselves. Whether you’d like to pause and reflect, gather with a friend, or take a photo, solo or with others, the wings provide a beautiful, uplifting backdrop. We encourage you to share your photos and stories of what the wings mean to you.
Location & hours
421 Cty. Rd. R
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Monday – Friday (closed holidays)
The wings are on display in the entrance area; visiting hours correspond to Jackson County Behavioral Health’s open hours.
About Jackson County Behavioral Health
Jackson County Behavioral Health envisions a community in which everyone has the opportunity to reach their optimum quality of life. Guided by their mission, to promote optimal wellness through advocacy, education, and comprehensive services for individuals, families, and the Jackson County community, they are committed to supporting the mental, emotional, and developmental well-being of all residents.
In addition to providing mental health and substance use services and programs for individuals of all ages, Jackson County Behavioral Health also serves our youngest community members through the Birth to 3 Program, supporting infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities. They further assist youth who experience physical or developmental challenges through the Children’s Long-Term Support program, ensuring they and their families have access to care and services.
Their work reflects a belief that wellness is best achieved together, through connection, understanding, and a shared commitment to helping each person thrive.
About Ashley for the Arts & the Community Cares Grant
Ashley for the Arts is a nonprofit initiative dedicated to showcasing the arts and supporting humanity through creative, accessible community experiences. The Community Cares Grant was created to provide support for local educational, civic, and nonprofit organizations promoting the arts, music and broadening cultural horizons within their community. In late 2024, Ashley for the Arts announced that the Jackson County Behavioral Health Division was the recipient of the $10,000 2024 grant to support the “Spread Your Wings” project, underscoring the power of art in mental health and wellness.
Jackson County Behavioral Health looks forward to welcoming you to experience this shared work of art, where community, creativity and healing take flight.
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