Art Therapy

Art therapy uses visual expression with art materials to foster mental and physical well-being through self-expression. Art therapy focuses on the identification of specific issues and concerns revealed in the artwork. Emphasis is on originality, creativity and communication using art media rather than specific art skills and the finished products.
Offered as a group or private activity
What can art therapy do for the person with special needs? The experience can foster self-awareness and personal growth, increase self-esteem, build positive social skills and enhance motor coordination. Art therapy can create an atmosphere that allows the individual to reconcile emotional conflicts in a constructive manner. What if my child shows no artistic ability? Art is a natural form of expression for all people from early childhood to the elderly. Many have not had the opportunity to explore various media. Given proper encouragement, the results may be surprising!

Art Therapy (private activity)
Not only an art lesson, but also a therapeutic use of art materials to foster emotional well-being, self-awareness, and personal growth. Art therapy utilizes verbal and non-verbal communication to encourage insight and independence, promoting cognitive learning and improving physical and motor skills. Available Monday through Saturday (except Friday) Requires a $10 materials fee.

Ceramics (group or private activity)
Hand-building techniques will be taught to help increase fine motor skills and teach sequencing. Projects go from a lump of clay, to an object, to a completely glazed and finished project.
Thursdays: 5-6:30 PM. Requires a $10 materials fee.

The Expressive Art Experience (For high-functioning Autism)
Participation in an art therapy group helps foster social skills. Learning to share materials and ideas with others is a growth experience for people with special needs. Group involvement can promote self-and environmental awareness, plus increase self-esteem and social interaction through expressive art experiences. Please call the office if you are interested. Requires a $10 materials fee.

FAR Bazaar--FREE Group Activity
Each week in the FAR Bazaar Craft Class we create a project that is sold at the FAR BAZAAR during our fundraiser, Flutes, Friends & Fa-La-La held on Thursday, November 15, 2007. Items from the bazaar will also be available for purchase through the office and eventually on the FAR website: www.varietyfarconservatory.org. Proceeds will fund this program. The students will learn marketing and sales skills, learn the life skills necessary for creating a product and running a store, and learn to work collaboratively. The ultimate goal is for participants to take pride in what they have created and to develop positive self-esteem. Janis Kaufman, Art Therapist, will oversee the project. Judith Schwarzer, community volunteer and former art teacher, will be lending us her skills as well. Different members of our art and recreation staff and many community leaders will work on weekly projects. (If you, or anyone else in the community, would like to participate, please let us know.) This program is geared toward teenagers and young adults, however, if your student is a little younger but enjoys crafting and can concentrate for 1-1/2 hours, we will consider them.
THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR THIS PROGRAM.
Wednesday: 6:30-8:00 PM.

What in the World!? A FUN and creative way to experience the world around you. This combination of inspiring art projects and interactive improv games will help the students figure out this big universe and their place in it. Improv games are wonderful for promoting social skills and enhancing decision making. The art therapy component will help students explore their emotions and see things from a new perspective. Ages: 8-14. (Older students may enjoy Improvisation, see Theatre Arts.)
Tuesdays: 6:30-8:00 PM. Group limited to 10 students.

TUITION/PAYMENT

FALL SEMESTER--September 4, 2007 through January 20, 2008

Private 1/2 hour/Group 1 hour/ Tutoring
Monday ..................................................16 weeks $400 / $288 / $640
Tuesday, Thursday or Friday .................17 weeks $425 / $306 / $680
Wednesday, or Saturday ....................... 18 weeks $450 / $324 / $720

WINTER SEMESTER--January 28, 2008 through June 7, 2008
Private 1/2 hour/Group 1 hour/ Tutoring
Monday or Friday ...................................17 weeks $425 / $306 / $680
Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday ...........18 weeks $414/ $288 / $720 Saturday ..................................................16 weeks $400 / $288 / $640

SUMMER SEMESTER-- June 23 through August 2, 2008
Private 1/2 hour/Group 1 hour/ Tutoring
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday ..6 weeks $150 / $108 / $240 Friday & Saturday ........................................5 weeks $125 / $90 / $200

The breakdown charge of the individual classes are as follows:
Private 1-hour rate: $45 Group 1-hour rate: $18
Private 1/2-hour rate: $25 Tutoring 1-hour: $40

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