Art

Art therapy is an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience.

When facilitated by a professional art therapist, art therapy effectively supports personal and relational treatment goals, as well as community concerns. It is used to improve cognitive and sensorimotor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change.

When facilitated by a professional art therapist, art therapy effectively supports personal and relational treatment goals. It is used to improve cognitive and sensorimotor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight and enhance social skills.

Download a pdf of the full Art Creative Expression Toolkit. You can also download individual sheets by clicking on each box.

Art Toolkit - Fall Tree

This project can be adapted for a wide range of ages. There is room for adjusting and variation based on age, ability and desire to use messier art supplies.

Art Toolkit - Magic Painting

This simple activity can be fun for a wide range of ages. Young children who are only scribbling can still get enjoyment out of seeing their scribbling appear after painting over it. An option is to have someone older draw something as a “surprise” and then have the children paint over it to reveal what it is.

Art Toolkit - Thankful Turkey

This project is good for a family activity; a class or group/ team activity. It encourages discussion of what we have to be thankful for, so it is helpful with feelings and emotions. Creating the turkey also can be done individually (as preferred) and each person can present or share their individual turkey. To make this a longer-lasting project, make it a work-inprogress; add more feathers each day or each week.

Art Toolkit - Spring Flowers

This fun activity promotes self-expression, following directions and freedom of choice.

Art Toolkit - Yarn-Wrapped Bee

This fun activity promotes fine motor skills, following directions and freedom of choice.

Art Toolkit - Contact Paper Kites

This fun activity promotes self-expression, fine motor skills and freedom of choice.

Art Toolkit - Aluminum Foil Butterfly

This fun activity promotes self-expression, fi ne motor skills and freedom of choice.

Art Toolkit - Melted Crayon Sun Catchers

These Melted Crayon Sun Catchers are a perfect activity for kids of all ages! This fun activity promotes selfexpression, fine motor skills, and following directions.

Art Toolkit - Winter Birch Trees

This Winter Birch Trees project uses tape to block off the tree shapes, and watercolor paint and salt to make the textured midnight sky. This activity encourages self-expression, as well as following directions.

Art Toolkit - Paint Stick Snowmen

This simple, winter-themed craft project is made from easy-to-find materials. The activity encourages following directions, as well as increasing fine motor skills.

Art Toolkit - Footprint Penguins

Create an adorable piece of wall art using the whole family’s feet! This activity will promote bonding with family and loved ones, while creating a piece of artwork together.

Art Toolkit - Puffy Snowflake Paintings

These Puffy Snowflake Paintings are a fun, simple and quick project to create with only 30 seconds drying time! This activity will promote fine motor and dexterity skills.

For more information on Art Therapy, please visit www.arttherapy.org or contact Betsy Hawley at betsy@ppcc-pa.org

‍Note: When utilizing any of the art activities available in the Creative Expressions Toolkit, please be advised that these resources do not take the place of actual Art Therapy interventions. These resources were developed by an Art Therapist to promote developmentally appropriate activities for children with chronic illness in the home and community settings utilizing art materials. If you have any questions about these activities, please contact your child’s health care provider.

384 Fox Chapel Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238 | Contact Betsy Hawley at: betsy@ppcc-pa.org

PPCC is not a health care provider and does not give medical advice or treatment. PPCC does not endorse or recommend any listed facilities, service providers, or support groups herein. PPCC offers the list and information as a resource only. PPCC does not pre-evaluate, or consider the Medicare/Medicaid status of the providers.

The Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition is a registered 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization. Donations are tax-deductible according to the IRS’s rules and regulations. The official registration and financial information for PPCC may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free within Pennsylvania 1-800-732-0999.