RSS
Home
When Art is Therapy
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
The Art Experience offers art classes and therapeutic art classes. Lindsey Klingenberg, the office coordinator of Art Experience, graciously answered the following questions about their facility and the concept of art therapy.
How can art be used therapeutically? Art can be a therapeutic experience by allowing one to express their thoughts, feelings, inner being in a tangible unchanging medium; art allows feelings to become concrete and shared with others; it can validate feelings and thoughts; by providing a route of expression, art can be a cathartic experience. Through artistic play, in a non-judgemental environment, your inner voice can speak to you. In art, feelings take a visible concrete form with color, line, form, etc and can be shared with others.
What is your background and what lead you to this business? I am working towards my degree in art therapy. I initially came to The Art Experience as a volunteer in the Summer Youth Art Camps in 2002. I have always been interested in art and working with people. The Art Experience provides opportunities for both. The studio was actually founded by six women from various backgrounds, some from the Wayne State Art Therapy Department, who wanted a place in the community to make artwork and to invite community members to do so as well.
How does holistic health apply to your business and your lifestyle? We are becoming aware of the connection between mental and physical health. Persons recovering from all forms of personal tragedy will benefit from a spiritual connection. The creative act brings these three realms together in both an active and reflective way.
What makes your business unique and sets you apart from your competition? The Art Experience is a very inclusive environment. We believe that everyone has an inherent creative ability regardless of age, ability or artistic development. We also believe in keeping our class fees affordable so it will not be an obstacle for anyone to participate in our programs.
Has the recession impacted your business, and if so, how have you adapted? Fundraising is always challenge, but if you get used to hearing enough "no's" it gets easier and makes the "yes's" all the more exciting. It's important to keep a positive attitude.
Is there anything you wish people knew about your business that they probably don't know? Yes, sometimes people think that we are just for kids, or that our programs are just for people with disabilities. Thats not true. We have programs for all ages and all abilities. Also, we are not here just for the "artists" of the world. We are here for people who are interested in art, whether they consider themselves an artist or not.
What is one of your favorite stories about a customer benefiting from your service? Theresa (name changed) came to us after having suffered a severe stroke. She had already participated in physical therapy and was still confined to a wheelchair. Theresa had been trained in the arts during school days and had a successful career as a social worker. As is the case so often, she had let the let the art go as family and job took up more of her time. She came back to painting as therapy for her arm and hand. At first she was very frustrated remembering her past skill level. However, as she worked with the art materials, frustration turned to a celebration of accomplishments. Theresa was able to gage her own recovery by witnessing her art. She even began to pull herself up to stand and clean up her supplies.
What types of resources do you recommend to people who are interesting in learning more about art therapy? They can tune into the Michigan Art Therapy Association's website; they and the American Art Therapy Association also have links to several resources. And then there is always us, where one can drop into our Open Studio sessions and spend an afternoon making art.
For more information: Visit www.TheArtExperience.org
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
