New 'Healing Through Art' Workshops Offer Therapeutic and Creative Benefits

A new creative workshop series at the Price Center is the dream of local artist and army vet Sarah McFadden who wants to bring healing to struggling individuals through a series of simple and meaningful weekly art sessions open to anyone at any skill level. Healing through Art is a new, free program that will begin on Wednesday, July 9, from 6-8 p.m.

McFadden has a background in sculpture and drawing. She has an interest in the connection between creativity, memory, and mental wellness. She believes art is the most powerful when it is personal. Whether that means telling your own story or simply creating something that feels right in the moment. McFadden believes there is no one right way to make art. To her, the process is about doing what feels meaningful to you, for where you are now and where you hope to be. 

Here's an example of a Personal Memory Map done in watercolors by Naomi Bulger.

Each session will feature a simple and approachable art project designed to teach creative skills and provide the participant with a deeper lesson and meaningful connections.

For example, in the first session, participants will be making Personal Memory Maps. This is a creative memory recall exercise where you draw or collage a simple “map” of meaningful places or events in your life. Research shows that drawing and sketching can enhance memory for past personal experiences through context reinstatement effects.

“I’ve always found it easier to express myself visually rather than with words,” said McFadden. “This class is about using that kind of visual storytelling to reconnect with meaningful moments and places in our lives. It’s not about being ‘good’ at art. It’s about remembering, reflecting, and healing,” she adds.

Recommended Supplies for the first session include: large newsprint paper, colored pencils, markers, stickers, magazines for collage, glue sticks, scissors. Participants will also have access to the Center’s Free Community Art Supply Closet.

Projects McFadden has mapped out for future workshops include Visible Mending, Articulated Paper Dolls, Felt Creations, and Intro to Assemblage Art.

Each Healing Through Art workshop is free and open to anyone. Seating is limited to 10, and each session includes a suggested supply list. Pre-registration is recommended. Email McFadden at sarah.mcfadden.art@gmail.com directly for more information or to reserve your spot.

The Price Center is 501 (c) 3 non-profit community arts, cultural, and event center open 7 days a week for private rentals and open to the public Wednesday through Friday, noon-5, and Saturday 10-3. For more information, please call 512-392-2900, stop by the Center at 222 W. San Antonio St., or visit price-center.org or Facebook @ Price Center & Garden.