About Us
WHY DO WE LOVE ART?
We love art because art represents the world and the beauty that people find in the world. We love art because of the positive energy and emotions it brings to our lives and the lives of our families and friends.
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to spread awareness about the importance of encouraging positive mental health amongst all age groups, especially adolescents. Across the United States, people are dealing with issues caused by unprecedented circumstances, and we intend on serving as a support system for these people, and bringing the positivity into their lives that can be brought forth by art. Help spread our message by contributing a piece of art, engaging in discussion, or just making sure that YOU are a support system for friends and family!
Our Board
Meet our team!
Mehek Taneja
Founder, President, Editor-In-Chief
Mehek Taneja
Mehek Taneja is a college student at UIC who, like millions of other young adults, has struggled in the past with finding a source of serenity and emotional support. To her, it seemed like everyone is always looking at a screen, scrolling through social media, or studying for their next test, which left no room for peace. When Mehek was looking for an outlet and means to step away from the overwhelming pressure of being a student, she began creating art in the form of pottery and paintings, which ultimately helped her de-stress. Now, she hopes to spread positivity and support the mental wellbeing of students like herself through her work at Idyllic Art!
Anjana Raju
Founder, Executive Director
Anjana Raju
Anjana Raju is a college student who has had a passion for art from a very young age, but when high school came around, she found herself putting aside her passion to focus on more artificial matters like test scores and social media usage. When looking for a way to cope with the mental and emotional strain that came with being a high school student, she tapped back into her creative side and started painting. Creating art not only helped her mental wellbeing, but also allowed her to grow as an artist. She now intends on providing a safe, positive environment, encouraging creativity, and supporting the mental wellbeing of students like herself through her work at Idyllic Art!
Jadyn Schwartz
Vice President
Jadyn Schwartz
Jadyn Schwartz is a college student who feels so grateful to have found a place in which people like her can use art to cope with their mental health. Because of Jadyn’s history with unbalanced food intake and anxiety, she finds that using music is the most impactful form of art. Whether she sings, plays her ukelele, or listens to her all time favorite band, One Direction, she is able to unwind and express herself. As Vice President of Idyllic Art, she feels that everyone should be able to use art to do the same. Jadyn is passionate about everyone using their voice, and art has so many different opportunities for people to do so. She is ecstatic to work with so many artists and can’t wait to get to know people through their submitted creations!
Tiffany Cheng
Publicity Director
Tiffany Cheng
Tiffany Cheng is a current college student who has constantly felt the overwhelming pressure of the Asian community concerning academics from a very young age. Struggling to balance academics, athletics, extracurriculars, and a social life, she often turned to art as temporary relief and to step away from the world for a bit. Whether it be photography, videography, lettering, or playing/listening to music, these different forms of art have always offered her comfort during difficult times. She believes that everyone should find their artistic voice and untapped creativity, and Idyllic Art is the perfect organization to help do that!
Srikar Manikonda
Outreach Director
Srikar Manikonda
Srikar Manikonda is a college student who has always believed that mental health has been overlooked in our society. Srikar has seen many of his peers and even himself fall victim to unproductive and unhealthy outlets to relieve anxiety and stress. Srikar believes that instead of turning to these outlets, people should turn to more creative and healthy outlets such as art. Srikar has always loved art for its way to cultivate a person’s identity and give the body and mind a way to freely express itself. Thus, Idyllic Art was naturally appealing to Srikar, and Srikar is excited to be part of an organization that is curating artistic experiences that promote mental well-being. As an outreach director this year, Srikar will work with partnering organizations to spread awareness on an issue that does not deserve to be overlooked any longer.
Elli Bolster
Outreach Director
Elli Bolster
Elli Bolster is a college student who has always loved all forms of art from a young age. Recently, due to the stressors of difficult classes in school, and a filled schedule, she has struggled with anxiety, but has found art to be a perfect outlet to relax and escape the pressures of being a teen in difficult times. Through painting, making jewelry, sewing, and playing guitar, she is able to express herself, and unwind. She wants to share the use of art to improve mental health with so many more people, which is what she aims to do as Outreach Director of Idyllic Art. Elli is very excited to work with so many talented and caring people, and share her love of art with so many!
Lohit Bhatnagar
Activism Director
Lohit Bhatnagar
Lohit Bhatnagar is a college student who has struggled to find an outlet to his stress-filled life. With constant worrying of high school matters such as test scores, athletics, and extracurricular activities he found a comfort zone at Idyllic Art. Being able to raise awareness through his position as an Activism Director makes him feel effective towards helping teens better their mental health. He believes that Idyllic Art’s mission will positively impact the community, especially during these unprecedented times. He is grateful to be a part of that mission by helping organize and plan events for Idyllic Art and is looking forward to collaborating with other members to help achieve the organization’s purpose!
Keerthika Sathish
Activism Director
Keerthika Sathish
Keerthika Sathish is a college student who realizes that there isn’t anything important other than loving and enjoying every second of life, but many, unfortunately, end up losing moments of it to other factors like heavy workloads and busy schedules. She has come to know that life is no longer about living, rather competing, proving, arguing, working, etc which is why she thinks it is crucial to take a step back and start doing things out of passion, therefore, making everyone’s day much lighter and exciting. She, herself has felt stress rising but has learned to cope up with it via methods like singing, playing the violin, drawing, and glass-painting. As a frequent listener of music, she values the available resources that help her and is keen on helping others find their respective resources as well. She hopes to spread the positive way of thinking and to encourage creativity through Idyllic art!
Meg Gurram
Communications Director
Meg Gurram
Meg Gurram is a college student who has always struggled with managing stress, taking time to relax, and coping with anxiety. Having a busy schedule and being in high school did not help, and she was looking for ways to find a bigger meaning to life than always just working. She believes that Idyllic Art’s purpose to show students how art can help their mental health is a very valuable one, and she is glad to a be a part of an organization that she knows will make a difference and a big impact on the health of other students, especially during a time period when everyone is feeling down or isolated. Meg is so excited to be the communications director this year and is even more excited to work with the other members!