Art Therapy
Art Therapy is a human services profession focused on helping others through the use of art. Alverno’s Art Therapy major integrates the theory and practice of art, psychology and education with an emphasis on technique and practical applications to form the basis of competency in the professional field of Art Therapy. Graduates are fully prepared to work with groups and individuals in rehabilitative settings, community wellness programs, as therapists on teams in various institutional/educational and agency settings in helping people develop skills, find creative solutions to problems, or learn more about themselves or to continue on to graduate programs in the field. Would you like to learn more about the program? Click here to learn more about Alverno's art majors. This site has been designed and is maintained by Art faculty.
Through integrating the theory and practice of art, psychology, adaptation and education you will learn the foundational skills necessary to assist others in developing their own relationship with art, art making and their creative self. As an Art Therapy major you will complete a succession of placements working with people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. By identifying their needs, preferences and motivations, you will design therapeutic art experiences focusing on positive results that help participants meet their goals and make connections through the creative process.
Alverno maintains ties with more that 60 agencies, organizations and schools to provide a wide range of field experiences and opportunities for hands on participation in a variety of community workshops. These field experiences and workshops connect you with art expression as part of a community while expanding your learning in the areas of culture, collaborative art making, educational facilitation, event planning, funding, marketing, context based research and the implementation of art programs to diverse communities.
CREDENTIALING IN ART THERAPY
Credentialing requirements in Art Therapy vary from state to state. In Wisconsin, Art Therapists are not required to be credentialed to work as Art Therapists. For entry level human services positions, the BA in Art Therapy is an appropriate level of preparation to work as an Art Therapist.In Wisconsin, the traditional credential in Art Therapy (ATR [ Art Therapist, Registered]) awarded by the Art Therapy Credentials Board combines with a national board certification exam (BC) to represent an advanced level of professional competence. This credential, ATR-BC, combined with post-Master’s degree supervised hours, can prepare Art Therapists for access to work as psychotherapy providers.
ALVERNO’S ART PROGRAMS
Alverno offers art majors within a liberal arts college context: Art Education, Art Education/Art Therapy, Art Therapy, and Studio Art. All share foundations in art making, design, and the history of art because your artistic ability is at the core of any arts career. Each major emphasizes the use of art in different ways.
Alverno’s art program fosters your ability to create, present and clearly communicate your understanding of the art-making process. No matter which direction you choose, Alverno’s art faculty will help you shape your career from your very first semester. And because of the college’s unique ability-based curriculum, your arts education will be well integrated with a broad range of studies to help you build the sophisticated communication, problem-solving and analytic abilities that today’s contemporary art world requires for success!
From studios/classrooms in ceramics, metals, fibers, sculpture, printmaking, digital art, painting and drawing to the Art & Cultures Gallery, you will be able to create and exhibit art, meet other artists and view contemporary arts in several exhibitions per season. Each year you can exhibit your work, both on- and off-campus, with an opportunity to showcase your work your senior year. There also are options to travel nationally and internationally to see important works of art and experience different cultural perspectives. The college’s innovative assessment process allows you to demonstrate how well you have integrated your art making skills with your liberal arts education in preparation for your art career.
Your Next Step
To find out more about Alverno's Art Education / Art Therapy program, contact the Alverno Admissions office. An Admissions Counselor can answer your questions about the program, admissions, credit transfers and financial aid. Call 414-382-6100, toll-free 800-933-3401 or e-mail Admissions.
