TT: Art Therapy
Imagine feeling anxious all day about what you are going to do and what you are supposed to say. Now, imagine having a place where you could go, a sanctuary, if you will, where your anxieties and fears melt away. Participating in an activity is a must in this sanctuary, and once you get started, your breathing comes easier, your shoulders drop and you’re free to explore the creativity inside you without fear of judgment.
We all need sanctuary from time to time, but how much more do those with special challenges need it? Well, I know where that place can be found.
The transition school my son attends has developed an art program that is just such a sanctuary. The students attending this school range from 12 to 21 years in age and have a variety of behavioral and learning disabilities. It is a struggle in some form or fashion for these kids to get through the school day and when they first enter art class, they may be carrying baggage with them and may also be quite anxious about the upcoming project and whether or not their efforts will meet expectations.
I recently had the honor of meeting with the very compassionate and committed Director of this art program. The time slipped away as I listened to her explain how these kids, while at first reluctant, get caught up in their projects and create the most amazing art. The pictures you see in this post represent some of the projects they worked on this last year. Along with various methods of drawing and painting, they tried jewelry making, bead looms, paper making, wood burning, clay, garden crafts, machine sewing, sand art, quilting and a host of other fun projects. Art history and appreciation were also explored and proved to be a time for the kids to provide support for and give recognition to their peers for their efforts, an area often difficult for these kids.
The goals of this program are to help the kids develop life long interests and create a greater connection with others with similar interests. They will develop better social skills, increase self-esteem, decision making skills, self-expression and awareness, and fine motor skills. The activities help them to express themselves in two and three-dimensional ways, develop problem-solving skills; learn about contrasts, boundaries and spatial relationships.
The kids are encouraged to develop their own style and critique their own work. They’re told that it’s okay to make mistakes. And, best of all, they’re instructed to have fun!
The Art Director and her fellow art teachers, both of whom are amazing, caring women, also use art to teach the students relaxation skills to help reduce anxiety and frustration. I have witnessed the benefits of this with my own son when he picks up a pencil and transfers his thoughts to paper. His entire demeanor changes and calms. He’s focused, productive, and clear. It’s amazing what art, and some incredibly wonderful teachers, can do!
I was blessed when the Director allowed me to read a letter she and the art teachers had received from the parents of one of the students. In it, the parents expressed their deep gratitude to the staff for their efforts in fostering their child’s interest in art, his boost in self-esteem, and a decrease in anxiety due to the self-control skills he learned in their class. I dare anyone to read that letter and argue that art is not important in the schools and that we shouldn’t spend the money on it. Be it writing, drawing, music, dance, acting or crafts, art is a necessary and incredible gift we can give our children and ourselves. It can also be our sanctuary.
~ Posted by Pamela
Tags: Art, art therapy, disabilities, school
Wow! That art is something else! I can’t believe that kids did this stuff!
excellent ! love it .
Wow, some of that stuff gives me chills…
Wonderful post, Pam!
Hi Amber and Jane! Welcome to Texty Ladies, Adina!
I was just amazed by all of the beautiful art these kids created and so touched by the stories the Director told me. I wish I could go to class with them!
As the mother of a 15 year old daughter with autism, I can attest to art being a positive influence. Although she doesn’t attend art classes in middle school, she still enjoys drawing and I’ve scanned some artwork into the computer.
She’s happy to be supplied with notebooks, sketchbooks, pencils, markers, crayons, pens, etc. They’re her creative outlet and means of self-expression. I only wish I had her drive. XD
I’ve long been a proponent of art in schools. Hopefully many districts will reconsider and bring art back to the classroom. (And by “art” I mean writing, photography, painting, music, theatre, etc.) Maybe giving some students a means to express themselves would result in less violence that seems so common in our society.
Sorry for such a long post!
Hi Pamela! I’m so glad you commented and don’t worry about it being too long.
It’s so nice to hear that your daughter has found her creative outlet. Have you posted any of her work online? I’d love to see it!
My son is 17 and has Aspergers. He always thought he hated art but in the last few years, he’s been much more open to it which has helped a lot. He likes to draw on poster size paper.
I do hope more schools bring art (in all its forms) back. I agree with what you said about having a less violent society and I’m sure you know that studies have found kids who are exposed to art do better in other academic courses.
It’s so good to hear from you on this subject. Blessings to you and your family.
Funny thing is that my high school didn’t offer art classes when I attended, but I think they do now. They even offer Japanese. It’s so unfair! Why couldn’t they have offered those when I was a student? (Goes to a corner and pouts.)
On an unrelated note, I don’t know how to link the site below, but you could probably copy and paste it. It’s my daughter’s artwork that I’ve scanned in. She doesn’t paint in watercolors as much now, although she still uses crayons and markers.
http://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h302/Violet_Ghost/DaughtersArtwork/
Never mind… It linked. Silly me!
Your daughter’s work is beautiful! I love that she uses so much color. Is that her own printing on two of the pieces? It’s so clear.
Thank you for sharing her work with us!
P.S. I wish my high school would have offered Japanese. I so would have been there!
“Thank you for sharing her work with us!
”
You’re quite welcome! Glad you enjoyed them. And yes, that is her printing. She’s obsessed with writing — copying my books, writing down our conversations, etc. She doesn’t talk much and if she does she uses echolalia. Her teachers were surprised,though, that she understands the difference between “yes” and “no.” Writing just seems to be a natural means of communication for her and one that doesn’t require as much effort. She is in speech therapy and her vocabulary has increased over the years. I imagine at some point she will communicate orally, esp. as she gains more confidence.