Opportunities for People With Disabilities, Southeastern Massachusetts

Successes

Seven members of the Cape Cod Life Skills program hosted an art exhibit of their work at the Cape Cod Conservatory during December.  It was the culmination of a ten-week art therapy program, held at the Cape Cod Conservatory.  Each week, the students were introduced to a different theme such as imagery of the season, famous artists or personal life reflections.  A variety of materials were introduced to enhance the creative process and at the end of each session, the students shared their art and their experiences with the group.

Anne Hitch of the Cape Cod Conservatory staff, who facilitated the sessions says, "It was a wonderful experience for all of us."  It exemplified what the American Art Therapy Association believes is a "healing and life-enhancing experience.  Through creating and talking about art with an art therapist, one can increase awareness of self, cope with symptoms, stress and traumatic experiences, increase cognitive abilities and enjoy the life-affirming pleasures of artistic creativity."  The wonderful variety and quality of art exhibited at the Conservatory by these program members reinforces that perspective.