All Scheduled Dates
There will be an information session Wednesday 9/10 from 1:00pm-2:00pm
This course will meet on the following Wednesdays from 10:00am-12:00pm:
- October 29
- November 5
- November 12
- November 19
- December 3
Course Length
10 hours over 5 weeks
Course Type
Multi-Session, Cohort-Based
QUESTIONS?
If you are having trouble opening the application link or have any other questions regarding this course, please email us at [email protected].
ATTENDANCE POLICY
We expect participants in the Academy's cohort-based courses to attend all course sessions. Each course session will build on the prior weeks. Attending and contributing consistently will enrich your experience and that of your peers.
Participants who attend all sessions and present during the last session will receive a certificate of completion. Those who miss no more than one session may receive a certificate of completion, at the Academy's discretion.
Connecting Through Art and Creative Expression
Tools to Support Children and Young People Impacted by Violence
DESCRIPTION
Creating art is a powerful nonverbal way to support children and young people who have experienced or witnessed violence or abuse in their homes, families, or communities. The pain and trauma of these experiences can impact children and young people in many ways, including making it difficult for them to express themselves using verbal language.
Art can be a guiding resource to build rapport, trust, and psychological safety in relationships with children and young people. It offers young people ways to express themselves and their needs; invites creativity; soothes physiological responses to stress; and builds confidence and connection. It is a universal language that everyone has access to.
Connecting Through Art and Creative Expression is a five-session course that will equip learners to engage young people and develop supportive relationships with them through art-based experiences. This course is centered in trauma-informed theory and practices and is taught by licensed creative arts therapists. Each week, participants will explore a different kind of art material and experience the benefits those materials can offer.
Participants will be guided to apply these techniques between course sessions and learn how to facilitate within their own scope of practice at their organization. In the final week, each participant will present on their experience of using art and creative expression with children and young people impacted by violence.
Learners who are admitted to this course will be provided with a package of art supplies by the Academy.
This course is a pre-requisite to an advanced skills-building course offered in 2026.
WHAT TO EXPECT
This is a virtual course that will be held on Zoom. Course sessions will include didactic instruction and significant time for learning and experimenting with art materials.
Each weekly workshop will include:
- Presentation by the course instructors
- Guided art experience with the week’s art materials
- Debriefing the art experience
- Practice and guidance to apply and integrate the art experience in your work with young people
This course will be highly interactive, with time for questions throughout. In order to build community, we strongly encourage participants to join and stay on camera.
Participants will need a computer with Zoom capability and a camera, as well as a private, quiet space to join the weekly workshops from.
Course capacity is limited to 30 learners to support meaningful interactions among learners and instructors, including time for questions, reflection, and skills practice.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Participants will:
- Learn foundations of trauma-informed theory and practice
- Understand the significant ways art can support nonverbal expression
- Experience different art materials and art techniques, and develop comfort with the creative process
- Learn when and how each art material can be appropriate and beneficial, along with its limitations
- Learn art tools and techniques to use with children and young people who are impacted by violence
- Practice applying art tools and techniques in your work and debrief the experience with peers and instructors
- Recognize signs that a child or young person may need further assessment, support, or clinical care
COURSE OUTLINE
Description
In the first session, we will introduce the expressive therapies continuum and explore how trauma informed theory relates to creating art and nonverbal expression. You will gain hands-on familiarity with the use of drawing materials through two drawing experientials.
This session will include a presentation, group discussion and the use of pencils, markers, chalk pastels and oil pastels. We will discuss ways to adapt the materials to meet the needs of children at different ages.
Objectives
- Identify art materials on a continuum
- Understand the impact trauma has on the brain, and why art is a powerful tool for communication
Description
In the second session, we will introduce the use of different textile materials through a presentation and group discussion. You will explore various forms of textiles, including collage, wire, felt and found objects. We will uncover ways to assemble and connect materials through an experiential exploring symbols and containment.
Objectives
- Identify and use found objects as a form of art creation
- Know how to engage children through the use of textile materials and metaphor
Description
In the third session, we will introduce the use and types of clay through a presentation and group discussion. You will explore model magic and air-dry clay through two experientials. We will explore ways to adapt the materials to meet the needs of children at different ages.
Objectives
- Distinguish between model magic and air-dry clay and apply two techniques
- Understand the different qualities of clay and how they may impact children differently
Description
In the fourth session, we will introduce the use of fluid materials (e.g. paint, watercolor) through a presentation, group discussion, and use of watercolor and paint sticks. We will engage with the materials through an experiential that is adaptable to a wide range of children’s needs and ages.
Objectives
- Adapt one painting activity to use with children exposed to violence
- Know the impact that various paint qualities can have on children
Description
During the last session, learners will present how they have applied and implemented art techniques and skills learned throughout the course. Each learner will have an allotted time to share their experience in using an art material and/or art technique with a child or young person they serve.
Course instructors will provide additional guidance to prepare for these presentations during the course.
Objectives
- Demonstrate a level of competency with the use of various materials
- Gain insight through peer presentations and giving and receiving feedback on the integration and application of art techniques
ELIGIBILITY
This course is for staff of NYC nonprofit community-based organizations or government agencies who deliver social services in New York City, and:
- Deliver services to children or young people who have been impacted by violence.
- “Impacted by violence” includes youth who have experienced, witnessed, or been affected by any kind of violence. This may include, but is not necessarily limited to: mass or community violence, domestic or intimate partner violence, losses due to violence, bullying, or threats of violence.
- Would like to introduce structured art and play activities into your work with children and young people.
- Commit to attending at least 4/5 course sessions.
- Have received supervisor approval to attend all course sessions and use art strategies from this course in your work with children or young people.
This course does not require a degree or licensure. No prior art-making experience is needed.
HOW TO APPLY
We encourage those interested in applying to attend the information session on Wednesday, September 10 from 1:00pm-2:00pm (click here to register). Applications will open on 9/10.
Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions.
