I honor the young women who shared today in #arttherapy. Heavy. Inspiring. Art of dialogue and listening.

It was a full day of intense sharing in the art therapy room today.  I am honored to work with these strong and courageous young women who carry heavy burdens.  Through tears and dialogue, hugs and laughter, silence and discussion, some of their loads are hopefully lightened, even if only for a moment.  A new piece by Maryellen illustrates beautifully the color and tenderness of what was shared today.

Let’s remember to take some time and simply ask a friend “Are you OK?” and then take the time to simply LISTEN.

Pansies, by Maryellen (China Marker on Foam Board)

 

 

We’re not just sock monkeys anymore! Sock birds makes us happy! #arttherapy

Ever since I introduced the sock bird to art therapy, they are popping up more and more!  Here are some sample from the last few months and my sock bird recipe!

Youth artisans developing online presence with their sock creations. #arttherapy

Nothing quite as wonderful and healing as making a creature out of a sock!  Our artist Liz just sent off two of her creations to Hollywood!  Please visit our evolving online store POST STREET YOUTH ARTISANS.  The idea is in its infancy, but it’s my new project and I am very excited about this social and sustainable enterprise! – Kat

Maryellen's "The L-Bird"

Maryellen's Owl

Liz's sock creations- the large monkey and polka dot dog now live in Hollywood!

Hannah's heartbreaking sock monkey out of perfectly worn sock!

 

“A work of art which did not begin in emotion is not art.” Moments in the #arttherapy room.

A work of art which did not begin in emotion is not art. – Cezanne.

Creativity takes courage. Henri Matisse

Relaxed no-agenda adventure in the city today! #arttherapy Boys Group outday! Included visit to #IntersectionsMedia

INTERSECTIONS MEDIA

Intersections Media Opportunities For Youth is a non-profit society which offers a variety of skills development programs for at-risk youth in the lower mainland who face multiple barriers to employment. Intersections’ mandate is to transition at-risk youth into continued education and/or sustainable employment, while reinforcing healthy life-style choices and positive life skills.  They provide workshop and project-based programs that focus on film, video, and visual arts as a means of teaching fundamental life and employment skills to participants.

#Pent carries his #streetart further with #sockmonkeys! #Arttherapy #youthatrisk

Recall my post about youth artist PENT.  He has now found lots of satisfaction in expanding his art into craft.  Watch for his online sales soon!

Featured youth artist: “Miko” fearless, experimental. #arttherapy

#Graffititherapy with “KSC” moving from negative to positive expression, walls to paper, reprimand to celebration

The future! Youth artisans empowering themselves and carrying on the legacy!

By now you know I believe wholeheartedly in the healing power of art.  In art therapy, I see a need to push this further and to create a means for the students to share their art with the community and the world and to create a means for them to make an income.  Embedding the power of making and giving is important.  It allows these youth to process the trauma that brings them to me in the first place, and to rise from it and move forward.  My dream is just formulating as to how to REALLY make it work, so stay tuned!

“Hannah” just sold her third creation on our ETSY youth artisan site!  Woohoo!  This test shows me that there are amazing, empowering opportunities for our young artists!  The big push coming in Spring!

Love, Kat

These three creations by "Hannah" have gone to new homes!

Gallery: sock monkey and tattoo #arttherapy