Art Therapy – An Empowering Tool

Engaging with visual and performing arts offers a highly creative avenue for individuals of all ages to navigate and adapt to various changes, whether they be related to age or stemming from experiences of loss or crisis. This creative process serves as a therapeutic outlet, allowing emotions and memories to surface and fostering emotional growth and introspection, often beyond the confines of verbal expression.

One of the remarkable attributes of the arts is their adaptability to suit diverse ages and abilities. They cater to individuals’ artistic skills and imaginations, facilitating the expression of their emotional intentions. These artistic creations serve as valuable insights into individuals’ inner lives, experiences, and concerns, sparking discussions and reflections. As educators, we recognize the profound impact of visual and performing arts on both therapeutic and creative processes, designing activities that provide students with a safe and alternative means of expressing their needs, concerns, hopes, and fantasies.

During the initial lockdown period of the pandemic, I collaborated with colleagues and students across the school to initiate an expressive outlet known as “The View From My Room.” This art project addressed the shared experience of prolonged physical and social restrictions, allowing students to engage with the theme and respond meaningfully to the challenging circumstances they faced.

This initiative provided students, confined to their apartments and bedrooms for the most part, with an opportunity to explore new perspectives and respond creatively to their predicament. Using the simple concept of an open window as a metaphor for their viewpoints and observations, students crafted artwork that reflected their flights of fantasy. The project involved students from every grade level, fostering a sense of unity and shared experience.

Beyond creating art, students were encouraged to reflect on their experiences in artistic and creative ways, examining the rhythms of their daily lives and the changing light within their homes. This interdisciplinary approach, facilitated by collaboration between art and drama teachers, allowed for a deeper understanding of students’ nonverbal communications and provided a platform for problem-solving and expression.

“The View From My Room” extended beyond individual artwork to encompass discussions, reflections, and peer engagement through platforms such as MS Teams and virtual art galleries. The versatility of art and drama as spatial forms of expression enabled students to explore complex emotions and experiences, fostering continued reflection and therapeutic progress.

The positive impact of this initiative was evident in students’ increased engagement with various aspects of the project, including their artwork, reflections, and interactions with peers. This success inspired further collaborative efforts, such as the “FOBISIA Walking In Someone Else’s Shoes” and “Building Bridges” projects, which aimed to promote internationalism and empathy through photography and mixed media.

In essence, our ongoing engagement with creative expression forms the cornerstone of our art program, empowering students to thrive, believe, and succeed.