Julie, tell us more about Art Studio Buffet!
I call my studio Art Buffet because art is food for our souls. I keep a variety of mixed media on the buffet which is all housed in serving pieces and we use plates for paint palettes. Saturday sessions from 10:30-12:30 (all ages) are an open studio format where attendees can choose whatever they want to work on. Some produce multiple pieces in one session, some work on a piece for several sessions. Some come every week that I am there, others come when they can. I also offer groups and individual sessions which are scheduled outside of the Saturday session.
What do you enjoy most about being a tenant at the NACC?
What inspired you to pursue a career in art therapy?
I completed my BS in Psych/Eng. Psychology interested me, but seemed a bit “dry”. I decided that being an art teacher was the way to go. I had zero art credits, so started taking art classes at Buffalo State to meet the undergrad credit requirement before I could get my masters in art education. From the first time I looked at the class lists, there was an Intro to Art Therapy class that caught my eye, but I could never work it into my schedule. When I was in my last semester, I finally was able to take the class. Day one I knew that was going to be my path. The following semester, instead of starting art education master classes, I was starting my Art therapy Masters program at Nazareth college in Rochester.
How would you describe the role of art in healing and wellness?
Creating art is a cathartic experience that leaves tangible evidence in a visual language of feeling expressed. There is no other mode that does all of that!
What does a typical session look like for you and your clients?
Saturday morning session is 2 hours ($25 per person). Individual sessions are one hour (25$). Private groups are either 2(25$ per person) or 3(35$ per person) hours. Some attendees bring things that they would like to work on. Some will use the supplies offered (wide and varied!). Some have an idea of what they want to do or supplies they want to work with, others have no clue. I am there to guide and support in order to make sure that each person leaves with something they are proud of. Private groups can be open studio format, or have a specific project or theme with directives.
How do you tailor your approach for different populations or needs?
That is the delightfully creative piece to making art. Finding ways for each person to accomplish the expression or exploration that they had in mind, or didn’t know they needed to express, and what develops along the way!
Why is creative expression especially important in today’s world?
Absolutely everywhere in the world, we are told, shown, and shamed into what the world wants us to be. When you walk through the door of Art Buffet, we leave that outside. It is all about finding who you are, expressing self and knowing that there is no wrong answer!
How do you define “success” in your practice?
Success is when a client finds meaning in their work. Value in their expression. A smile, a nod, or when they say “Yes, that’s what my feelings look like”. Or, even better, when they say “Wow, that’s what my feelings look like?”. It is a learning process. Every mark made is there for a reason. The brave will go within and find out why the marks are there. I honor and support this process.
What do you wish more people understood about art therapy?
That EVERYONE can benefit in exploring their own visual language. It is not about skill. It is about letting yourself explore with the materials.
Why is it important to have accessible mental health and creative services in spaces like the NACC?
There is no waiting list. You don’t need a referral or a prescription. Insurance doesn’t cover Art Therapy because not enough people can make money from the service, only the client benefits. Furthermore, clients are learning life long tools for coping and managing mental health.
How can community members engage with art therapy if they’re new to it?
Contact me, call 716-909-9359 (if I don’t answer, I’m probably in session, leave a message) or text, we will schedule a session! Or drop in on a Saturday and visit Art Buffet 10:30-12:30.
What’s coming up next for you (workshops, programs, events)?
I will be at a table at the NACC Health Fair June 6, 11am-2pm
How can people connect with you or learn more?
