Art Therapy Club offers stress relief and crafting

“Art Therapy Club is a place where we can collaborate both personally and artistically while learning about and creating some commonly used art therapy projects,” said Leeann Allagas, graduate assistant in the Master of Arts in Counseling Art Therapy program.

The group — which meets every Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. in room 100 of Butterfield Hall — began Sept. 9, 2015 and was formally recognized by the Student Government Association on March 16, 2016.

“This would not have been possible without the persistence of Dr. Snyder, Dr. Orr and Jessica Donnelly,” said Allagas.

Typically, ATC meetings consist of “preselected projects” and all supplies for attendees to use to create their pieces and engage in the activity.

“We welcome everyone to bring their favorite supplies that help them tap into their creativity,” said Allagas. “Our projects are really about the process more than the finished product, [and] while we work we also discuss what’s on our minds, chat about our plans for the future and interact with our art collectively.”

Allagas noted that the club started as a response to student interest in the art therapy concentration of the Master of Arts in Counseling degree program.

“Originally, we were trying to show the connection of psychology, art and art education with the capacity to enhance one’s learning experience and possibility of incorporating art therapy into their future,” said Allagas. “Today, we are also hoping to help undergrads become more aware of the field of art therapy and to help connect them with current art therapy graduate students at Edinboro in hopes of continual growth and partnership.”

Art Therapy Club also offers online students the opportunity to join in on the projects, via Zoom — an online conference website.

For more information, Allagas can be reached at la161237@scots.edinboro.edu

Kimberly Firestine can be reached at ae.spectator@gmail.com.