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Art Therapy exhibition at Project 308 Gallery

Thu, Jul 19th 2018 04:30 pm
Art Therapists and client-artists share personal, visual responses to the concept of 'Connection' using a variety of media, materials and modes of expression
Art Therapy Buffalo, an alliance of art therapists working in the Buffalo-Niagara region, will host the third annual group exhibition at the Project 308 Gallery from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 3. The mission of Art Therapy Buffalo is to educate the community and advocate for increased accessibility to creative arts therapy services by qualified professionals in the Buffalo Niagara regions of WNY. The exhibition is co-sponsored by the Western New York Art Therapy Association, a local chapter of the American Art Therapy Association.
Art therapists are nationally credentialed and licensed mental health professionals in New York state. They provide counseling and psychotherapy to individuals, families and groups by combining traditional talk therapy approaches with the visual arts. Art therapists have the education, training and professional experience that allows them to help people of all ages and levels of ability use a variety of art media and techniques for expression, healing and personal growth - regardless of artistic talent. Like most clinical professionals, they treat mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression, as well as symptoms and behaviors associated with stress and trauma.
Art therapists rely on the power of art making to give clients a visual voice to better articulate their concerns, make meaning of experiences, improve coping resources, strengthen confidence, build self-esteem and expand social-communication skills. The art products created within the context of therapy can facilitate dialogue between client and therapist and can lead to a greater understanding of oneself. The sharing of this deeply personal work with the public can help create community and lead to understanding of and by others - that we are not alone. In addition to helping viewers understand how art therapists utilize the visual arts to process experiences, this exhibition will showcase both 2D and 3D works created by client-artists of many ages, to illustrate the wide scope of materials and activities used in art therapy practice.

The theme "Connection" invites participants in this exhibition to explore this broad, yet personal concept on many levels. As in previous years, the community at large is invited to engage creatively and "connect" with Art Therapy Buffalo at community events. In April, Art Therapy Buffalo used mosaic tiles to serve as a collective canvas for participants of Tri-Mania (fundraiser for Buffalo Arts Studio. This group will also participate in Larkin Square's Food Truck Tuesday on July 24. The public will be encouraged to add to the community mosaic they started at Tri-Mainia. The finished arrangement of created tiles will be on view at the exhibition at the Project 308 Gallery on Aug. 3.
Project 308 Gallery will be open on Saturdays in August, from noon-2 p.m. and by appointment. Attendees will have a chance to "Ask an Art Therapist" during open hours on Saturdays in August. This exhibition will also be on view during the Oliver Street Art Festival between noon-5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 4. The closing reception will be held from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 31.
For questions and comments contact Natalie Brown at 716-523-0068 or [email protected]. Also, check the event's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/234218213808588/.

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