Art for the Whole Self

Creativity is the ability to think of original ideas or solutions to problems by thinking in new ways, and using imagination to discover and explore possibilities.

Art for the Whole Self is a class for kids designed to nurture more than just artistic skills: it engages left and right hemispheres of the brain and bridges heart and mind.

Through drawing, painting and sculpting, movement, storytelling, and imagination, kids practice connecting words, thoughts, ideas, imagery, feelings, sensations. The class doesn’t focus on rigid instruction (though, if anyone wanted to learn, say, how to draw a perfect circle, I can show them!). Children are encouraged to experiment, express themselves freely, get stuck and unstuck, and explore their inner worlds. This class fosters creativity.

With limited social-emotional and arts programming in schools and heavier emphasis on standardized tests and linear thinking, there is a real need for the imaginative, fluidity and body-mind connecting aspects of expressive art. At the same time, as social media increasingly tells us what we should think and feel, the importance of knowing our own stories and inner worlds has never been greater. Art helps us reclaim our stories.

Other details:

• Art for the Whole Self is for kids 6-10 years of age.

• Group meets: TBD

• Each class is $45 or 4 classes for $160.

• All materials included in the classes and max of 6 kids per class.

• Some examples of projects are: Me Puppet, Outside Me Inside Me, Bilateral Drawing, handmade storybooks, collaborative projects such as the Dinner Table and more.

**Please note that Art for the Whole Self is facilitated by art therapist, Kristina Bartek; however, the class is not a therapy group, nor is it a substitution for psychotherapy. For information about therapy please see the services or about pages.

For more information about Art for the Whole Self and to sign up for the next cycle, please contact me (email: info@poppypeaktherapy.com). Thank you!