Differently Minded Art Studio
We firmly believe that:
Art making is a therapeutic tool
Art making is a way of connecting with others
Art making is a means of self-expression
Art making supports goal making
Art making builds skills
Art making increases confidence and self-esteem
Art making can be a positive way of coping with life
Art making can lead to success in other areas of life!
Story of our Differently Minded Art Studio…
The Differently Minded Art Studio was born out of a need for a place where people can go and just make art. There was and is a need to decrease the stigma of having a mental illness. By working alongside someone with a mental illness, a person becomes more comfortable with the “other” and starts seeing him/her as just another unique person making art. For a person with a mental illness, it helps to be seen as an artist not a “crazy person”. To be able to just make art with other adults is a good feeling.
Originally, the URBAN ART RETREAT put on a large art show of art by people with various mental illnesses who were referred from several agencies. The show was called The Differently Minded Art Show. Many people who saw the show grew comfortable with the title of the show or were drawn to it immediately. They identified with being “differently minded”. Many artists identified with this phrase. We kept the name for the art studio program.
The art studio program has expanded to include a children’s program. The children are allowed to get messy. They use diverse art materials, and learn more details about how to use art supplies than they are shown in school.
The adult art studio program is offered on Saturdays year round. Adults can attend at 11 a.m.
Come in ! And, let me show you around!
