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Since 2006, the Art Therapy Program of Equestrian Connection has furthered the organization’s
vision to improve the quality of life for individuals with special needs. By using
the creative process of art making, we are able to enhance the physical, mental
and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages and needs. According to the
American Art Therapy Association, artistic self-expression offers a wealth of positive
benefits including reducing anxiety and aiding in conflict resolution, as well as
providing opportunities to gain self-confidence and self-awareness. At Equestrian
Connection, the physicality of horseback riding is complemented by an imaginal and
expressive therapy, aiding in well-rounded therapy targeting all areas of the client’s
development.
With its own dedicated space, the art therapy program offers a
safe and respectful environment for individuals to engage in a wide spectrum of
artistic mediums and art materials. Art therapy based individual and group programming
is offered including a peer socialization group and caregiver self-care group. Special
attention is given to the specific needs of each client, with the objective to help
develop problem-solving and independent thinking skills, communication, self-confidence
and self-awareness thus aiding in overall life functioning.
Keeping with our objective to build self-confidence, the art therapy
program offers exhibition opportunities for the artists around the community. Through
a partnership with Artists on the Bluff, client work has been displayed at the Station
Art Gallery in Lake Bluff, Illinois. Also we sponsor an annual, semi-permanent exhibition,
Creative Connections, to highlight individual client growth and expression. A free-of-charge
community art group meets to create artwork that focuses on beautifying our center
and fundraising.
To view our Creative Connections videos please visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23oGrvM9u9w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxWx8IdDkL4
The Art Therapy Program of Equestrian Connection is directed by
Julie Ludwick, a registered art therapist and licensed clinical professional counselor
in the state of Illinois. Julie has her Master of Arts in art therapy degree from
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and uses her art making to examine thoughts
and questions in her life and work.
For more information on art therapy please visit:
http://www.arttherapy.org/
and
http://illinoisarttherapy.org/
A GREAT ARTICLE ON EMPLOYEE JULIE LUDWICK AND AN EC ART THERAPY STUDENT
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-disabled-artist-20110823,0,3828784.story
Mandi Saltiel and Julie Ludwick viewing Mandi's artwork at the Station Art Gallery.
Lucy the Catepillar, a soft sculpture, made by Dena Skinner.
Me as a Cowgirl in the Summertime, kiln fired clay
and acrylic paint, made by Emily Seip.
Untitled, mixed media, made by Tomi Schnell.
Billy Bob Jo and Mama Bird Billy Bob Jo with handmade
book, plaster gauze, acrylic paint, and found objects, By Jojo H.
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