Hello all! It is the end of May and this is a recap of what I have been up to as the art therapist at an assisted living.
We started out the month by discussing Our Supports. What people supported you throughout life, and who might you have supported? I pre-cut tree trunks, green leaves, and roots. Then the group was asked to paste a trunk onto a colored piece of paper and write their name on the tree trunk. Next, each member was given several paper roots and asked to write the names of those who have supported them- maybe family, friends, religious supports, etc. and paste below the tree trunk. Finally, each person is given several green leaves. On these leaves they are asked the write the names of the people who they have supported throughout their lives- financially, emotionally, etc. and paste them onto the tree. Finally discuss how it impacted each members lives to be supported and to support others and all of the different kinds of supports available.
The following week we discussed Vacations to Remember. The group discussed all of the places they have visited and shared memorable stories. Next, each member chose one place that was the most special to create a brochure about. The project began by choosing a piece of colored paper to tri-fold. Then the group was offered magazines to search for imagery and markers to draw with if they preferred. In my group some people chose Florida, California, and Alaska, images included seals and icebergs in Alaska, sunsets and palm trees in CA, and beaches in FL. Once the pamphlets were created, the group went around the circle to share what it was about each vacation spot that made it so special and why other people would want to visit.
That is all for the month of May. See you next month with an update on art therapy tasks for June!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
April Art Tasks
Hello all!
April's theme is the Wild Wild West!
The first task this month was "You are what you think you are". This task had more to do with the company's suggestions than the actual theme but we still had fun. For this task I had the group decorate a mask. For discussion we talked about all of the things that each member of the group would do if no one knew who they were. Some responses were to rob a bank, kick someone, or do stand up comedy. After everyone talked about what they would do, we then discussed how that desire and that person resides in each of us.. even if we do not let it out because it is not socially acceptable.... you are who you think your are even from behind your mask.
The second task this month was focused on the wildest thing group members have ever done. Keep in mind I work with geriatrics so the answers were pretty tame and rather humorous to reminisce about. First I had the group members write down on their paper the wildest and craziest thing that they had ever done in their life time. Next I had them flip over their paper and draw a picture representing this wild event. Once everyone was finished, I collected all of the stories/ images and mixed them up. Then I asked that who ever the wild story belonged to to keep quiet so that the group can GUESS who's wild story it was! I read allowed one story and have the group try to figure out who it belonged to. Again this brought up lots of laughs and camaraderie amongst the members as they discussed their wild behavior and compares stories.
What has everyone else been up to this week?
April's theme is the Wild Wild West!
The first task this month was "You are what you think you are". This task had more to do with the company's suggestions than the actual theme but we still had fun. For this task I had the group decorate a mask. For discussion we talked about all of the things that each member of the group would do if no one knew who they were. Some responses were to rob a bank, kick someone, or do stand up comedy. After everyone talked about what they would do, we then discussed how that desire and that person resides in each of us.. even if we do not let it out because it is not socially acceptable.... you are who you think your are even from behind your mask.
The second task this month was focused on the wildest thing group members have ever done. Keep in mind I work with geriatrics so the answers were pretty tame and rather humorous to reminisce about. First I had the group members write down on their paper the wildest and craziest thing that they had ever done in their life time. Next I had them flip over their paper and draw a picture representing this wild event. Once everyone was finished, I collected all of the stories/ images and mixed them up. Then I asked that who ever the wild story belonged to to keep quiet so that the group can GUESS who's wild story it was! I read allowed one story and have the group try to figure out who it belonged to. Again this brought up lots of laughs and camaraderie amongst the members as they discussed their wild behavior and compares stories.
What has everyone else been up to this week?
Thursday, March 25, 2010
My Apologies
Hello everyone,
I apologize for my lack of updating... This final hurrah of graduate school has really been taking up my time lately. Thesis defense day is the beginning of April so once that is completed things should simmer down a little and I will be able to get back on track with posting art therapy tasks.
Some tasks that I have been doing lately include "My Shining Moment" where we did group mural and everyone wrote on shiny metallic stars the proudest moments during their lives, and "Making my Mark" with the Alzheimer's residents will be using air dry clay to make hand prints which we will be able to decorate and then place into the garden.
I am excited for projects coming up in April and I look forward to hearing from you readers what art therapy tasks you have been up to. Come on all! Lets share our ideas to help spread the inspiration!
P.S. I have been reading the book The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.. which I recommend.. and if you yourself have read it, you will understand the relief I feel by being able to check this task of FINALLY updating my blog off of my list =)
I apologize for my lack of updating... This final hurrah of graduate school has really been taking up my time lately. Thesis defense day is the beginning of April so once that is completed things should simmer down a little and I will be able to get back on track with posting art therapy tasks.
Some tasks that I have been doing lately include "My Shining Moment" where we did group mural and everyone wrote on shiny metallic stars the proudest moments during their lives, and "Making my Mark" with the Alzheimer's residents will be using air dry clay to make hand prints which we will be able to decorate and then place into the garden.
I am excited for projects coming up in April and I look forward to hearing from you readers what art therapy tasks you have been up to. Come on all! Lets share our ideas to help spread the inspiration!
P.S. I have been reading the book The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.. which I recommend.. and if you yourself have read it, you will understand the relief I feel by being able to check this task of FINALLY updating my blog off of my list =)
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
February Art Therapy Techniques
Welcome to all of my new followers! This month the theme at my work place is "Exploring the Bayou"; so think Mardi Gras, jazz music, voodoo, beignets and pralines! As an art therapist in this venue I try to tie my sessions in with the facilities theme; of course sometimes I stray and go with what is needed for the residents at the time. This following post will be all of my February art therapy tasks, follow me as I update new techniques throughout the month. As always, feel free to add your own comments, ideas, constructive criticism, and art therapy tasks.
Jazzy Art Project
Population: Geriatrics, adults, children
Media: Jazz tape or CD, tape or CD player, 11" x 14" or larger paper, acrylic paints of various colors, large paint brushes or foam brushes, and plates or pallets for the paint.
Description: Begin by playing jazz music. Have the group use their arms to direct the musicians through one song. Now think bigger, if possible have the group stand up to use their whole body to move to the music. Suggest waving arms in the air, moving hips, stomping feet, whatever the song calls for. If the members can't stand have them do whatever body movements they can in their chair. Now pass out paper and paints. Have the group listen to an upbeat jazz song and paint how the music sounds. What color is the music? Is it jagged lines or wavy? Does it call to mind a picture? Or specify there to be no imagery and only shapes and colors. Once the song is over change to a slow and moody song. Have the participants use the paint again to give life to the music. Now compare the pictures. Did the paintings change in color or shape? What are the feelings that the picture conjures up? Process with the group.
Crystal Ball (This project was designed with Ground Hogs day in mind)
Population: Geriatric, adult, children
Media: 11" x 14" paper with a large circle and a base pre-drawn (a crystal ball), markers, pencils, and/ or oil pastels of varying colors.
Description: Begin the group by discussing what a crystal ball is. What is it supposed to tell the person looking into it? Like the ground-hog predicts the length of our winter, what do you predict for yourself come spring time while looking into your crystal ball? Ask the members to draw into the crystal ball what they hope for themselves in the future. Is it flowers? Family visits? A good grade? A birthday party? The options are countless and it creates a pictures of images to look forward to. Have each member share what they see in their crystal ball with the group. Can people relate to one another? Process feelings through with the group.
What art therapy techniques have you done recently?
Jazzy Art Project
Population: Geriatrics, adults, children
Media: Jazz tape or CD, tape or CD player, 11" x 14" or larger paper, acrylic paints of various colors, large paint brushes or foam brushes, and plates or pallets for the paint.
Description: Begin by playing jazz music. Have the group use their arms to direct the musicians through one song. Now think bigger, if possible have the group stand up to use their whole body to move to the music. Suggest waving arms in the air, moving hips, stomping feet, whatever the song calls for. If the members can't stand have them do whatever body movements they can in their chair. Now pass out paper and paints. Have the group listen to an upbeat jazz song and paint how the music sounds. What color is the music? Is it jagged lines or wavy? Does it call to mind a picture? Or specify there to be no imagery and only shapes and colors. Once the song is over change to a slow and moody song. Have the participants use the paint again to give life to the music. Now compare the pictures. Did the paintings change in color or shape? What are the feelings that the picture conjures up? Process with the group.
Crystal Ball (This project was designed with Ground Hogs day in mind)
Population: Geriatric, adult, children
Media: 11" x 14" paper with a large circle and a base pre-drawn (a crystal ball), markers, pencils, and/ or oil pastels of varying colors.
Description: Begin the group by discussing what a crystal ball is. What is it supposed to tell the person looking into it? Like the ground-hog predicts the length of our winter, what do you predict for yourself come spring time while looking into your crystal ball? Ask the members to draw into the crystal ball what they hope for themselves in the future. Is it flowers? Family visits? A good grade? A birthday party? The options are countless and it creates a pictures of images to look forward to. Have each member share what they see in their crystal ball with the group. Can people relate to one another? Process feelings through with the group.
What art therapy techniques have you done recently?
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
January Art Therapy Tasks
Happy new year everyone! This month's theme is all about Vegas! and of course the new year!
Enjoy these art tasks and please feel free to share your own art therapy techniques you used this month or any other ideas.
New Years Hopes and Wishes
Population: Children, Adults, Geriatrics
Media: 18" x 24" construction paper with the year printed largely in the center with bubble numbers, markers, glitter, sequins, craft pom-poms, craft decorations etc.
Directions: Begin by discussing with the group the idea of resolutions. Has anyone in the group made resolutions in the past and stuck with it or dropped it mid year? Have resolutions changed over the years? Discuss positive resolutions versus negative ones (to start a new habit versus dropping a bad one). Might there be a wish or a hope for the self in the new year? the group? the world? As group members begin to shout out wishes/hopes/resolutions write them into the year numerals on the construction paper. Once everyone has added something decorate the sign as a group. Pass the construction paper around or everyone work together at the same time. Use the team decorated sign as motivation throughout the new year.
Changing Something Old into Something New
Population: Children, Adults, Geriatric
Media: Spin Art toy, white paper cut to fit appropriately to the toy, acrylic paints, scissors, glue stick, 8 1/2" x 11" white or colored paper.
Directions: Begin by having the group take turns using the Spin Art tool to make paintings. Have fun and enjoy the creative process! Once every individual has a painting ask the group to either tear or cute the painting into smaller pieces. Take the smaller pieces and rearrange them into brand new paintings. Follow up with the group by discussing what it felt like to cut up a painting. Is the new one better or worse than the original? How does this relate to the new year and potential resolutions or other changes made throughout life?
Silver Lining
Population: Geriatric, Adults
Media: 4" x 4" white paper, markers (the bright colors work best), black acrylic or poster paint, small sponge brushes or large paint brushes, and popsicle sticks.
Directions: Begin by discussing the idea of a "silver lining", what does it mean? can anyone think of a silver lining experience in their life? Now have each member chose 3 colors that represent an experience in their life where something did not go as planned or was a negative event. Have the group fill up their 4" x 4" white paper with color only, no imagery, to express that event.
As the group finishes coloring, have everyone paint over the colors with black acrylic paint. While the paint is being applied and/or drying, ask the group to think about a silver lining to their negative experience. Using the popsicle sticks, scrape away the black paint to reveal the colors underneath in order to create a new image that represents the "silver lining".
Once everyone has finished, have each member share their initial negative experience, and the silver lining they were able to find in that event. *It is perfectly fine if some individuals do not want to share their negative event, or if they are unable to follow the instructions and instead choose to just create!
Incomplete Deck of Cards
Population: Geriatric, Adults, Children
Media: A deck of cards (incomplete or full, just be prepared to cut them up), scissors, 11" x 14" paper, glue, markers are optional.
Directions: Hand each member of the group 5 cards (more or less, whatever works for your group), a pair of scissors and a piece of paper. Tell the group you want them to cut up their cards into varying shapes and sizes. Gauge the reaction, older adults tend to think you are nuts, children and adults might be more inclined to jump right in. Discuss and process any negative reactions to cutting up the cards. Using the new shapes, have the group create an image using the card pieces. Members can use markers to clarify or add color to their image. Once everyone has glued all of his/her pieces, have the group take turns sharing the image. Have each participant tell a story about their picture or title the image.
Vegas Show Girl Feather Fan
Population: Geriatric (including Dementia and Alzheimer's)
Media: Small fold-up fan (or a paper folded into accordion shape), feathers of all different sizes and colors, Elmer's glue, a small dish, jewels and sequins are optional.
Directions: Prepare for the group by putting glue into small dishes for members to share. Each member of the group is given a fan. Show the group how to adhere the feathers to the fan by either 1) dipping feathers into the glue and placing onto the fan, OR 2) squeeze glue onto the fan instead of putting into a dish and place feathers onto the fan. Encourage group members to be creative, add gems and sequins, use different colors of feathers or only a single color for drama. Reminisce with the group about past vacations to Las Vegas. Why is it called "Sin City", what did you do while in Vegas? What musicians used to perform in Las Vegas? Can any one in the group sing a song from one of those singers such as Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin? Have fun with the fans once they have dried such as coming up with a show girl dance.
What art therapy techniques did you do this month?
Enjoy these art tasks and please feel free to share your own art therapy techniques you used this month or any other ideas.
New Years Hopes and Wishes
Population: Children, Adults, Geriatrics
Media: 18" x 24" construction paper with the year printed largely in the center with bubble numbers, markers, glitter, sequins, craft pom-poms, craft decorations etc.
Directions: Begin by discussing with the group the idea of resolutions. Has anyone in the group made resolutions in the past and stuck with it or dropped it mid year? Have resolutions changed over the years? Discuss positive resolutions versus negative ones (to start a new habit versus dropping a bad one). Might there be a wish or a hope for the self in the new year? the group? the world? As group members begin to shout out wishes/hopes/resolutions write them into the year numerals on the construction paper. Once everyone has added something decorate the sign as a group. Pass the construction paper around or everyone work together at the same time. Use the team decorated sign as motivation throughout the new year.
Changing Something Old into Something New
Population: Children, Adults, Geriatric
Media: Spin Art toy, white paper cut to fit appropriately to the toy, acrylic paints, scissors, glue stick, 8 1/2" x 11" white or colored paper.
Directions: Begin by having the group take turns using the Spin Art tool to make paintings. Have fun and enjoy the creative process! Once every individual has a painting ask the group to either tear or cute the painting into smaller pieces. Take the smaller pieces and rearrange them into brand new paintings. Follow up with the group by discussing what it felt like to cut up a painting. Is the new one better or worse than the original? How does this relate to the new year and potential resolutions or other changes made throughout life?
Silver Lining
Population: Geriatric, Adults
Media: 4" x 4" white paper, markers (the bright colors work best), black acrylic or poster paint, small sponge brushes or large paint brushes, and popsicle sticks.
Directions: Begin by discussing the idea of a "silver lining", what does it mean? can anyone think of a silver lining experience in their life? Now have each member chose 3 colors that represent an experience in their life where something did not go as planned or was a negative event. Have the group fill up their 4" x 4" white paper with color only, no imagery, to express that event.
As the group finishes coloring, have everyone paint over the colors with black acrylic paint. While the paint is being applied and/or drying, ask the group to think about a silver lining to their negative experience. Using the popsicle sticks, scrape away the black paint to reveal the colors underneath in order to create a new image that represents the "silver lining".
Once everyone has finished, have each member share their initial negative experience, and the silver lining they were able to find in that event. *It is perfectly fine if some individuals do not want to share their negative event, or if they are unable to follow the instructions and instead choose to just create!
Incomplete Deck of Cards
Population: Geriatric, Adults, Children
Media: A deck of cards (incomplete or full, just be prepared to cut them up), scissors, 11" x 14" paper, glue, markers are optional.
Directions: Hand each member of the group 5 cards (more or less, whatever works for your group), a pair of scissors and a piece of paper. Tell the group you want them to cut up their cards into varying shapes and sizes. Gauge the reaction, older adults tend to think you are nuts, children and adults might be more inclined to jump right in. Discuss and process any negative reactions to cutting up the cards. Using the new shapes, have the group create an image using the card pieces. Members can use markers to clarify or add color to their image. Once everyone has glued all of his/her pieces, have the group take turns sharing the image. Have each participant tell a story about their picture or title the image.
Vegas Show Girl Feather Fan
Population: Geriatric (including Dementia and Alzheimer's)
Media: Small fold-up fan (or a paper folded into accordion shape), feathers of all different sizes and colors, Elmer's glue, a small dish, jewels and sequins are optional.
Directions: Prepare for the group by putting glue into small dishes for members to share. Each member of the group is given a fan. Show the group how to adhere the feathers to the fan by either 1) dipping feathers into the glue and placing onto the fan, OR 2) squeeze glue onto the fan instead of putting into a dish and place feathers onto the fan. Encourage group members to be creative, add gems and sequins, use different colors of feathers or only a single color for drama. Reminisce with the group about past vacations to Las Vegas. Why is it called "Sin City", what did you do while in Vegas? What musicians used to perform in Las Vegas? Can any one in the group sing a song from one of those singers such as Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin? Have fun with the fans once they have dried such as coming up with a show girl dance.
What art therapy techniques did you do this month?
Thursday, December 17, 2009
December Art Therapy techniques
Happy Holidays everyone! This month we are celebrating "Trekking through the Arctic" and as it is winter time, these tasks revolve around snow!
Unique as a Snowflake
Population: Geriatric, children, adolescents
Medium: White, blue, or gray construction paper, scissors, markers.
Description: Begin by discussing the amazing fact that every snowflake that falls from the sky is unique. Explain that the group will be making their own snowflakes. Fold up your paper as small as possible but still able to cut, cut out triangle and hills out of all 4 sides of the paper. Open up paper and show off your unique snowflake. Once everyone has created their own snowflake discuss what makes each person special and unique in their own way. Have each individual write at least one unique fact about themselves onto their snowflake. Finally, ask everyone to share what they have written with the group and process.
Shaving Cream Snowman
Population: Geriatric, children
Medium: Mens shaving cream, Elmer's glue, glitter, small black and multicolored pom-poms, small container like styrofoam cups, popsicle sticks, and 8" x 10" construction paper.
Description: This task is just fun! Fill up a cup for each participant with shaving cream and pour glue on top. Have everyone lightly mix the shaving cream and glue together (be careful not to stir too roughly or you might loose the fluffyness of the shaving cream). Add glitter as desired. Next, use the popsicle stick to move the shaving cream mixture from the cup onto the paper and construct a raised 2-D snowman. Once the snowman has been shaped use pom-poms to create the snowmans eyes, nose, mouth, and buttons. Finally, add some shaving cream to the bottom to create a ground and dot around the page to make snow! Have fun with this task.
Candy Cane door-hang
Population: Low functioning children or geriatrics
Medium: Pre-cut candy cane cut out from 11" x 14" heavy white paper, red paint, paintbrushes, magnet tape.
Description: Pass out the pre-cut candy cane shapes to the group. Be an example by showing the group how to use the paint brush to paint red lines onto the candy cane. Help other individuals by doing hand- over- hand painting. Reminisce with the group about Christmas ornaments and traditions. Once the paint has dried, place 2 magnetic rectangles onto the back of the candy cane so participants can hang their decoration of the refridgerator or door.
Unique as a Snowflake
Population: Geriatric, children, adolescents
Medium: White, blue, or gray construction paper, scissors, markers.
Description: Begin by discussing the amazing fact that every snowflake that falls from the sky is unique. Explain that the group will be making their own snowflakes. Fold up your paper as small as possible but still able to cut, cut out triangle and hills out of all 4 sides of the paper. Open up paper and show off your unique snowflake. Once everyone has created their own snowflake discuss what makes each person special and unique in their own way. Have each individual write at least one unique fact about themselves onto their snowflake. Finally, ask everyone to share what they have written with the group and process.
Shaving Cream Snowman
Population: Geriatric, children
Medium: Mens shaving cream, Elmer's glue, glitter, small black and multicolored pom-poms, small container like styrofoam cups, popsicle sticks, and 8" x 10" construction paper.
Description: This task is just fun! Fill up a cup for each participant with shaving cream and pour glue on top. Have everyone lightly mix the shaving cream and glue together (be careful not to stir too roughly or you might loose the fluffyness of the shaving cream). Add glitter as desired. Next, use the popsicle stick to move the shaving cream mixture from the cup onto the paper and construct a raised 2-D snowman. Once the snowman has been shaped use pom-poms to create the snowmans eyes, nose, mouth, and buttons. Finally, add some shaving cream to the bottom to create a ground and dot around the page to make snow! Have fun with this task.
Candy Cane door-hang
Population: Low functioning children or geriatrics
Medium: Pre-cut candy cane cut out from 11" x 14" heavy white paper, red paint, paintbrushes, magnet tape.
Description: Pass out the pre-cut candy cane shapes to the group. Be an example by showing the group how to use the paint brush to paint red lines onto the candy cane. Help other individuals by doing hand- over- hand painting. Reminisce with the group about Christmas ornaments and traditions. Once the paint has dried, place 2 magnetic rectangles onto the back of the candy cane so participants can hang their decoration of the refridgerator or door.
November Art Therapy tasks
Hello All! It has been a little while since I last updated so I decided to wrote up all of Novembers tasks in one post. FYI the theme for November was "Explore America".
Veteran's Day American Flag
Population: Geriatric, Children, Adolescents, Adults
Materials: One piece of 18" x 24" construction paper, one blue square 5" x 5" or so, 6 strips of 24" white paper, 7 strips of 24" red paper, white glitter, markers, glue sticks.
Description: Each individual in the group gets at least one strip of paper. On the paper have the group write down what it means to them to be an American. Discuss the answers that come up. Collect the strips of paper and paste onto the flag. Complete by pasting the blue square in the upper left corner and adding glitter to represent the stars in the flag.
Explore America
Population: Geriatric, Children, Adolescent, Adults
Materials: Two pieces of paper for each individual; one white paper with the outline of an airplane and one piece with the outline of luggage.
Description: Begin the group with a discussion of places in America where the group has visited or wish to visit. What is intriguing about the places? Have the group draw on the paper with an airplane the one place in America where they would most like to visit, either decorate inside of the plane or around it. Next have a discussion of what you would need to bring with you. What is the most important item and why? What might you be able to live without?
Cornucopia
Population: Alzheimer's or dementia geriatrics, small children
Materials: Pre-cut cornucopia, 8" x 10" construction paper, 3" circles cut from yellow, blue, purple, and red paper, glue sticks.
Description: Begin by showing a sample finished image of the cornucopia and ask if anyone recognizes the image or what a cornucopia (horn of plenty) means. Give each person a sheet of paper and the pre-cut cornucopia shape to glue down. Next, pass out one circle of each color. As individuals are gluing, ask what fruit or vegetable might be yellow, red, blue, or purple (one color at a time in order to limit confusion). Finally, discuss family Thanksgiving traditional food and other traditions celebrated amongst the group.
Veteran's Day American Flag
Population: Geriatric, Children, Adolescents, Adults
Materials: One piece of 18" x 24" construction paper, one blue square 5" x 5" or so, 6 strips of 24" white paper, 7 strips of 24" red paper, white glitter, markers, glue sticks.
Description: Each individual in the group gets at least one strip of paper. On the paper have the group write down what it means to them to be an American. Discuss the answers that come up. Collect the strips of paper and paste onto the flag. Complete by pasting the blue square in the upper left corner and adding glitter to represent the stars in the flag.
Explore America
Population: Geriatric, Children, Adolescent, Adults
Materials: Two pieces of paper for each individual; one white paper with the outline of an airplane and one piece with the outline of luggage.
Description: Begin the group with a discussion of places in America where the group has visited or wish to visit. What is intriguing about the places? Have the group draw on the paper with an airplane the one place in America where they would most like to visit, either decorate inside of the plane or around it. Next have a discussion of what you would need to bring with you. What is the most important item and why? What might you be able to live without?
Cornucopia
Population: Alzheimer's or dementia geriatrics, small children
Materials: Pre-cut cornucopia, 8" x 10" construction paper, 3" circles cut from yellow, blue, purple, and red paper, glue sticks.
Description: Begin by showing a sample finished image of the cornucopia and ask if anyone recognizes the image or what a cornucopia (horn of plenty) means. Give each person a sheet of paper and the pre-cut cornucopia shape to glue down. Next, pass out one circle of each color. As individuals are gluing, ask what fruit or vegetable might be yellow, red, blue, or purple (one color at a time in order to limit confusion). Finally, discuss family Thanksgiving traditional food and other traditions celebrated amongst the group.
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