By Cherri Gregg

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The Mural Arts Program has teamed up with the city’s Department of Behavioral Health to create an art that engages the public while promoting public health.

The Porch Light Project aims to provide a safe place where communities can express themselves in collaboration with artists.

“Together the artists with the community create beautiful mural designs that are then presented to the community for feedback and which are ultimately installed,” says Porch Light program manager Sara Ansell.

She says the purpose of the program is to allow neighborhoods an opportunity to relax and create beautiful visual work that will live on for decades.

“While talk therapy and traditional therapy is very, very important, infusing art in its purest form into a myriad of other therapeutic activities is integral to the health and vitality of individuals and communities,” Ansell explains.

This month Porch light artists and community partners will showcase the more than 18 completed murals throughout Philadelphia at several events. For more information, go to muralarts.org.