Who: men & women, ages 19 years and up. When: March 7th to May 2nd, 2013 (excludes spring break) Thursday evenings, 6:30 to 9:00 PM Where: Smithers Secondary School Art Room Cost: $4o0 (includes all art materials) Registration deadline: March 1, 2013
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What's it about?
Our relationship with and experiences in our bodies are shaped by many factors including our histories, the presence of illness, injury, or pain, and the cultural contexts of our lives. Our bodies can be a source of intense pleasure, joy, sorrow, and pain. Sometimes, difficult experiences leave us feeling cut off or disconnected from our bodies. A hectic pace fills our lives and leaves us with little time to be. Often, these same forces of disconnection have also distanced us from our innate capacity for creativity.
Whatever our background, our bodies have a story to tell. In this art therapy group, these stories will be told through artistic expression.
the art process
Participants will make art using a range of simple media (including tempera paints, pastels, chalks, felts, clay, collage, plaster sculpting) to explore and gain insights into their personal relationship with their bodies.
Over 8 weeks, participants will be guided through a number of art therapy techniques. You can read more about these techniques by clicking on them in the list below:
My aim is to create a supportive, collaborative, respectful, and non-judgmental group environment. Individual autonomy will be given the highest priority. Thus, in each session, participants will always have the freedom to choose which media or approach they use and what they will share with the group as a whole.
who should attend?
This art therapy group is open to men and women aged 19 years and up. Participants do not need to have a background in art or any particular artistic skills. Many participants who initially feel intimidated by the idea of spontaneous art-making quickly relax and engage in the unfolding of their imagery. This process is about connecting with what is inside in a safe, non-judgmental environment. Anyone who can physically handle the art supplies can engage in and benefit from art therapy process. All you require is curiosity, interest, and the intent to explore. While some participants may have a painful body history or feel out of touch with their body, others may enjoy a comfortable relationship with their body and be looking for new and creative pathways for self-knowledge and understanding.