Defense Date
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts
Department
Interior Design
First Advisor
Kristin Carleton
Second Advisor
Roberto Ventura
Third Advisor
Timothy Hamnett
Abstract
I was first introduced to the healing powers of art after working in an orphanage in Jamaica with children who had a wide range of disabilities. Some children were mute or unable to communicate, but art was a form of communication that brought us all together. Within the City of Richmond public school system, 31.7% of students are economically challenged and 13.1% of students are disabled (Education, 2022). Giving more resources in the arts and mental health support to students outside of their school environments is the goal. Art therapy helps reduce the dropout rate and improve mental health (10 arts education fast facts, 2020). Art can be a form of communication and a way to help understand others better, and many countries are now adapting art therapy practices to better serve their communities (International, 2018).
When conducting research, there was a lack of information on art therapy centers around the globe that are carefully crafted to best support their practices. How can designers create environments to help support art therapy practices and the mental health and well-being of children?
Art therapy is an effective method to deal with mental disorders, family/personal conflicts, and enables clients to experience their difficulties, conflicts, and fears in a less painful way. It is especially impactful in urban settings (Kay, 2020). The CLEAR model, (Culture, Learning, Equitable, Achievement and Responsive) a trauma informed approach to art therapy, focuses on physical safety, emotional safety, predictability, and consistency which are key elements when designing a space to conduct therapy in (Kay, 2020). Kay furthers her research, touching on the good design strategies which can be included in trauma informed spaces, such as creating a space that is psychologically and emotionally safe and private for clients with proper sound insulation, making children feel empowered and make their own decisions, promote well-being in a physical and mental capacity, include private spaces for both clients and art therapists to get away from tense environments, clear and concise messaging for easy wayfinding, and being considerate of light, color, and sound.
In order to learn more about the client, program, and industry, interviews with licensed art therapists and visits to current facilities such as Healing Sounds, LLC will occur. This will help with learning more about what is currently working or not working in the facilities. The president of the Virginia Art Therapy Association is also supporting the research with program development and design strategies for this project. Relevant books and articles about current methods and programs, such as, “Development of a Creative Arts Therapies Center for People With Developmental Disabilities” and “The Introductory Guide to Art Therapy”, and precedent studies of adjacent facilities such as therapy clinics, art education facilities, music therapy clinics, and sensory spaces will also be observed. These will guide the design and help better understand how certain design principles and sensory elements can either be positive or negative experiences for developing children.
Different environments support positive experiences for children who suffer from trauma or mental health crises. Students who attend underfunded schools are not receiving the same care and resources as those in more economically flourishing areas. Research suggests, by creating an environment where these students can receive therapy resources, their mental and physical health will improve.
Creating an art therapy center in a neighborhood that needs mental health services as well as art therapy programs for developmentally challenged children is the goal for this project to help support the betterment of the community. Providing art therapy services outside of the normal class curriculum can help stimulate young minds and help the mental health and well-being of developing children.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-6-2024