Your Name and Title: Cui Jing, “Art for Wellness”
Library, School, or Organization Name: Leon County Public Library, Florida
Co-Presenter Name(s): N/A
Area of the World from Which You Will Present: Art Therapy
Language in Which You Will Present: English
Target Audience(s): Library event organizers
Short Session Description (one line): This presentation explores the therapeutic power of art for individual wellness and how it can facilitate community building through library services.
Full Session Description (as long as you would like): Art therapy has long been recognized as an effective method for improving mental health, traditionally served at clinical settings. However, with the aim of introducing the therapeutic power of art to a broader audience—those unable to access clinical sessions, unaware of art therapy, or facing emotional challenges without a formal diagnosis—the Leon County Library, in collaboration with the presenter, Ph.D candidate at Florida State University's Art Therapy program, initiated the 'Art for Wellness' program in August 2023.
'Art for Wellness' is held every other month on the first Thursday. Each session is designed to engage individuals, regardless of their background in artmaking, and to provide a space where participants can maintain their autonomy while benefiting from group support through art. Unlike clinical therapy sessions, 'Art for Wellness' does not offer therapy services but rather aims to foster self-care through artistic expression.
This presentation will share our experiences in organizing and providing such services and will discuss strategies for sustaining this initiative.
Websites / URLs Associated with Your Session: N/A
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