News and Events

Saudi Arabia’s Art Therapy, Rehab Program For Terrorists, Jihadists

*Update 12/31: ABC News has updated their story about the terrorists released from Gitmo that attended an art therapy program in Saudi Arabia. They originally reported that 2 terrorists from the Saudi art therapy program were involved, but have since redacted their statement and are now saying it was just 1 from the program that was involved in the attacks on Christmas Day. We want to make sure we call out ABC for their continued poor reporting. Their statement is below.

ABCNews.com reported Monday in error that former Guantanamo prisoner #333, Muhamad Attik al-Harbi, was one of four leaders of the al Qaeda group that claimed responsibility for the attempted bombing.

Al-Harbi, who now goes by the name Muhamad al-Awfi, turned himself in to the Saudi government in Februrary 2009 and therefore could not have played a direct role in organizing the attempt to bring down Northwest flight 253.

Al-Harbi appeared in a propaganda tape released by the group in January 2009. According to published reports, he surrendered to Saudi security forces one month later in February 2009, well before the August arrival in Yemen of accused underwear bomber, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab.

We felt it was necessary to address some of the recent press surrounding art therapy and the failed terrorist attack on Christmas Day. It’s been a rough a few days for the art therapy world. Even the American Art Therapy Association has issued a public response, which we’ll let you judge on your own. Our response is more directed at ABC News’ poor coverage of art therapy and the jihad rehab program in Saudi Arabia. Continue reading »

Become Stress Free With New iPhone Apps

In a recent development that some might consider ironic, there are some new iPhone apps that will attempt to help you reduce stress. There are two new iPhone apps that have come out recently that are geared towards helping you have a stress free holidays. The first one we’ll discuss is a relatively basic one, and the second one is by the master of serenity himself, Deepak Chopra. Continue reading »

Art & Poetry Exhibition at UNICEF

The following is a press release provided by Dreamsakes and Art in All of Us that we are excited to share:

Children from 192 Countries Present Art & Poetry Exhibition at UNICEF

To celebrate international children’s rights & their freedom of expression, a five year epic art adventure brings together children’s mini-masterpieces from around the world.

Art in All of Us (AiA) is proud to present a children’s art exhibition from November 3rd until December 31st 2009 to mark the 20th anniversary of the CRC (Convention on the Rights of the Child) at the DKVC Center at UNICEF headquarters in New York. Mrs. Ann Veneman, Executive Director of UNICEF will open the exhibition.

For each one of the 192 countries, the lives of children are being represented through the artwork gathered by AiA – their realities, their dreams, their ambitions, and their voices are being expressed. After five years, 192 countries, 300 schools, and the participation of 18,400 children, this representation of the world through the eyes of children is a unique project, unmatched in it’s originality and successful representation of every UN-listed nation. Continue reading »

Hearts for Anna – Artist Battling Breast Cancer Needs Your Help

We were recently informed of a tragic story about an artist named Anna Millea. She is fighting breast cancer…again. We learned that it is very aggressive and has made it into her bones, where she will require 16 rounds of chemo. And if that wasn’t bad enough, she doesn’t have insurance because the insurance companies have decided she is uninsurable due to her having cancer before!

Artful Home is doing something wonderful and trying to help Anna through her tragic situation. They are asking for you to contribute some of your time and talent. They will be holding an online event for 5 days where they will sell miniature artworks submitted by other artists. The special online event will be from August 12-16, 2009.

You can help by donating artwork to be sold…or by buying some of the artwork during the online event. The deadline for submissions is today unfortunately (sorry, we just learned about this!). But obviously there will be time to buy some art. 100% of the proceeds will be donated directly to Anna to help pay for her medical bills. You can also check out a gallery of current submissions here.

You can learn more about Anna, details of the event, and how you can help: www.artfulhome.com/heartsforanna. We encourage you to help support Anna if you can, even if that is just by spreading the word, leaving a supportive comment, or just sending good vibes and wishes her way.

Thanks to Vanessa for sending this along to The Art Therapy Blog. If you’d like to contact her with any questions, she can be reached at: vsmolenski@artfulhome.com

Art Therapy Helps Meningitis Sufferers Thanks to UK Charity

A recent press release from the Meningitis Trust, a meningitis charity located in the United Kingdom (UK), describes a new free art therapy service that is available nationwide for young adults and children affected by meningitis. The following is from the Meningitis press release and reveals more about the free service: Continue reading »

Art Therapy On Twitter!

Apologies for the recent hiatus. I’ve been quite busy the last couple months and am sad that I haven’t had a chance to post as much lately.

One bit of exciting news that I wanted to share is that I’ve been experimenting with Twitter as a way to communicate and promote stories and news about art therapy. I think it’s a handy tool to share interesting news about art therapy.

In case you haven’t heard of twitter, check it out at www.twitter.com. It’s not for everybody, and it admittedly took me some time to even get the point of it…though, I’m still not sure I understand what all the hype is about.

If you decide to sign up and are interested in receiving “tweets” about art therapy, you can follow us: art therapy on twitter (aka @arttherapy).

I haven’t quite decided yet, but I may highlight the best stories and links here on the site as well. Is this something y’all would be interested in?

A few other things worth mentioning…I’m working on adding a schools and education section as well as a featured artist section. I have a couple artists lined up, one of which has been mentioned on Oprah and will include a book giveaway. I haven’t quite figured out the details, but I think I’ll be giving away one book through the site and one through twitter. Stay tuned over the next couple months…

Also, thanks everyone for your generous comments and support. Hope you’re having a good start to your summer!

Valentine’s Day Art Event in New York

Creative Pier is having another holiday-themed art event. Details are below:

Romance With Art

Celebrate Valentine’s Day by sharing a special afternoon of art, play and creativity with your loved one. Choose an art project from our special “Art Menu” and discover new passions!

· pick a color and take turns spinning out shapes and lines in watercolor conversation
· discover the sensuousness of clay
· create your own dream house
· or just be spontaneous and let the playful creativity flow between you.

Whatever art form you choose – you will create a memorable moment for the two of you.
$65/couple, 2PM-5PM Saturday, February 14th
Complimentary wine and chocolates are offered throughout the afternoon!

Space is limited, please call 212-674-7437 or register online in advance at www.creativepier.com.

Thanksgiving Art Workshop in New York, NY

Creative Pier is hosting a workshop that’s just in time for Thanksgiving. The Thanksgiving Art Workshop is on November 19th.  It’s a great opportunity for anyone in the New York area who wants to express thanks through art-making! Here’s more information about the workshop:

Wednesday November 19th
6:30 PM- 9:00PM
with Routa Segal
Creative Pier-833 Broadway, 3rd Floor New York,NY

Express your thanks for all the good things in life and create a hand-made gift that comes from your heart. Celebrate every person and every thing that brings abundance and joy. Draw, write, paint or collage and create an artwork or item–for yourself or someone else–that expresses your gratitude .

Space is limited to 16 people, please rsvp by November 18th. $25, all art materials are included.  rsvp@creativepier.com

Monterey, CA Art Therapy Group for Survivors of Domestic Violence

“Creative Expressions: the Healing Circle” is a free art therapy group in Monterey, California for survivors of domestic violence. The group is open to anyone and meets every Wednesday at 7pm at the YWCA Counseling Center. It’s a supportive and therapeutic environment to create art with an art therapy counselor.

Where: YWCA Counseling Center, 457 Webster St. Monterey, CA 93940
When: Wednesdays at 7pm
Contact: Lara Lawrence at 655-9224 ext. 304

About the Art Therapy Group in Monterey, CA

Creative Expressions: A Healing Circle group will focus on art as a method of healing from trauma caused by domestic violence.  This group will encourage self-expression, self-reflection, empowerment, integration, self-esteem, and exploring life’s goals.  We will provide materials for projects such as drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, and poetry.  Participants will have an opportunity to share their projects and journeys among supportive peers, gaining encouragement, and a feeling of safety.  Additionally, we will have the opportunity to speak out against domestic violence by displaying artwork during CSUMB’s Domestic Violence Awareness week in October.

Giving Art: Magic Seed Art Workshop at Creative Pier

Take a creative opportunity to express kindness and share it with those in need. In this workshop we will create art by visualizing what may grow out of a ‘magic seed’ by drawing, painting or collaging the many of life-affirming possibilities.

Come anytime during the workshop and create as much as you like. The artworks will be sent to patients diagnosed with cancer, whose hopes for healing will be supported by your good will.

We are also happy to have Pamela Rich join us for this special event.  She is a Certified Holistic Health Counselor and Certified Heal Your Life Workshop Leader, based on the philosophy of Louise Hay. 

Please Register by October 15th

Thursday, October 16th with Routa Segal and Maryanne Stubbs
6:30-9 PM
Creative Pier
833 Broadway, 3rd Floor @13th Street
New York, NY 10003
$35, 15% of the proceeds will be donated to Gilda’s Club, and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
212-674-7437
rsvp@creativepier.com