Kathryn Vercillo
Writer | Artist | Researcher
Summary/Objective
Writer-artist-researcher with over two decades of experience exploring the complex relationship between art and mental health, specializing in crochet-as-therapy. Specializes in exploring the complex relationship between art and mental health, including the impact of mental health symptoms on the creative process, content, productivity, medium, self-perception, and art business. Combines personal lived experiences, well-researched essays about artists from history, and contemporary interviews with creatives in order to break down the binary steretoype of “tortured artist” vs. “art is always therapeutic” and instead assist all creatives with understanding the nuances. Holds a Master’s degree in psychological studies that informs and enriches the work, currently completing a second Master’s in Visual and Critical Studies. Experienced in grant writing, design and facilitation of guided art workshops, social media management, content marketing, and business development for this work as well as for other personal and small business brands, particularly in the art and therapy sectors.
Skills
- Two decades of full-time freelance writing experience, working as a remote team member with a diverse range of creative and wellness businesses
- Proficient in various writing formats, including books, articles, and essays
- Expertise in exploring the relationship between art and mental health
- 10+ years of experience as an expert in researching, writing, and reporting on crochet as therapy
- Exceptional research acumen and proficiency in conducting comprehensive and insightful analysis.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, adept at conducting interviews and fostering meaningful dialogues.
- Experience designing and facilitating guided art and craft-as-therapy workshops
- Grant writing for self and other artists
- Proven track record in effectively managing and overseeing projects, ensuring seamless organization, and meeting established objectives.
- Social media management and content marketing for own business and for personal and small business brands
Publications
- “The Artist’s Mind: The Creative Lives and Mental Health of Famous Artists” (Schiffer Publishing, 2023)
- “Internet Addiction” (Health and Medical Issues Today, ABC-CLIO, 2020)
- “Mandalas For Marinke: A Collaborative Crochet Art Project to Raise Awareness About Depression, Suicide, and the Healing Power of Crafting” (2017)
- “Hook to Heal!: 100 Crochet Exercises For Health, Growth, Connection, Inspiration, and Honoring Your Inner Artist” (2015)
- “Cracked Wide Open: Essays, Musings, and Observations from my First Year as a Counseling Psychology Grad Student” (2014)
- “Crochet Saved My Life: The Mental and Physical Health Benefits of Crochet” (2012)
Magazines:
- Monthly columnist for Happily Hooked magazine column “Crochet Heals” (2014-2022)
- Monthly craft columnist for Plymouth Yarn Magazine (2017 – 2020)
- Interweave Crochet Print Magazine Columnist, (2013-2016)
- Articles published in print magazines including The Coloring Studio, Crochet! Magazine, Interweave Crochet, Knit Edge, Edibles, By Hand, and Latina Magazine
Online Writing:
- Head of website, newsletter, and social media development and content for Center for Mindful Psychotherapy (2021-present), similar work previously for other therapist umbrella sites including Counseling Wise, Well San Francisco, and Goodman Creatives
- Art exhibit reviewer and art history writer for Sartle and Masterpiece Artist Canvas
- Blogging, content writing, tutorial author, and social media for wide range of small and large businesses; samples including Psych Central, Red Heart Yarns, About.com Crochet, Saving Advice, Frugal Gardening, Craftsy, Lion Brand Yarn, Houzz, SF Travel
Projects and other experience
- In My Fluffy Pajamas, From Silk Road to San Francisco (2023 – present): Collaboration with artist Badri Valian; series of guided art workshops that assist participants in verbalizing and visualizing narratives of immigration, displacement, relocation, resilience, and belonging through a combination of textile art, mapmaking, sensory recall, and co-storytelling
- Mandalas for Marinke (2015-2018): Founded and developed collaborative crochet project with 1000+ contributions from over 300 crafters around the world, raising awareness about depression, suicide and crafting to heal
- Crochet Concupiscence (2011-2018): Established and developed successful crochet blog and social media presence, sold for five figures
- Spoken word performer for People Like Us Fundraiser for Dimensions Clinic, 2018
- Waldorf Handwork Classroom volunteer, 2015
- Jewish Culture panel participant, 2014
- Diversity in Counseling Workshop, 2013
- Liberty Crochet Mural, Northern California section (2023), head of opportunities for public showcasing and speaking about Craftivism at display events
- “Knitting Us Together” – Mill Valley Arts Commission (2022)
- “#100WomenProject” (2015)
- “Yarnopolis” (2014)
- “CAFAM: Granny Squared” – YBLA (2013)
- “PaperGirl SF” (2012)
Grants and Recognition
Grants
- SFAC Artist Grant (2024, in collaboration with Badri Valian)
- CAPL Impact Award (2024, in collaboration with Badri Valian)
- APICC USAAF Grant (2024, in collaboration with Badri Valian)
- Business Training Grant, Invest SF/OEWD (2023)
- CA Dream Fund Grant (2022)
- CERF+ Get Ready Grant (2022)
- CA Relief Grant (2021)
Other Recognition
- Google Scholar references / citations including peer-reviewed work (samples)
- RenTank Business Pitch runner-up (2022)
- Various awards and recognitions for writing and blogging endeavors; for example: Crochet Lounge Top 20 Heart-Centered Bloggers, award for best curator and storyteller, 2014
Education
- Master of Arts in Visual and Critical Studies, California College of the Arts, (through Spring 2025)
- Master of Arts in Psychological Studies, California Institute of Integral Studies, 2017
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Agency Service with Community Service Emphasis, Northern Arizona University, Graduated 12/03
- Associate of Applied Science in Social Work with Youth Emphasis, Pima Community College, 2002