In February, I attended a two day art therapy workshop, together with 11 local artists who have a shared interest in art therapy and mental health. The workshop, a collaborative project presented by SOLAS with the support of Umbrella Studio and financed through the Townsville City Council’s Regional Arts Development Fund, a local and Queensland Government partnership to support the development of arts and culture. The workshop was  facilitated by Claire Edwards, an internationally renowned, Brisbane based art therapist, tutor, presenter and  lecturer. Claire researched, designed, resourced and presented the course. The program was designed to build confidence and enhance skills to present a series of workshops to people who access the SOLAS service, and the wider community. The program included a balance of practical and hands on art work, with a good   smattering of the theory and origins thrown in for good measure.  Feedback was exceptional with many positive responses and experiences. SOLAS are now utilising these newly acquired skills with a series of diverse workshops presented by the artists who were fortunate to be part of Claire's program. 

Art therapy outcomes can be considered similar to that of other therapies with the engagement as an activity for exploration of difficult emotional experiences. Creating a safe place for creativity as a means of building psychological resourcefulness and creating a non specific mediating variable such as trust and affiliation.

The first workshop (memory boxes) was held 23rd of March in the Studio, Umbrella Studios.  Memory boxes are fun to make and participants were encouraged to decorate their boxes however they felt comfortable: - drawing, collage, paint, etc.The workshop was very successful with a total of 11 participants attending. Feedback was positive, rewarding and most of all fun with an opportunity to chat and socialise in a safe environment. Our next workshop (picture frames) is fast approaching and will be held at Umbrella Studio on the 20th April 10.00 am—12.00 noon and will once again be a great social opportunity to create your own master piece to display photos, artwork or awards etc.

Please note the following dates for upcoming workshops

¨ 20th April 10am -12 noon - Create your own Picture Frame

¨ 27th April 10am - 12 noon - Mask design

¨ 11th May 10am - 12 noon -  Banner creation

¨ 25th May 10am -12 noon -  Pottery

¨ 8th  June 10am - 12 noon -  Pottery

To register contact Louise or Joanne on 47 530 530.  

Joanne  SOLAS Team Leader / Project Coordinator

‘Creativity for Inner Peace’