Monday, December 29, 2014

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.

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Ideas for organizing a classroom

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

photo credit:  BuzzFeed

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

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.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Saturday, November 22, 2014

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.

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Monday, September 29, 2014

Friday, September 26, 2014

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Monday, August 18, 2014

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.

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Alzheimer's through art

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

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Monday, July 21, 2014

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

Sunday, July 20, 2014

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."


Tuesday, July 15, 2014

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!


Monday, July 14, 2014

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.


Tuesday, July 8, 2014

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!


Monday, June 30, 2014

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?

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

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.





Sunday, May 18, 2014

Saturday, May 10, 2014

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).


Wednesday, May 7, 2014

unique art


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






Tuesday, April 29, 2014

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.

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

art therapy in the news

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

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

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.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

walk/run for a cause

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

Friday, March 14, 2014

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!

Monday, March 10, 2014

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.

Friday, March 7, 2014

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!

Monday, March 3, 2014

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

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

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

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

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!

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

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.

Sunday, February 9, 2014

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.

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

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:




Thursday, January 30, 2014

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.

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

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.

Monday, January 27, 2014

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!


Saturday, January 25, 2014

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!

Thursday, January 16, 2014

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.

Saturday, January 11, 2014

terrific commercial about being deaf

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

Friday, January 10, 2014

cute song

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