{Coral Springs Museum of Art}
The Coral Springs Museum of Art has launched a new art therapy program designed to provide veterans and teens with stress relief, emotional support, and a sense of community through creative expression.
Art therapy sessions are now being offered on select Fridays through March for the two groups. The small-group sessions are led by board-certified art therapist Alicia Ballestas.
Ballestas said she was drawn to art therapy early in her career as a way to combine creativity with helping people navigate difficult life experiences. She said the museum’s program follows a model that emphasizes both artistic expression and personal connection.
“While a mental health therapist will use words with a patient to express thoughts and emotions, here we are using the process of making art,” Ballestas said. “Sometimes a patient does know how they are feeling; the words just don’t come, but art can really be that pathway for someone to express what they are feeling.”
According to Ballestas, sessions typically begin with a check-in focused on how participants are feeling, followed by activities such as drawing meditations, breathing exercises, and individualized creative projects tailored to each person’s needs and preferences.
“Sometimes you need the physical release through drawing, painting, or other means for the stories to come out naturally,” she said. “I hope the group not only takes away a sense of community, but also a sense of believing in their own creativity and a greater ability to be present in their own lives.”
Museum Director Juliana Forero said she is proud to see the program come to fruition and believes art can play a meaningful role in emotional well-being.
“The simple act of looking at art has been proven to support health and emotional well-being,” Forero said. “We are proud to offer such an important tool for mental wellness here at the museum and look forward to seeing it flourish.”
Art therapy for veterans is offered twice per month and is free of charge. Art therapy for teens is held once per month and costs $5 per session. Registration details are available online.
Program details:
Art Therapy for Veterans
Select Fridays, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Jan. 2, 16; Feb. 6, 20; March 6, 20
Cost: Free
Art Therapy for Teens
Select Fridays, 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Jan. 16; Feb. 20; March 20
Cost: $5 per session
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