Art Therapy & Art Programs

Art Therapy and the creative art programs are just one of the many 'wellness' programs offered at St. Ann Center.  We believe that art making is central to the healing and wellness.  In the St. Ann Center art studio, our clients and the community is invited, guided and encouraged by the artisit/therapist to rediscover him or herself through the art making process.

About Art Therapy
Since the beginning of time humans have been creating and communicating through the arts. In the 1970’s the formal title Art Therapy was created and is to be considered an academic accredited disciplinary throughout Universities and Colleges across the world (Stacy Vittal, 2010). 

Types of Art offered at St. Ann Center
Intergenerational Art Therapy at St. Ann’s
We also promote intergenerational Art Therapy and diversity through integrated sessions and culture education. The sessions are facilitated by an art therapist and volunteers. They last one hour with a group of 6-8 people from all ages, races, abilities and religions. Culture education is taught through guest speakers, dancing, literature and hands-on community participation. Through the intergenerational/cultural sessions, we promote empathy, breaking fears and ignorance.   
 
 
After-School Art Program
The After-school Art program runs all year around accepting children between the ages of 6-12 years old. It involves using different mediums of art and the basic Art Therapy goals. We will have a beginners, intermediate and advanced level sessions. Each session with be once a week for an hour from 3:30-4:30. Sessions are limited to 6 children. Sessions cost $20.00 every 4 weeks, plus cost of materials. 
 
How are services paid for?
All Art Therapy services are paid through private payers. Financial assistance is available based on each individuals need.  
 
Community Arts/Art Parties
We also provide art parties and community arts if you are interested. Please contact Stacy Vittal. The sessions incorporate some basic therapeutic goals, for example working on social skills, self-esteem building, fine motor skills and creative techniques.  
 
Prices for art parties/community classes
Prices for art parties and community classes are affordable, fun and reasonable priced. The best products are provided. The session fee is $20.00 for one hour plus the cost of materials. 
 
Stacy Vittal Bachelor level Art Therapist/Adaptive Arts Director for the St. Ann Center 2010. For more information about our Art Therapy and Art Programs please contact Stacy Vittal at 414-977-5038 or email her at svittal@stanncenter.org.

 

 Art therapy is a mental health profession that uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. It is based on the belief that the creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, promote socialization, improve fine and gross motor skills, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and achieve insight. 

Art therapy integrates the fields of human development, visual art (drawing, painting, sculpture, and other art forms), and the creative process with models of counseling and psychotherapy. Art therapy is used with children, adolescents, adults, older adults, groups, and families to assess and treat the following: anxiety, depression, and other mental and emotional problems and disorders; substance abuse and other addictions; family and relationship issues; abuse and domestic violence; social and emotional difficulties related to disability and illness; trauma and loss; physical, cognitive, and neurological problems; and psychosocial difficulties related to medical illness. Art therapy programs are found in a number of settings including hospitals, clinics, public and community agencies, wellness centers, educational institutions, businesses, and private practices. (Information provided by the American Art Therapy Association 2009)

Do you need to have a diagnosis to be in Art Therapy?
 
Anyone can participate in Art Therapy with or without a disability. In fact it is encouraged to have therapy whether it is physical or psychological. The main purpose of therapy is to promote a sustainable healthy lifestyle.  
Bachelor’s level Art Therapy helps the client create a relationship with their artwork. Masters level professionals go into deeper clinical related topics with the clients. Educational requirements include: theories of art therapy, counseling, and psychotherapy; ethics and standards of practice; assessment and evaluation; individual, group, and family techniques; human and creative development; multicultural issues; research methods; and practicum experiences in clinical, community, and/or other settings. Art therapists are skilled in the application of a variety of art modalities (drawing, painting, sculpture, and other media) for assessment and treatment.