Erin McGrath Rieke is an interdisciplinary artist, curator, 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

• National Activist, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

• Advocate, NAMI St. Louis

• Advocate, The Trevor Project

• 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.