The Bergamot Institute is a 501c3 nonprofit organization founded in 2010 by Shannon and Dustin Youso. We are siblings and artists based in Phoenix, Arizona.

The idea of The Bergamot Institute came about during a time of immense grief following the loss of a close family member to suicide. We found that the process of creating art together was incredibly soothing and was an effective way to process our tangled emotions and find comfort, connection, and healing. Wanting to share this gift with others, we created The Bergamot Institute and started hosting expressive arts sessions out in the community.

The name for our organization comes from the Bergamot fruit, which is thought to be a natural antidepressant that lifts mood and inspires creativity. We hope to share those qualities ourselves.

Since 2010 The Bergamot Institute has developed an array of expressive art programs throughout the greater Phoenix area including grief support groups, dementia support groups, after school kids programs, expressive arts in public parks, and community events.