My name is Erin McGrath Rieke, but I often just go by “e.”
I am an artist, activist and incessant researcher who’s spent the past twenty years studying mental health, gender based violence, addiction, suicide and the healing benefits of creative expression.
OFFICIAL BIOGRAPHY
Erin McGrath Rieke is an American interdisciplinary activist artist renowned for employing creative expression to engage the public with pressing social and political issues. Her work integrates art, culture, and participatory methods to delve into themes such as mental health, gender-based violence, addiction, and suicide.
As the Founder and Director of Curatorial and Program Development for Divinemoira Studio (DMS), Erin spearheads initiatives that foster artistic exploration and social consciousness. Serving as the Visual Arts Ambassador for The Angel Band Project since 2014, Erin works to advocate for survivors of gender violence. Erin is also deeply involved as an advocate, motivational speaker, writer, and volunteer for various mental health and outreach organizations.
In 2018, during the 16 Days of Activism, Erin debuted the inaugural Still I Rise Campaign event. Collaborating with UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and the UN Women Civil Society Advisory Group, the Still I Rise Campaign merges creative expression and digital technology to foster global connections, amplifying voices and empowering survivors of gender-based adversity worldwide.
Erin's dedication to humanitarian causes has garnered recognition over the years, including The Humanitarian Award (St. Stephens, 2019) and the Volunteer of the Year Award (Angel Band Project, 2018). Her artistic endeavors have received both awards and unique opportunities including Best Interactive Exhibition (VAA, 2017), The Stephens-Maxim Award for Design (2015 and 2018) and participation in the Evocation Initiative (RAC, 2017).
Erin is most recognized for The Aria Rising Project , a traveling participatory installation offering support to survivors of gender violence through handwritten messages. Another significant endeavor is Turbulence Behind Tranquility, a traveling experiential exhibit designed to foster public education and awareness about mental illness through visual, written, and musical expressions.
Erin's commitment to creative advocacy extends to events like One Voice (2018), a musical collaboration of sexual assault survivors performing before the United Nations General Assembly addressing gender equality. Her performances, such as Still Living (2019), which utilized music and lyrics to explore survival through trauma, and her Still I Rise speeches (2016-2018) delivered at universities and institutions across the Midwest which continue to inspire and provoke dialogue today.
Through her multifaceted approach encompassing community organizing, performance events, and gallery installations, Erin McGrath Rieke remains steadfast in her mission of fostering mindful and socially conscious education.
The purpose of my work is to enable individuals to make positive changes in their lives through education, awareness, and creative expression. The materials and content provided on this website are derived from research, as well as my personal and professional experiences. By participating in any workshops, consulting sessions, or purchasing products, or by accessing my blog, guidelines, handouts, email series, or any other materials provided through this platform, you hereby acknowledge and agree that I am not a licensed psychologist, medical doctor, or healthcare professional. My services and offerings are not intended to serve as a substitute for professional care provided by licensed psychologists, physicians, or healthcare practitioners.
The information and resources made available herein are not to be interpreted or construed as psychological counseling, psychotherapy, mental health counseling, or medical advice. Additionally, you acknowledge that certain services, trainings, or materials provided through this website may elicit emotional or physical responses. You further understand that the purpose of these services is educational and not psychotherapeutic in nature.