Art Therapy with Evie Dunville
ART THERAPY PILOT PROGRAM 2021
PLANNED FOR PARRSBORO
Parrsboro Creative is launching an innovative pilot program of art therapy sessions to help people of all ages cope with the stresses of the past year.
Supported by the provincial Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage, Parrsboro Creative is organizing a free public session of art therapy conducted by Halifax registered art therapist Evie Dunville. This session is designed for all ages and will be held at the Fundy Geological Museum’s multi-purpose room on April 10 from 1-3 pm.
It’s the first in a series of free art therapy sessions Parrsboro Creative is organizing. Dunville also will conduct private sessions for youth at the Parrsboro Regional High School and the Cumberland Care Centre for isolated seniors and adults.
“We are so pleased to offer this program for Parrsboro area residents, many of whom - myself included - have been negatively affected by the impact of the coronavirus during the past year,” said Jocelyn Li, Parrsboro Creative’s executive director.
According to the Canadian Art Therapy Association, art therapy combines the creative process and psychotherapy, facilitating self-exploration and understanding. Using imagery, colour and shape as part of this creative therapeutic process, thoughts and feelings can be expressed that would otherwise be difficult to articulate.
Art therapists use the process of self-expression and the resulting artwork to help people understand their emotional conflicts, develop social skills, improve self-esteem, manage addictions, reduce anxiety, and restore normal function to their lives. Techniques used can include drawing, painting, colouring, sculpting or collage. As clients create art, they may analyze what they’ve made and how it makes them feel. Through exploring their art, people can look for themes and conflicts that may be affecting their thoughts, emotions and behaviours.
People do not need artistic ability or special talent to participate in art therapy and all ages, including children, teens and adults, can benefit from it. Some research suggests that just the presence of art can play a part in boosting mental health.
“It fosters resiliency and allows us to become introspective and constructive during times of stress and crisis. By utilizing creative processes with the facilitation of an art therapist, it can help bring balance to our mental health. I mean, all aspects of our mental health can be positively affected, including our mood, outlook and experience,” said Li.
Dunville completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology and English at Mount Saint Vincent University in 2004. She completed a BFA in Jewellery Design and Metalsmithing from NSCAD University in 2010 before earning certification as an Art Therapist from the Kutenai Art Therapy Institute in 2016.
“I believe in creating a sustainable and accessible environment for creativity and wellness to flourish,” she said. “I often intertwine the written word with art, creating a body of work wherein the form is either emphasized or accentuated by prose and inspired by nature. This intentional approach permeates my sessions, meeting each new individual with respect, faith and acceptance.”
For more information and to register, contact Jocelyn Li at 902-728-2007 or at director@parrsborocreative.com.
