Written by Pat Jenkins, MA Art Therapy
Everyone needs Art. Everyone needs a creative outlet. Sadly, there are people who, for whatever reasons, do not have access to any creative arts activities, classes, or programs and have no way to express the fullness of their inner lives creatively. Creative arts therapists are well aware of the cuts in mental health services as well as the lack of opportunities to use our skills to serve populations who would greatly benefit.
So how do we as creative arts therapists use our skills, talents, experience and resources to serve under-served and low-income populations? One of my approaches has been to volunteer. Of course, we therapists need income as well. But at times the only way to do the work of a creative arts therapist is to offer groups sessions in organizations that cannot afford to pay for services, yet have clients who can benefit immensely.
As an art therapist I have seen that art making has value for all people. I have seen and experienced myself the healing power of art and the benefit of community created through creative endeavors. Personally, I make art because it keeps me alive. Art-making:
- de-stresses the body,
- energizes the spirit,
- helps develop patience and self-acceptance,
- fosters skills for self-care by showing how the mind works when the body is quiet,
- relaxes muscles and improves concentration, and
- allows time out from the stresses of life.
As practitioners, we know the reality of these affects. Neuroscience research is just now beginning to understand the neural pathways and the many benefits of engaging in creative activities for making positive changes in body-mind connections. This affirmation and validation of our work as creative arts therapists by the scientific community this is exciting. It holds the promise that our work has deep implications and more applications!
As creative arts therapists we are called to make our presence and our work known in the wider community. Why? Because it works: creativity transforms and heals, it promotes the wholeness of who we all are in our common and diverse experiences of life. Because it is our time. Moreover, we receive so much for our own personal growth from those we serve.
Working with under-served and low income clients has been one of the most rewarding and meaningful experiences of my art therapy work. Here in Portland, I have volunteered my services over the past six years as an art therapist for two non-profit organizations, Rose Haven (RH) and Quest Center (QC).
About Rose Haven. RH provides a safe haven for women and children by offering a day center where guests can get a good meal, get clothes and daily necessities, meet with advocates and participate in activities such as, bingo, writing, jewelry making, and an art therapy support group. Many of the women who are guests at RH are experiencing homelessness and transition and have little or no income. I have been offering an art therapy support group since last July, and it has been well received. Art activities have included Mandala drawing, collage, artist’s trading cards, and practicing basic art-making skills. The art activities depend on materials available, all of which have been donated.
Ellen Lubrano, volunteer coordinator at RH, attests to the effectiveness of my volunteer efforts: “The art therapy group is one of the busiest and well attended. The guests sit in group and individually express themselves and talk about their lives. One of my favorite moments was when a guest who had been coming to RH for two years walked into the art group one morning, sat down and began to draw! The power of art is strong and healing.”
About Quest Center for Integrative Health. QC embraces the community model of wellness and support. The programs at QC include: wellness care (with acupuncture and Chinese medicine, osteopathy, and primary care), a breast cancer program, a substance abuse program, HIV programs for men and women, and an integrative approach to mental healthcare. Many of the clients at QC are from low-income, under-served populations. Many clients at QC are dealing with serious illnesses and extreme situations. I have had the opportunity to present art therapy in groups at QC with enthusiastic and positive response. Art groups give the clients a place to gather, create and express in an empowering way, all of which can support healing. Through art making we have explored The Healer Within, Vision Boards, artist’s trading cards and collage. I have also been fortunate to use art therapy in groups at psychodrama retreats.
How have Quest clients responded to art therapy groups? Here are comments by three different participants:
- “I have used art therapy since the start of my illness and it has been a transforming and healing experience ─ a ray of light in what seemed my darkest days.”
- “I have found the artist within myself participating in the art groups at QC.”
- “It is inspiring making art. It makes me feel warm and I enjoy very much being part of the group.”
There are many places in the Portland Metro area and elsewhere that would welcome creative arts therapists as part of their programs and groups. Please search them out, and volunteer a few hours of your time if you can. It is important for us to continue sharing our work wherever and however we can. The rewards are great for all.
