ArtSpeak Overview

ArtSpeak is a one-of-a-kind expressive art program developed and offered at Community Partnerships. ArtSpeak was designed for youth who struggle with mental illness and behavioral challenges, and who oftentimes don’t benefit from traditional mental health interventions. This program provides an alternative option of expression through art and art-making.

ArtSpeak Programming focuses on expressive arts, using fine arts techniques to facilitate self-expression. The working philosophy of the program is that everyone is an artist. Youth are encouraged to be creative and give voice to their artistic self without judgment or criticism from others. They are instructed to turn off their inner critic and freely use art materials in their own unique styles. An expressive arts facilitator, along with student interns, plan and implement all groups offered through ArtSpeak. Toward the end of each session, each participant is given the opportunity to share with the group, showing his/her art and speaking about the piece.

For more information on Community Partnerships' ArtSpeak program, or to request an ArtSpeak Group Schedule, please contact Kay DeWaide at kay.dewaide@commpart.org or (608) 250-6634, ext. 124.

This project is supported by the Madison Rotary Foundation, and the Dane County Cultural Affairs Commission with additional funds from the American Girl's Fund for Children, the Overture Foundation, and Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation.

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