The Joy of the Process
Why do we create?
Whether it be in the mud, on a cave wall or on the canvas, humans have always created in order to express ideas and communicate emotions with others. This creativity is an essential component of our overall wellbeing.
Honoring our own creativity can be healing and transformative. Take a second to read more about Charlotte’s own creative journey that led her to become a professional artist, licensed social worker, and licensed art therapist.
Art therapy embraces the power of creativity within a psychotherapeutic relationship in order to enrich the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience.
Margaret Naumburg and Edith Kramer are considered two of the “Mothers of Art Therapy.”
Margaret Naumburg is known for her development of the Walden School, and her focus in art therapy was on the final product. Naumburg’s goal was for folks to create in order to talk about the final work.
Edith Kramer, on the contrary, oriented her therapeutic approach on the process. To Kramer, a professional artist herself, the act of creating was what stimulated and healed the brain. The final outcome is an extra source of gratification.
At Art Equals, our goal is to empower everyone to be an artist, providing community-driven accessible opportunities for creative growth and healing.
We want to join you in this journey as we connect to our creativity, this skill that connects us to our ancestors, our present, and our imagined futures. We are ready to work with you as we explore the process of creating.
What does that look like to you? Maybe, it’s putting a pencil to a scrap of paper and unlocking the pleasure of doodling. Perhaps it’s deciding to be open to learning a new skill like weaving, felting, bookmaking, or painting! Or maybe you haven’t spent time recently dancing, baking, singing, or coding, and it’s time to start again.
Whatever that form your creativity takes, we are here to support you. Feel free to explore our events page for upcoming community opportunities. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for regular encouragement and opportunities! Reach out to us with your ideas, questions, and creativity at info@art-equals.org.