Segments taken from The Healing Arts Blog – June 15, 2010 by Cathy Malchiodi, PhD, LPCC, LPAT
Issue 8 September 2010
Releasing the Creative Power of
People with Disabilities Since 2002
Since 2002FOR A SECURE FUTURE.
Arts
Unbound
Visual Journaling
Visual journals are essentially "art diaries." benefits, too. According to Elizabeth
They often contain both images [usually Warson, professor at George Washington
drawings] and words. Like an actual diary, University’s art therapy program, the
their contents may be rough drafts that may regular practice of creating via an art
later become finished artworks. And like an journal can reduce your heart rate, increase
actual diary, they are meant to document day- serotonin flow and immune cells, and
to-day experiences, activities, and emotions decrease stress responses.
and are often autobiographical in nature. Visual journaling is a very cool art therapy
Although they are defined as an art form, intervention because there are so many
visual journals have been used for centuries as ways to approach it. You could create a
records of ideas and imagination. Da Vinci's visual journal composed of daily mandala Visit: www.visualjournaling.com/sketchbooks.html
drawing journals of flying machines and drawings. Or try making collage journal of
physicist Stephen Hawking's diagrams of the words cut from magazines and print
space-time continuum are just a couple of well- materials or mix photo collage with writing, In fact, old hard cover books found to play with ideas, to contain
known examples. paint, and other materials in a sketchbook. in the dollar bin are some of the emotions and life's dramas,
Most art therapists recommend visual Over the last decade, visual journaling has best for use as future altered and to serve as a source of
journaling as a way of exploring feelings and taken off in some interesting directions. For books. If you decide to take up self-care.
experiences over time. In fact, the importance example, "altered books" are visual journals visual journaling, try to make it a
of noting how artistic expressions change from that involve taking actual books and habit. Just like any wellness
week to week and month to month is one of the changing [altering] them in a variety of practice, a visual journal is more
basic tenets of art therapy; a single image or art ways. Anything goes-- you can draw, paint, powerful if you make it a regular Taken from The Healing
work is, in reality, just a snapshot of the collage, over-write, or even destroy pages part of your life or routine. Find a Arts Blog – June 15,
moment. As you continue to create via a as a form of artistic self-expression. So time when you devote your 2010 by Cathy
journal, your own visual language naturally rather than working with a sketchbook or complete attention to it and use it Malchiodi, PhD, LPCC,
emerges and evolves over time. There are some journal with blank white pages, the nature as a meditative retreat, letting out LPAT
indications that drawing in a visual journal, of the book itself provides a stimulus for whatever comes to mind in images
even for a few minutes a day, has some health creative journaling. and words. Visual journals are
th
Monday, October 4 -
EVENTS
th th nd
Monday, Sept 13 through Friday September 17 through end of November Friday, October 22
Wednesday, Sept 29th
Exhibit featuring the work of Arts Unbound artists will Exhibit of work by artists
The Arts Unbound Gallery located be on display at the Parlor Hair Studio in Montclair with developmental
at 544 Freeman Street in Orange, (223 Glenridge Ave; 973 746 1182) disabilities, sponsored by
NJ will resume operations with A reception honoring the artists will take place on the NJ Council on
artwork by gallery artists. Sunday, November 14th from 3 – 5 PM. Developmental
Open to the public. Refreshments served. Disabilities. AU Gallery
“Second Annual Youth Exhibit"
September 2010 ● Volume 1, Issue 8 ● Arts Unbound ● 973-675-ARTS (2787)
Saturday, May 1st - Friday, May
th
Arts Unbound is thankful to its
recent foundation supporters!
We are continuing to grow and fulfill our
mission thanks to the following Funders:
their work in craft fairs
JP Morgan Chase NJ Council on statewide, the building of an
Foundation- Providing Developmental online Etsy store and the
support for a second year Disabilities- Providing conducting of several
to assist AU in reaching funding for a third and internship programs in the
out to local artists with final year that supports visual arts for persons with
disabilities, teaching sustainable retail disabilities. Carolynne Kelly, an Arts Unbound
classes in the visual arts to initiatives for artists with volunteer and a senior at Columbia High
School, attended a rigorous portfolio
youth in the city of developmental disabilities development class this summer. Her
Orange and extending the including the sale of We are thankful to the above artwork was featured in an art exhibit in
Arts Unbound gallery to greeting cards, fine art and Funding Sources as well as to Orange, NJ this past August.
the local community. craft and part time our other ongoing supporters
employment. who believe in the Arts
United Way of Greater Unbound mission to empower
Union County- Providing NJ Department of students and artists with
support for a fourth year Labor, Division of mental, physical and
to teach classes in the Vocational developmental disabilities by
visual arts to residents of Rehabilitation (SEED creating learning
Union County (with Grant)- Federal stimulus opportunities and earnings
emphasis on Summit, dollars that will create potential in the visual arts.
Berkeley Heights and sustainable and increased
New Providence). earnings opportunities for
artists with disabilities at
NJ State Council on the Arts Unbound. The grant
Arts – General Operating will be focused on
Support that will help individuals who are DVR
sustain the organization’s eligible and will include
visual arts classes and funding for an offsite
retail programs statewide. retail store during the
upcoming holiday season,
support for artists selling
Are there any readers who are comics?
We are looking for an article for an upcoming issue that is original,
arts related and funny. It can be a personal story, a work of fiction
or some general arts related tips or suggestions that have a New Studio and Gallery
Hours: Monday through
humorous content. The language should be family friendly and the Friday, 10 AM – 3 PM or by
length of the article should run approximately 750 words. Please appointment. Special events
send submissions to
[email protected]. The writer of the in the gallery will be
winning piece will receive $50 and the article will be included in announced and are listed on
the events page of the Arts
either our October or November issue. Start your typing! Unbound website at
www.artsunbound.org
September 2010 ● Volume 1, Issue 8 ● Arts Unbound ● 973-675-ARTS (2787)
Board of Directors:
BE A DONOR… MORE EVENTS COMING
Mary Jo Codey, Former BE AN INSTRUCTOR… Additional exhibits in October and
First Lady, State of NJ, November will be announced in our
Honorary Chairperson BE A VOLUNTEER… October newsletter including an exhibit of
artwork by artists on the autism spectrum
Harold Garwin, President ∙ Please help…
featured at Caldwell College, as well as the
Catherine Lazen, Founder ∙ first national juried show hosted by Arts
Jim Ferruggiaro ∙ Robert Because artists with disabilities want us.
Unbound in our gallery titled, What Love?
O’Brien ∙ Lorie Safin . Lorne Because, as Amy Charmatz says,
Hargis ∙ Ann Marie Gotti- “Art Saves Lives”
Roberts ∙ Allen Shefts ∙ Sean
Bradley ∙ John Ratkowitz ∙ Visit www.artsunbound.org Classes in the Visual Arts
Michele Dushkin and Gail for more information
Levinson, Executive Interested in forming your own small
Director group class in the visual arts?
Give us a call:
Who we are… (973) 675 2787
542 / 544 Freeman Street
Orange, NJ Arts Unbound is a non-profit organization
Call us: dedicated to the artistic achievement of youth,
Did you know that we are always looking
973-675-ARTS (2787) adults and senior citizens with disabilities. for new and exciting artists to feature in our
gallery and in Annual
“Second exhibits around the state? If
Youth Exhibit"
Fax us: Through our professional classes in the visual
Saturday,
you are anMay 1st(youth
artist - Friday, May 28
or adult) orth
arts and exhibitions in our gallery and Sponsored by Mrs. Beatrice Sabin
973-678-4408 emerging artist with a mental, physical or
Opening reception Saturday, May 1st 1- 5
developmental disability,
PM
visit our website
[email protected] throughout the state of NJ, we are committed
for exhibit
The a special
willform where
feature theyou can submit
creative talents
to unleashing the artistic expression of persons of young
your artists
artwork forwith disabilities
consideration.
living with developmental disabilities, mental
“ A Community of Art”
illness and physical challenges. Come learn Saturday, June 5th – Wednesday, June 26th
Opening reception June 5th 1 – 5 PM
more about us and join us either as a student,
Releasing the Creative A special collaboration between Arts
Unbound and Valley Arts
E-Mail: artist, instructor, donor or volunteer.
Power of People exploring the diverse, local talent in our
communities
AU on Facebook: www.facebook.com
[email protected] with Disabilities Search: Arts Unbound
Web Site: We are eager to have you join our family!
Since 2002 AU on Twitter:
www.artsunbound.org www.twitter.com/artsunbound
ARTS UNBOUND
542/ 544 Freeman St.
Orange, NJ
