BROKEN CANVAS
Effecting Change,
One Stroke At A Time
Empowering mental health through the healing power of art.
Creating safe spaces for expression, connection, and growth.
Creating Safe Spaces for Healing Through Art
BROKEN CANVAS INC., is dedicated to building awareness for, and strengthening mental health through the power of creativity. We aim to provide a safe space for individuals to express, explore and heal through art therapy, workshops and community programs.
To build a supportive community where individuals feel empowered to seek help and prioritize their mental well-being. By embracing the transformative power of art, we strengthen minds and foster emotional resilience. Through workshops, therapy, and community outreach, we create safe, inclusive spaces for healing, growth, and connection—breaking stigma and making mental health care and awareness accessible to all.
A world where mental health is embraced without stigma and creativity unites communities in healing and strength.
Core Values
Healing Through Creativity
Healing hearts through the power of art.
Empathy & Compassion
Leading with kindness and human connection.
Inclusivity & Belonging
Safe spaces where everyone belongs.
Community Empowerment
Uplifting communities, inspiring shared resilience.
Advocacy & Awareness
Breaking mental health stigma together.
Integrity & Impact
Accountability that creates lasting change.
History
Founded in 2012 in Miami, Florida, Broken Canvas was created by visionary leaders Alvin Leonard and Precious Ezeamama, who shared a belief in the transformative power of art to address mental health challenges. What began as a grassroots initiative to mentor at-risk youth has evolved into an international movement for healing, resilience, and hope.
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Our journey began in schools such as North Miami Senior High, Edison Senior High, and North Miami Middle School, where we established safe and supportive spaces through creative workshops, science shows, tutoring, and mentorship. These early initiatives empowered students to explore the possibilities of higher education, strive for academic excellence, and develop a confident, can-do mindset.
In addition to its school-based programs, Broken Canvas quickly became a trusted presence in the community. We organized fundraising and outreach events—such as back-to-school drives in Miami that collected school supplies and food for children in Haiti. More than 500 Haitian students received essential educational materials and nourishment, equipping them with the tools to thrive throughout the school year.
As our mission grew, so did our reach. In the Caribbean—particularly in Grenada—we launched a breast-cancer awareness initiative. In the parish of Saint Mark’s, we trained local community health workers to conduct screenings and lead education campaigns, empowering women with life-saving knowledge and improving early-detection rates.
Today, one of our largest areas of focus is Nigeria. Through initiatives like Brushstrokes & Breakthroughs, we bring together young people from diverse backgrounds in welcoming, creative spaces. These events blend art, storytelling, spoken word, and music as outlets for self-expression, while mental-health professionals—including doctors, child psychiatrists, and behavioral therapists—offer education, guidance, and resources to address emotional and psychological challenges.
We are especially proud of our ongoing partnership with the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Yaba in Lagos, Nigeria. There, Broken Canvas has donated food items and recreational materials to patients, supporting their recovery and enhancing their quality of life. Our commitment is not only to reduce stigma around mental illness but also to affirm the humanity and dignity of those living with it.
Beyond Nigeria, our work has extended into Rwanda and Ethiopia, where we collaborate with local NGOs, orphanages, and medical clinics. We design culturally tailored mental-health education workshops for children and adolescents, teaching them to understand their emotions, cope with stress, and seek help when needed. These sessions integrate storytelling, art, music, and movement—making difficult topics accessible, engaging, and meaningful. In partnership with orphanages, we also provide art-based therapy and essential supplies, nurturing healing and creativity for children who have experienced trauma, loss, or abandonment.
At Broken Canvas, we hold fast to a simple truth: one hour of presence, creativity, and human connection can bring more healing than a thousand words. Whether through a paintbrush, a shared meal, or a circle of open conversation, our mission remains the same—to break the silence surrounding mental health, one canvas at a time.
BROKEN CANVAS X MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
A canvas represents potential, a space for creativity, expression, and new beginnings. The word broken acknowledges pain, struggle, and imperfection. Together, Broken Canvas reflects the journey from brokenness to healing, showing that even damaged parts can become something beautiful. Many people experiencing mental health challenges feel “broken” or misunderstood. The name meets them where they are, offering empathy without judgment. It says, “We see you, and there’s still value, beauty, and hope.”
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Mental health advocacy requires honesty and vulnerability. A name like Broken Canvas acknowledges imperfection and struggle, resonating with those in difficult places. Overly positive names can feel out of touch, even invalidating, by implying that negative emotions are unwelcome or must be quickly “fixed.” Since mental health challenges are raw and complex, our mission is to create safe spaces where individuals can be seen, supported, and understood.
“Art is universal. Through workshops, murals, exhibitions, and creative outreach, we don’t just talk about mental health—we make it practical, healing, and empowering. Our approach creates memorable experiences and leaves lasting change.”
What We Do
At Broken Canvas, we aim to:
- Promote mental health awareness
- Provide therapeutic art experiences
- Empower individuals through creative expression
- Build stronger, healthier communities
Our programs include:
Art Therapy Workshops
Engaging sessions designed for stress relief, emotional healing, and personal expression.
Community Art Projects
Public murals, school outreach programs, and group art experiences that foster connection and shared creativity.
Exhibitions & Showcases
Platforms for artists to create and share works that highlight mental health, encouraging dialogue and understanding.
Engagement Programs
Initiatives that help individuals cope with stress, peer pressure, and mental health challenges, while affirming the humanity and dignity of those living with these struggles.
Subscribe to our news letter for monthly announcements, workshops, projects, and events.
Global Outreach & Impact
At Broken Canvas Inc., we are committed to breaking the silence around mental health and using the power of art to foster healing, self-expression, and emotional well-being.
Our mission is to build a supportive community where people are not afraid to seek help and prioritize their mental health and well-being.
Our vision is to strengthen minds and uplift lives by adapting the transformative nature of art—one brushstroke at a time.
Thanks to the continued generosity of our donors, the dedication of our partners and sponsors, and the passion of our growing community, we are expanding our reach and deepening our impact around the world.
Where We're Making a Difference
With your support, Broken Canvas Inc. is bringing programs, workshops, and outreach initiatives to communities in need across the globe. Our upcoming international engagements include:
Miami, Florida, USA
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Grenada, Caribbean Islands
Lagos & Abuja, Nigeria
Kigali, Rwanda
Ethiopia
Ghana
These events are more than just gatherings—they are opportunities to connect, heal, and inspire. Each location is a new canvas where lives are being touched and voices are being heard.
Together, we are building something beautiful. By joining our community, becoming a partner, or supporting our mission through donations or sponsorships, you are helping us paint a path toward hope and healing—locally and globally.
Let’s continue to make an impact—one person, one brushstroke, one community at a time.
Newsletter/ Press/ Articles/Weekly Blog
Welcome to the Broken Canvas Inc. Newsletter!
At Broken Canvas Inc., we believe that healing begins with expression—and that no one should feel alone in their mental health journey. Through the power of art, outreach, and community, we’re building safe spaces where people are empowered to speak up, seek help, and prioritize emotional well-being.
In this issue, we’ll share updates on our global outreach efforts, upcoming events, and ways you can get involved in our mission to strengthen minds—one brushstroke at a time.
Thank you for being part of a movement that’s transforming lives with creativity, compassion, and connection.
Subscribe to our news letter for monthly announcements, workshops, projects, and events.
Meet The Team
At Broken Canvas Inc., our team is more than just staff—we are advocates, artists, professionals and changemakers, of all walks of life, united by a shared passion for mental health and healing through art. Each member brings a unique story, skill set, and deep dedication to our mission: building a supportive community where emotional well-being is prioritized and no one struggles in silence.
Driven by purpose and fueled by compassion, we work every day to make a meaningful impact—one person, one conversation, and one brushstroke at a time.
Mr. Alvin Leonard
President
Executive Director and Founder
Alvin Leonard is the founder of Broken Canvas, a mental health awareness organization that uses the power of art as a tool for healing, expression, and sparking vital conversations around mental health. Through Broken Canvas, Alvin, alongside his partners, has spearheaded impactful projects across countries such as Rwanda, the United States, and beyond, reaching diverse communities with creativity and compassion.
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Based in Lagos, Nigeria, Alvin is a true multi-hyphenate — an accomplished artist, a computer scientist, a licensed flight attendant, and a hospitality expert. His unique blend of technical knowledge, artistic talent, and human-centered skills fuels his commitment to creating safe, expressive spaces for people to connect and thrive. Passionate about caring for people and especially devoted to the well-being of children, Alvin continues to bridge art, advocacy, and empathy, proving that creativity can be a powerful force for change.
In his role at Broken Canvas Inc., Alvin oversees an organization devoted to creating safe, inclusive spaces for healing, growth, and connection. The mission of Broken Canvas is simple yet transformative: to build a supportive community where individuals feel empowered to seek help and prioritize their mental well-being.
Through art workshops, therapy programs, and community outreach, Broken Canvas has become a place where stigmas around mental health are broken, where creativity is used as a tool for resilience, and where emotional well-being is not just encouraged but celebrated. Alvin’s leadership has been central in expanding the organization’s global vision, ensuring its programs reach diverse communities across cultural and geographic boundaries.
He believes deeply in the intersection between art and healing. For Alvin, art is more than expression—it is medicine for the soul, a way to make mental health accessible to individuals who may not otherwise seek traditional forms of therapy. This perspective ties seamlessly into his larger philosophy of bridging gaps, breaking down stereotypes in care, mental health care and awareness.
Precious E. Ezeamama
Vice President of Operations
Global Strategy and Founder
Precious Ezeamama is a founding partner of Broken Canvas and a dedicated healthcare professional with a profound passion for medicine, public health, and clinical research. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to addressing healthcare disparities, promoting community wellness, and bridging the gap between clinical care, research, and health policy. Precious began her academic journey at Barry University, where she is pursuing a degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. She combined academic excellence with leadership and service, preparing for a career focused on improving health outcomes in underserved communities. At Broken Canvas Inc., Precious integrates her healthcare expertise with executive leadership and strategic management.
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She oversees operations, program development, and global strategy, ensuring initiatives achieve measurable impact in mental health, wellness, and community resilience. Under her guidance, the organization has expanded internationally, leveraging art to promote emotional well-being and mental health awareness in countries including Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Nigeria.
Beyond organizational leadership, Precious actively cultivates strategic partnerships with community organizations, academic institutions, and national advocacy groups. These collaborations enhance program effectiveness, extend outreach capacity, and foster sustainable community impact. Through this work, she exemplifies how operational excellence and visionary leadership can amplify the effectiveness of mission-driven initiatives across diverse cultural and geographical contexts.
Precious Ezeamama’s journey embodies her belief that meaningful progress in healthcare arises from uniting advocacy, research, and practice. Her enduring mission is to advance health equity and empower communities globally, creating sustainable change that bridges the gap between knowledge, care, and action.
Catherine Osaretin Ajueyishi
Event and Project Manager
Catherine Osaretin Ajueyishi is a Nigerian-born multidisciplinary artist and creative artist based in Lagos. Raised in a culturally rich environment, she draws deeply from identity, emotion, and spirituality to shape her vibrant art practice. Her journey began with textile design, beadwork, and macramé, later expanding into body art, wall painting, and abstract acrylic works.
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In 2024, Catherine honed her craft further by training in furniture-making and carpentry skills she now fuses with her artistic vision to design expressive, functional pieces and creative spaces. Through her brand, Aracathy Creations, she has been commissioned by renowned brands like Tecno, Supa Komando, and Sol Beach, using color and tribal elements as powerful tools of storytelling and emotional healing.
Catherine’s work is rooted in personalization. She believes color has the power to speak to the soul, so every piece is created in consultation with the client to evoke understanding, peace, and inner connection. As a passionate advocate for emotional well-being through art, she joined Broken Canvas and continues to use her creativity to shine light on mental health, identity, and wholeness.
Vivian Ajueyishi
Vivian Ajueyishi is a passionate neurodevelopmental specialist with focused expertise in supporting children with autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, and cerebral palsy. Trained in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) at Nobelova Gradani, she has spent over three years helping children achieve cognitive, behavioral, and emotional milestones that once seemed out of reach. I believe in the power of communication beyond words using play, visual aids, and tailored interventions to unlock potential in every child.
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My work deeply aligns with Broken Canvas, a platform that uses art to spark conversations around mental health. I recognize that creativity whether in the form of painting, storytelling, or movement can bridge the gap between internal struggles and external understanding. My mission is to not only transform individual lives through therapy but also to support broader mental health awareness using expressive and inclusive approaches.
By blending applied behavior analysis with artistic expression.
I see Broken Canvas as a natural partner in creating safe spaces where healing, awareness, and growth can thrive.
Our work at Broken Canvas Inc. would not be possible without the invaluable support of our community partners. These organizations, businesses, and individuals share our passion for mental health advocacy and the transformative power of art.
Through collaboration, shared resources, and a commitment to healing and hope, our partners help us expand our reach, amplify our impact, and bring life-changing programs to communities around the world.
Together, we’re building bridges, breaking stigma, and creating safe spaces where minds can heal and hearts can connect.
Interested in partnering with us? Join our mission and be part of lasting change.
Get Involved
Are you passionate about mental health, art, and making a difference in your community and beyond? Broken Canvas Inc. is growing—and we’re looking for creative, compassionate, and driven individuals to join us on our mission to inspire healing and hope through the arts.
Internship Opportunity
Gain hands-on experience in nonprofit work, outreach, and community impact. Perfect for students, recent grads, or anyone eager to learn and lead.
Create a Chapter
Bring the mission to your city, school, or organization. Start a Broken Canvas chapter and become a voice for mental health and creative expression in your community.
Volunteer
Lend your time and talents to support events, workshops, and outreach. Every helping hand makes a difference.
Vendor Opportunities
Showcase your art, services, or wellness products at our upcoming events and be part of our creative community.
Sponsorship
Partner with us to expand our global reach. Sponsors receive recognition and visibility while directly supporting mental health programs worldwide.
Donate
Your generous contributions help us continue our work and expand our impact. Every dollar supports healing through art and advocacy.
Why Your Involvement Matters
Mental health is not just a conversation—it’s a crisis affecting millions of lives across the globe. At Broken Canvas Inc., we believe that healing begins with community, creativity, and compassion. But we can’t do it alone.
When you get involved—whether as a volunteer, intern, sponsor, or supporter—you become part of a powerful movement to break the stigma, bring healing through art, and create safe spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to seek help.
Your time, your voice, your resources—they all matter. Every action you take helps us host mental health outreach events, create youth programs, expand internationally, and touch lives that may otherwise go unnoticed.
Get involved today. Because when we come together, we can transform pain into purpose, and silence into strength.
This is your invitation to be the difference. To stand up for mental wellness. To use your talents to make an impact. To help someone find hope, healing, and purpose—one brushstroke at a time.
CONTACT US
We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have questions, want to get involved, make a donation, or need support, our team is here to help.
We have a dedicated staff ready to connect with you.
Monday – Friday 24/7! Reach out via email or phone.
Together, we can make a difference.
Please send donations from NIGERIA to:
- BROKEN CANVAS INC. 14311 Biscayne Blvd Suite # 611375 North Miami Beach, Florida 33181
- Lagos, Nigeria 321 Muritala Muhammed way sabo Yaba Lagos
- Phone(US) +1(305)432-4772
- Phone(Nigeria) +234 803 153 2606
