Think you're too young to color? TWO

Did you see my previous post about childhood art techniques that can help adults relieve stress?  There's more! Take a look at another fun post about combating stress through coloring.

"Why I want to be an art therapist" by Courtney Cox

Great article by a graduate student studying to be an art therapist.  See it here.

Ideas for organizing a classroom

Click on the image below to see some creative ideas for classroom tips!

photo credit:  BuzzFeed

Who says you cannot love art if you cannot see? ...You can.

Here are some ideas for appreciating art even if you're visually impaired.

Just for fun!

We Are FSU

This post is not about art therapy or issues related to art therapy as I usually post, but instead about the shooting that occurred at my undergraduate institution on November 20.  Though I was in Pennsylvania at the time, Tallahassee and The Florida State University (FSU) are so close to my heart that I felt the sorrow and pain so much.  You hear about shootings on the news and you feel bad, but then it happens at a place you will always consider "home" even if you have another home.....and it really hits home.  I'd like to take a moment share a very well written blog post by Dave Gussak, an art therapist and professor at FSU.  Enjoy.

teen creates film to show us what having ADD is like to him

Think you're too young to color?

Some might say otherwise...check out some childhood art techniques that can help adults relieve stress!

Can art help people with Alzheimer's?

Here is one perspective to consider.  As an art therapist, I do agree that art (or specifically, the process facilitated by an art therapist) can certainly transform lives of those living with Alzheimer's.

NBA contract for teen with down syndrome

More ABC US news | ABC Health News

covering breast cancer scars with tattoos

see full article

sharpie car art

Check out this great car art!

photo credit:  Bored Panda

for fall fun - baby halloween costumes!

Not related to art therapy, but some of these costumes are very creative!  Check it out.

what a great cause to support!

Art therapist, Amy Bucciarelli, tells the story of why she's going to climb.

third hand

Check out this article about Edith Kramer's "third hand" and art therapy

A song in ASL!

Sensory sensitivity and Autism

Interested?  Check out more about what Autism is...

11-year-old cancer survivor and her invention

legal, ethical, or moral?

Check out this wonderful article by Dave Gussak, PhD, ATR-BC about conflict between legal, ethical, and moral issues within the field of art therapy.

art based evaluation tools

The American Art Therapy Association has many great resources!  Check out a variety of art based assessments.

photo credit:  American Art Therapy Association's facebook

art ideas for kids with special needs

Also, check out the blog this pin came from!

 

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Alzheimer's through art

Want to see the progression of Alzheimer's through art?  It's so interesting.  Check it out.

Art Therapy Pedalers

Check out this awesome project and feel free to help their funding at kickstarter!

just for fun :) coloring with scented markers

Art Therapy: The Movie

Want to see a movie about art therapy?  You can soon!  Check it out.  Want more info?  See here.

photo credit:  Art Therapy: The Movie

Sign this petition and support someone with Down Syndrome

Want to support someone with Down Syndrome?  You can do it here by signing the petition!

photo credit:  Garrett Holeve via Change.org

Humans of New York post

I found a great post by Humans of New York with a story that warmed my heart.  I'll quote it.....

"Right after I lost vision in my eye, I was so bad at walking that I ran into a girl earing ice cream, and knocked her cone out of her hand.  She screamed, "Are you blind!?!?"  I turned to her and said, "I am blind actually.  I'm so sorry.  I'll buy you a new cone." And she said, "Oh my God! I'm so sorry! Don't worry! It's no problem at all! I'll buy another one." So we walked into the ice cream store together, and the clerk said, "I heard the whole thing.  Ice cream is free."

painting with drumsticks

I was wandering around the People's Choice Festival on Sunday when I came across an artist, Georgie Lehoop, who uses drum sticks to paint.  He has been a drummer for years and he said about 10 years ago he started painting.  He even sometimes records the rhythms that the drum sticks make on the painting.  Check out the following two videos.  They're pretty great!

Successful conference!

For those of you who follow this blog frequently, you'll know that I previously posted about an upcoming conference.  I am here to follow up that the conference was a huge success!  Check out all of the social media from the #AATA2014 conference and click the photo below for a direct link to the picture on facebook.

American Art Therapy Association's 45th Annual Conference

I am off to attend and present at a conference this week.  I am so looking forward to it.  Want to see more?  Click the image below and remember to use #AATA2014 on your social media posts!

This makes me smile

Frostie the Snow Goat from Edgar's Mission Farm Sanctuary on Vimeo.

empowering commercial

What did you do a few months ago to celebrate?

March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day. I know it's past, I could not resist sharing this great video.  What did you do to celebrate?  Or what will you do on March 21, 2015?

In honor of Maya Angelou

Today, the world lost a woman who will continue to inspire others for many, many years to come.  This is one of my favorite Maya Angelou quotes.

photo credit: Jean Van't Hul via The Artful Parent

Kate Middleton helps create art therapy opportunities

Kate Middleton, a royal patron of the art room, visited one of the art rooms at Northolt High School.  Check out what kids have to say about this art therapy opportunity.  So cool!

The Art Room - A UK Charity offering art as a therapeutic intervention from The Art Room on Vimeo.

neat art therapy video

Like Frozen? You'll think this is cute!

I previously posted a song performed by a girl I used to babysit.  Here she is again and if you're a Frozen fan, you'll appreciate it! (She's the oldest at the end).

unique art

I've never seen anything quite like this before....frequencies and art!

Post by Normalize.

How to be an artist

Stumbled upon a simple diagram that answers something I come across often as an art therapist.  "I cannot draw or I'm not good at art". This picture is for everyone who doubts their creativity.

great disability quote

photo credit: Hate and Anger Wordpress

How some people with visual impairments see beauty...

art therapy in the news

Check out this video on the news earlier in 2014 for some cool info about art therapy!

Art making with people who are differently-abled

This lady was creating art therapy adaptations and she didn't even know it! I would love to meet more people with attitudes like hers.

walk/run for a cause

Are you in the State College area?  Support Autism on April 5 and register for this walk/run.

Art on Trial?

Did you miss seeing Dr. Dave Gussak speak at Discovery Day about his work and newest book?  I hope you were able to catch another talk on March 3.  Did you miss both of these??  You're in luck if so....catch him again as the keynote speaker at the Delaware Valley Art Therapy Association's 2014 Annual Conference in September!

Art therapy guide at Penn State?

Did you hear?  There is a new expressive therapies guide for undergraduates interested in pursuing graduate school and a career in expressive therapies such as music, movement, and art therapy!  You can explore more about the integrative arts major and see a specific guide to these expressive therapies. As an art therapist, I am so glad to see this available to students!  Feel free to contact me as well for questions about art therapy.

Robots for people with Autism

Can a robot help a person with Autism learn social skills?  Check out this article and watch the video below and decide for yourself!

reuse plastic and make a basket!

I have seen some great ways to reuse plastic bottles in the past, but not basket weaving.  Check out this creative idea!

photo credit: DIY Cozy Home

The Giraffe Manor

Ever heard of a hotel with giraffes?  Check out the Giraffe Manor! I think it could be an amazing experience if you are into that sort of thing.

photo credit: The Safari Collection

a bit of warmth

As many of us are aware, this has been a cold winter across the United States.  I stumbled upon an artist, Andres Amador, who spreads creativity over beaches.  It felt appropriate to share since snow is plentiful outside my window.  Enjoy this bit of warmth to hold us over until Spring!

Guns for music

Some people say that guns kill.  What do you think?  Any chance it depends on the people who use the guns?  The guns in this video do not kill and the people who use them play music.

Depression

I have never seen a description of depression quite like the one in this video.  I think this video really captures what people feel like often, and run from.  If you can relate to this video, do not be afraid as you are not alone and it is okay to seek help.

the "R" word

What would you draw on a sandwich bag?

A dad, known as D Laferriere on Flickr, has been leaving an artistic type of love for his children when he makes their lunches.  He has created different bag designs for over 5 years!  I really like all of them, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would be this one:

photo credit: Megan McCormick via Distractify

What is music therapy?

Check out this great video made by music therapists at The George Center for Music Therapy, Inc. and learn more about music therapy!  Also, check out another video by them that I wrote about earlier in the year.

creative interior design ideas

I cam across a blog entry with many neat interior design ideas.  How cool would it be to have a twisty slide in your home with your stairs?  Check it out plus more here.

It's that time of year again...register for Discovery Day!

I am an alumni from the art therapy program at Emporia State University where they host a local conference every year called Discovery Day.  This year is pretty special, as it is the 40th Annual Art Therapy Discovery Day and 3 nationally known ESU Alumni/Faculty Alumni will be presenting.  Check it out!

Acceptance to college for someone living with special needs

This young man was accepted into the program called ClemsonLIFE.  It is a program at Clemson University designed for students with intellectual disabilities who desire a post-secondary experience on a college campus.  Rion's enthusiasm is very inspiring!

Choices are made daily and often, they affect others

Check out this great blog entry from a mother of a daughter who has Autism.  She expresses appreciation for the kindness of the stranger who sat next to her daughter on a plane ride.

terrific commercial about being deaf

This is a Duracell battery commercial with a very motivating message.  Enjoy!

cute song

This is a girl I used to baby-sit.  She is extremely musically talented :)

3D printing of a prosthetic hand