ERIN MCGRATH RIEKE | INTERDISCIPLINARY ARTIST & ADVOCATE

Erin McGrath Rieke is an interdisciplinary artist, writer, and activist whose work integrates visual art, performance, participatory installations, and community engagement to address mental health, trauma, addiction, gender-based violence, and suicide prevention. Her creative practice blends personal narrative with social advocacy to empower marginalized communities and foster dialogue, understanding, and social change.

Selected Projects & Initiatives

  • The Aria Rising Project (2014–2020) – Traveling participatory installation offering handwritten messages of support to survivors of gender-based violence.

  • Turbulence Behind Tranquility (2015–2018) – Multimedia exhibit exploring mental illness through visual, written, and musical expression.

  • Still I Rise Campaign (2018) – Digital storytelling initiative in collaboration with UN Women Civil Society Advisory Group during the 16 Days of Activism.

  • Visual Arts Ambassador, The Angel Band Project (2014–2022) – Developed awareness campaigns and live performances advocating for survivors of sexual violence.

  • Creative Meditation & Discussion Groups (2020–present) – Facilitated participatory workshops combining guided meditation with creative expression to foster reflection, dialogue, and community connection around mental health and trauma.

Advocacy & Service

  • Peer Counselor (CPSS/AOD)

  • Activist, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Missouri (Advocacy Committee Member)

  • Advocate, NAMI St. Louis (Advocacy Committee Member)

  • Advocate, The Trevor Project

  • Advocate, RAINN

  • Volunteer, RedBike Outreach

Awards & Recognition

  • Humanitarian Award, St. Stephens (2019)

  • Volunteer of the Year, Angel Band Project (2018)

  • Best Interactive Exhibition, Visual Arts Alliance (2017)

  • Stephens-Maxim Award for Design (2015, 2018)

  • Selection, Evocation Initiative, Regional Arts Commission (2017)

Education & Certifications

  • Psychology of Anxiety, Mood, Substance Use, and Addictive Behaviors, American Psychological Association

  • Gender and Women’s Studies, Stanford University

  • Addiction and Drug Counseling Certification, Yale University

  • Applied Psychology (PSA), Johns Hopkins University

  • The Addicted Brain, Emory University

  • Social Justice and Peace Studies, University of Michigan

  • Intersectional Feminism, University of California, Santa Cruz

  • Motivational Enhancement Techniques: High-Risk MAT, University of Virginia

  • Schizophrenia, Wesleyan University

  • Sociology, University of Amsterdam

  • Political Science, Philosophy & Women’s Studies, Loyola University Chicago

Selected Presentations & Public Engagement

  • One Voice (2018), UN General Assembly – Musical collaboration of survivors of sexual assault

  • Still Living (2019) – Performance combining original music and narrative exploring trauma and survival

  • National workshops, speaking engagements, and participatory art programs on trauma, mental health, and creative activism.

Impact Statement

Through Just E Productions and her ongoing nonprofit and grassroots initiatives, Erin McGrath Rieke creates work that challenges stigma, amplifies survivor voices, and fosters community healing, empowerment, and social change.

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