Q&A
Lauren Perenchio-Hersh: Healing Through Art
Art for Overlook’s Alice in Wonderland theme highlighted the intersection of creativity and behavioral health.
By Staff Writer
INTERVIEW WITH LAUREN PERENCHIO-HERSH
Lauren Perenchio-Hersh and Katy Heavens are Summit residents with a regional impact. On Feb. 28, the women co-chaired Art for Overlook at Willow & Whisk in downtown Millburn, alongside a six-woman committee whose creativity and leadership brought the event to life. Here, Perenchio-Hersh explains why this year’s focus on behavioral health mattered and how an Alice in Wonderland theme helped reframe the conversation around mental wellness.
What sparked the idea for Art for Overlook, and why did you want to co-chair it this year?
The event was inspired by a desire to bring the community together in a way that feels both meaningful and engaging—bridging the impact of art and health care. Created four years ago by members of the Overlook Auxiliary, the event was designed to go beyond a traditional fundraiser, offering an experience rooted in creativity, connection, and purpose. We were also proud to showcase more than 30 local artists through our silent auction, highlighting the power of art to inspire and heal.
Behavioral health can be challenging for communities to discuss—what conversation were you hoping this event would help unlock locally?
We hoped this event would help normalize the conversation, so people feel more comfortable acknowledging that mental health is part of overall health. Creating a space that feels welcoming and connected is a powerful first step in reducing stigma and encouraging more open dialogue in the community.
What does the Alice in Wonderland story symbolize for you in the context of mental health and healing?
Alice in Wonderland captures the feeling of navigating a world that doesn’t always make sense, something many people experience in their mental health journeys. But it’s also a story of curiosity and resilience. For us, the theme reflects both the disorientation and the possibility—the idea that even in unfamiliar or difficult moments, there is a path forward.
Why was it important to bring artists, musicians, and health-care leaders together?
Healing lives at the intersection of science, art, creativity, and human connection. By bringing artists, musicians, and health-care leaders together, we reflected a more holistic view of behavioral health—one that honors both clinical care and emotional expression. We wanted the evening to feel like an experience, not just a fundraiser.
How do you feel music uniquely contributed to the emotional tone of the evening?
Music has an immediate ability to connect people—it shifts the energy of a room and invites emotion without explanation. In a setting centered on behavioral health, that sense of openness is essential. It allowed people to feel connected and more willing to engage on a deeper level. Owls & Lions was the perfect duo to set that tone and create an atmosphere that felt both intimate and uplifting.
Why was it important to include interactive experiences like Simon Mandal’s illusions and Ignite Your Aura’s photography readings?
The illusions are really about perspective. They remind us that what we see isn’t always the full picture—and that shift in perception is incredibly relevant in behavioral health. Our hope was that guests left not just entertained, but thinking differently about how they see themselves and others.
What are the behavioral health initiatives these funds will support, and what impact do you hope that support has in the community?
Art for Overlook raised funds to support the ongoing work of the Overlook Auxiliary across the Overlook Medical Center community, with a focused investment in behavioral health initiatives. These efforts are centered on expanding access; strengthening early intervention; incorporating art therapy; and enhancing care for children, adolescents, and families. Our goal is to make support more approachable and accessible at Overlook Medical Center, so individuals can receive care earlier and communities can grow stronger as a result.
Photograph courtesy of Lauren Perenchio-Hersh
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Q&A
Lauren Perenchio-Hersh: Healing Through Art
Art for Overlook’s Alice in Wonderland theme highlighted the intersection of creativity and behavioral health.
By Staff Writer
Like this article? Share it with your friends!
INTERVIEW WITH LAUREN PERENCHIO-HERSH
Lauren Perenchio-Hersh and Katy Heavens are Summit residents with a regional impact. On Feb. 28, the women co-chaired Art for Overlook at Willow & Whisk in downtown Millburn, alongside a six-woman committee whose creativity and leadership brought the event to life. Here, Perenchio-Hersh explains why this year’s focus on behavioral health mattered and how an Alice in Wonderland theme helped reframe the conversation around mental wellness.
What sparked the idea for Art for Overlook, and why did you want to co-chair it this year?
The event was inspired by a desire to bring the community together in a way that feels both meaningful and engaging—bridging the impact of art and health care. Created four years ago by members of the Overlook Auxiliary, the event was designed to go beyond a traditional fundraiser, offering an experience rooted in creativity, connection, and purpose. We were also proud to showcase more than 30 local artists through our silent auction, highlighting the power of art to inspire and heal.
Behavioral health can be challenging for communities to discuss—what conversation were you hoping this event would help unlock locally?
We hoped this event would help normalize the conversation, so people feel more comfortable acknowledging that mental health is part of overall health. Creating a space that feels welcoming and connected is a powerful first step in reducing stigma and encouraging more open dialogue in the community.
What does the Alice in Wonderland story symbolize for you in the context of mental health and healing?
Alice in Wonderland captures the feeling of navigating a world that doesn’t always make sense, something many people experience in their mental health journeys. But it’s also a story of curiosity and resilience. For us, the theme reflects both the disorientation and the possibility—the idea that even in unfamiliar or difficult moments, there is a path forward.
Why was it important to bring artists, musicians, and health-care leaders together?
Healing lives at the intersection of science, art, creativity, and human connection. By bringing artists, musicians, and health-care leaders together, we reflected a more holistic view of behavioral health—one that honors both clinical care and emotional expression. We wanted the evening to feel like an experience, not just a fundraiser.
How do you feel music uniquely contributed to the emotional tone of the evening?
Music has an immediate ability to connect people—it shifts the energy of a room and invites emotion without explanation. In a setting centered on behavioral health, that sense of openness is essential. It allowed people to feel connected and more willing to engage on a deeper level. Owls & Lions was the perfect duo to set that tone and create an atmosphere that felt both intimate and uplifting.
Why was it important to include interactive experiences like Simon Mandal’s illusions and Ignite Your Aura’s photography readings?
The illusions are really about perspective. They remind us that what we see isn’t always the full picture—and that shift in perception is incredibly relevant in behavioral health. Our hope was that guests left not just entertained, but thinking differently about how they see themselves and others.
What are the behavioral health initiatives these funds will support, and what impact do you hope that support has in the community?
Art for Overlook raised funds to support the ongoing work of the Overlook Auxiliary across the Overlook Medical Center community, with a focused investment in behavioral health initiatives. These efforts are centered on expanding access; strengthening early intervention; incorporating art therapy; and enhancing care for children, adolescents, and families. Our goal is to make support more approachable and accessible at Overlook Medical Center, so individuals can receive care earlier and communities can grow stronger as a result.
Photograph courtesy of Lauren Perenchio-Hersh
INTERVIEW WITH LAUREN PERENCHIO-HERSH
Lauren Perenchio-Hersh and Katy Heavens are Summit residents with a regional impact. On Feb. 28, the women co-chaired Art for Overlook at Willow & Whisk in downtown Millburn, alongside a six-woman committee whose creativity and leadership brought the event to life. Here, Perenchio-Hersh explains why this year’s focus on behavioral health mattered and how an Alice in Wonderland theme helped reframe the conversation around mental wellness.
What sparked the idea for Art for Overlook, and why did you want to co-chair it this year?
The event was inspired by a desire to bring the community together in a way that feels both meaningful and engaging—bridging the impact of art and health care. Created four years ago by members of the Overlook Auxiliary, the event was designed to go beyond a traditional fundraiser, offering an experience rooted in creativity, connection, and purpose. We were also proud to showcase more than 30 local artists through our silent auction, highlighting the power of art to inspire and heal.
Behavioral health can be challenging for communities to discuss—what conversation were you hoping this event would help unlock locally?
We hoped this event would help normalize the conversation, so people feel more comfortable acknowledging that mental health is part of overall health. Creating a space that feels welcoming and connected is a powerful first step in reducing stigma and encouraging more open dialogue in the community.
What does the Alice in Wonderland story symbolize for you in the context of mental health and healing?
Alice in Wonderland captures the feeling of navigating a world that doesn’t always make sense, something many people experience in their mental health journeys. But it’s also a story of curiosity and resilience. For us, the theme reflects both the disorientation and the possibility—the idea that even in unfamiliar or difficult moments, there is a path forward.
Why was it important to bring artists, musicians, and health-care leaders together?
Healing lives at the intersection of science, art, creativity, and human connection. By bringing artists, musicians, and health-care leaders together, we reflected a more holistic view of behavioral health—one that honors both clinical care and emotional expression. We wanted the evening to feel like an experience, not just a fundraiser.
How do you feel music uniquely contributed to the emotional tone of the evening?
Music has an immediate ability to connect people—it shifts the energy of a room and invites emotion without explanation. In a setting centered on behavioral health, that sense of openness is essential. It allowed people to feel connected and more willing to engage on a deeper level. Owls & Lions was the perfect duo to set that tone and create an atmosphere that felt both intimate and uplifting.
Why was it important to include interactive experiences like Simon Mandal’s illusions and Ignite Your Aura’s photography readings?
The illusions are really about perspective. They remind us that what we see isn’t always the full picture—and that shift in perception is incredibly relevant in behavioral health. Our hope was that guests left not just entertained, but thinking differently about how they see themselves and others.
What are the behavioral health initiatives these funds will support, and what impact do you hope that support has in the community?
Art for Overlook raised funds to support the ongoing work of the Overlook Auxiliary across the Overlook Medical Center community, with a focused investment in behavioral health initiatives. These efforts are centered on expanding access; strengthening early intervention; incorporating art therapy; and enhancing care for children, adolescents, and families. Our goal is to make support more approachable and accessible at Overlook Medical Center, so individuals can receive care earlier and communities can grow stronger as a result.
Photograph courtesy of Lauren Perenchio-Hersh