On-the-Go Art Therapy Kits

Students learn the benefits of arts and wellness

Jan-term students from Salem Academy, a local high school here in Winston-Salem, spent three mornings at the Family House where they explored the intersections of art and healing.

At the Family House, we know that art therapy can give guests a creative way to heal outside of the hospital, and to help their minds rest from their illness or their loved one’s illness. As a result, we partner with Sawtooth School for Visual Art to offer weekly Art and Wellness activities at the Family House. For a long time, we’ve been interested in creating ways that guests can engage in art therapy throughout the week, not only on the nights when staff and volunteers from Sawtooth come to visit. The Salem Academy students helped make this dream a reality!

During their time at the Family House, the Salem Academy students enjoyed a hands-on workshop with local book artist, Sharon Sharp. The students made dozens of handmade journals, baked delicious goodies alongside volunteers from Monarch, and put together full Art Therapy Kits. The students came away knowing that they had an impact at the Family House during those days and for months to come!

The students made over 25 Art Therapy Kits, which live in the Chapel of the Family House for anyone interested in using them.

Contents of the art therapy kit included:

• Mandala coloring sheet
• Colorful pens
• A sheet of stickers
• A handmade journal
• A notecard and envelope

Example of activities include:

• Draw yourself as a tree: The trunk represents you, the leaves are what brings you happiness, and the roots are the things that keep you grounded. What do your trunk, leaves, and roots represent?
• Draw a place where you feel safe: What places make you feel safe and comfortable? Draw a place and write or think about why you feel safe there.
• Color in a design: Coloring in a mandala or doodling can be a great way to relax.
• Create an expressive self-portrait: Draw a self-portrait using words that describe you. Think about your best qualities!