Bill Doan to discuss how to use art to channel mental health in free Mokita® Dialogue event March 19 at Penn State

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. (Wednesday, March 5, 2025)—The Penn State Center for the Performing Arts is partnering with Jana Marie Foundation to hold a Mokita® Dialogue conversation titled “Health & Healing Through the Arts.”

The informal program will be from noon–1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, in Eisenhower Auditorium. It is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

Featured speaker Bill Doan will host a screening of his award-winning animated film, “Crowboy,” a contemporary parable about childhood loneliness. Captivated by a crow, a young boy embarks on a journey to return her lost feather. Though faced with challenges and self-doubt along the way, the child finds courage and comfort in new friendships that lead him to a place of inner connection.

Doan is professor emeritus of the Penn State School of Theatre. His creative projects, including “Crowboy” and his collection of drawings called “The Anxiety Project,” are examples of how he has channeled his mental health journey.

“The Center for the Performing Arts is a center for collaboration, a center for creativity and a center for care,” said Medora Ebersole, the organization’s education specialist. “We invite you to enter our space to learn and contribute to protective-practice art-making.”

After the screening, the group will gather to exchange ideas about the role of creative expression as a protective factor for mental health. Attendees are invited to bring a bag lunch. Cookies and lemonade will be provided.

For more information, visit Mokita® Dialogue online, call 814-954-5920 or email info@janamariefoundation.org.
 

Sensory accommodations

The center welcomes patrons of all sensory sensitivities to its performances. Eisenhower Auditorium is certified by KultureCity as a sensory-friendly venue. Upon request, patrons can sign out a variety of items to accommodate your visit, including noise-reducing earmuffs, anti-strobe glasses, lap pads and fidget toys.

Learn more about the center’s available Accessibility services.
 

Find us

For more information about the season, visit the Center for the Performing Arts online, Facebook and Instagram.