Art and wellness at ߣߣƵ University - Spring 2025
New Therapeutic Art Program for ߣߣƵ students
Art and wellness at ߣߣƵ University - Spring 2025
Art and Wellness at ߣߣƵ University was a semester-long program that provided ߣߣƵ University students the opportunity to create art and practice mindfulness, hosted at The Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum. The program took place 1-2 times weekly, for two hours, with a new art experience in each of the 14 sessions, connecting the program with more than 100 participants. This program, developed by undergraduate students Brooke-Lynn Clark and Maisee Short as an independent study project, provided them with opportunities to explore and develop their passion and aspiration for becoming art therapists.
“Through this program, I was able to develop my professional identity and values by spreading my passion of therapeutic art to the student body. We were able to develop a great sense of community and bonding amongst the participants,” said Clark.
In the fall of 2024, Clark and Short approached Associate Professor of Art Education Stephanie Danker and Coordinator of Marketing and Communications at the Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum Sherri Krazl, about creating the "Art and Wellness at ߣߣƵ University" (AWMU) program. Danker and Krazl mentored Clark and Short, allowing them creative freedom in the development of this program. A grant through the ߣߣƵ University Mental Health Incubator Fund provided materials for each project in the program. The grant also provided funding for two additional therapeutic art workshops: “Art (as) Therapy” on November 22, 2024, led by art therapist and ߣߣƵ University Art Therapy instructor, Emily Allbery Wirthwein; and “Introduction to Zentangle” on Friday, February 28, 2025, led by Professor and Executive Director of Scripps Gerontology Center Katy Abbott, a certified Zentangle instructor.
In promotion of the new program, AWMU partnered with Katelyn Howell at the Office of Student Wellness’ Wellness Studio in the ߣߣƵ Health Science Building (Student Wellness). Clark and Short organized an exhibition hosted at the Wellness Studio to show off the projects created throughout the semester. At the exhibition event on April 11, 2025, students participated in a watercolor and embroidery activity, reflecting on what growth looks like for them. Evident through the artworks, the AWMU leaders structured the weekly therapeutic art events around a reflective prompt/theme. February focused on gratitude (ex., Gratitude Jars), March was based on community (ex., Community Ties), April was all about growth (ex., Zentangles), and finally, May is focused on celebration (ex., Glass Decorating). The activities each week encouraged participants to reflect on the theme through the use of materials and content (purpose of the activity).
The connections and community built throughout this program are the reason Art and Wellness was so successful throughout the spring of 2025. The Art and Wellness program functioned with the help of 15 volunteers, all undergraduate or graduate students at ߣߣƵ University. Those who were highly involved include Jessica Jenkins, Janelle Allen, and Ari Glassberg. The responsibilities of the volunteers included assisting in setting up and tearing down the event each week, while also providing guidance for the participants throughout the activity to promote a more comfortable environment.
Look forward to more Art and Wellness at ߣߣƵ next semester, with new and revamped programs.
For More Information
Pre-Art Therapy Program
For more information about the pre-Art Therapy program at ߣߣƵ University, please contact Stephanie Danker.
Wellness at ߣߣƵ University
For more information about Wellness at ߣߣƵ University, you can view the following pages:
Wellness Navigator
Answer a few simple questions to help you find the resources and services that you need. The navigator is a great place to start when you aren’t sure what search terms to use.
Health and Well-being Achievements
Discover how our Mental Health Committee is making a positive impact on the ߣߣƵ University community. Learn about our key accomplishments, ongoing initiatives, and how we’re working to create a supportive and inclusive environment for all.
