This presentation showcases a powerful collaboration between KATI and The Salvation Army. It reveals the healing that can manifest when diverse, vulnerable, marginalized populations work together in an open art therapy environment and how the program has met needs that had been previously unmet in the community. It explores the therapeutic approach of the studio and examines how participants are developing their artistic identities, inner-resilience, and self-worth, as well as fostering community, belonging, connection, calmness, and joy.
Kate Leppard is an art therapy clinician and KATI faculty member, who works with marginalised people and their families to create a sense of belonging, heal traumas and transform lives through art-making. She believes that art therapy is one of the most potent tools for humanity to create social change.
Randi Martin is a recent graduate from the Kutenai Art Therapy Institute where she gained experience interning with a variety of populations through her clinical placement work, but found a special appreciation for adult mental health and positive art therapy in the Bright Lights program.