Expressive Arts

Participating in the arts opens new worlds to all children, but it is especially critical to emotionally challenged children. Expressive Arts provide an opportunity for insight into feelings and conflicts too threatening to face directly. Working in the safe and nurturing environment of the Art House or the music studio, children are able to face challenges and confront obstacles.

Our art therapy staff will engage each child and encourages them to participate in a wide range of creative endeavors.

Take a closer look at our program.

A 14-Year-Old Boy Searching for Direction

Sad, suicidal and confused this young boy arrived at Tanager Place after losing his father. Clint bore the marks of serious depression. He was unable to focus at school and was sullen and unable to participate in his surroundings. When he arrived, he showed little interest in his new environment. Staff encouraged him to visit the Art House. Eventually he took up some chalk and began to draw. He started withrandom lines, smudging them to improve the appearance. With continued encouragement and support, he created a series of work. His ‘Search for Direction’ series represented much more than his search for the right color or pattern. Clint began to feel a sense of control and through his creativity gained self understanding. Progress was made in his treatment as he began to trust and share feelings. Clint began to heal and returned home.

Art House

Walking into the Art House you know you have arrived in a unique space that belongs to children. The walls are covered with paintings, poetry and sculptures made from found objects. Calming music fills the air.

As an open studio, the Art House offers a wide variety of art experiences. A child can choose to paint, draw, work with clay, build with papier-mâché or use graphite and charcoal. Making these choices enhances a child’s self confidence, decreases dependence, and encourages problem solving.

Children can also participate in one-on-one creative writing sessions. Children find their voice through writing poetry, short stories or chapter books. Creative writing is therapeutic and enhances literacy skills, heightens self awareness and communication.

Whether a child wants to sing, play the guitar, piano or drums, or try her hand at the violin, the music room offers a range of opportunity. The music studio allows children to learn about music and self-expression.