Creative Routes Mobile Art Studio increases access to therapeutic programs

NORTHEAST WIS. – Located in Northeastern Wisconsin, Creative Routes Mobile Art Studio, LLC aims to help individuals regrow their roots of creativity by using therapeutic art-making as a way to heal and find self-discovery.

With steady progress being made, the mobile studio continues its journey towards full operation and hopes to be completed by the end of this summer.

Art therapist and founder of Creative Routes Mobile Art Studio Marissa Biswabic shared that the idea was born from the desire and initiative to remove the barriers that prevent access to mental health services in rural areas.

By designing and building the space from the ground up, the studio can ensure a welcoming environment that encourages expression and healing, all of which will be on wheels to travel across Northeastern Wisconsin and bring the experience directly to schools, neighborhoods and community spaces.

After purchasing a 25 foot flatbed trailer with capital funds in January of 2025, the process of building and transformation began. During the following April, the trailer was stripped of rotten wood, sand blasted and recoated to withstand road and weather conditions.

“Over the past several months, I’ve made a lot of progress on the mobile studio itself,” Biswabic explained.

“The structure has officially been built, and I’m now slowly working on outfitting the space with the tools, supplies and equipment needed to run therapeutic art programming.”

The studio’s design will include flexible seating areas, storage for a wide variety of art supplies, a bathroom and a kitchenette, all accompanied by a cozy and inviting aesthetic.

“Most recently, we completed the flooring installation and the next major step will be wiring the studio for lighting, heating [and] air conditioning and other functional needs,” Biswabic said.

While continuing to build the physical studio, Creative Routes has also been working on building strong relationships in different communities to establish programming “stops” where the mobile studio can host groups, workshops and services. These include local organizations, businesses and agencies.

The Creative Clubhouse collaborative program between Creative Routes and the DAR Boys & Girls Club is one example of how programming has grown between Creative Routes and the community. This program is hosted directly at the DAR and uses art therapy to support emotional wellness for the youth at the DAR.

This program will continue through August of 2026.

“I’m excited to share that Creative Routes also recently secured funding through the Department of Veterans Affairs to begin offering therapeutic art programming for veterans in our community. More details on that program will be coming soon,” Biswabic shared.

Biswabic stated that once the mobile studio has reached a more usable phase, she hopes to bring back both the Queer Craft Open Studio group and the fiber arts support group.

“Both [have] been really meaningful spaces for connection and community,” she explained.

Biswabic also shared their plans for Creative Routes this summer, which include attending events like Logging & Heritage Fest and Kids Connect Day with the DAR.

“A big part of those events is simply helping people learn more about Creative Routes, the purpose behind the mobile studio and the kinds of creative wellness programming that will continue developing in the future,” she said.

Biswabic continues to build partnerships with local agencies and organizations that share a passion for accessible community wellness and creative programming.

As building and renovation of the studio continues, Creative Routes is also exploring opportunities for sponsorship, grants and donations to help fund the space’s construction.

Upon completion of the mobile studio, Creative Routes will make art therapy and creative outlets available to those who need it most.

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