Breaking new creative ground, the Coral Springs Museum of Art is launching Art Therapy sessions exclusively for veterans and teens. In an effort to provide a nurturing environment for emotional and stress relief, these sessions are set to unfold on select Fridays through March 2026, offering participants a chance to explore the healing world of art.
Facilitated by Board Certified Art Therapist Alicia Ballestas, the program is tailored to assist individuals going through life's challenges by fostering a blend of creativity and personal connection. "While a mental health therapist will use words with a patient to express thoughts and emotions, here we are using the process of making art," Ballestas shared in a statement obtained by the city's press release. Recognizing that verbal communication isn't always feasible, Ballestas believes art can act as a critical conduit for expression.
Sessions typically kick off with a casual 'how are you feeling?' check-in, followed by a series of activities designed to align with each participant's unique emotional landscape. Ranging from drawing meditations to breathing exercises, the program seeks to enhance both the artistic and communal aspect of its attendees' lives. "I hope the group not only takes away a sense of community, but also a sense of believing in their own creativity and a greater ability to be present in their own lives," commented Ballestas, as per the city's announcement.
Museum Director Juliana Forero stands as a driving force behind this initiative, voicing her pride in the museum's role in promoting mental wellness. "The simple act of looking at art has been proven to support health and emotional wellbeing," Forero told the city's publication. With sessions set for veterans twice a month at no cost, and for teens monthly with a nominal $5 fee, the Coral Springs Museum of Art is poised to become a haven of creative therapy. Full details and registration links can be found on their website.
For those looking to delve into the transformative power of art therapy, sessions for veterans are scheduled on the first and third Fridays of each month, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., with upcoming dates including December 5, 19; January 2, 16; February 6, 20; March 6, 20. Teens can find their creative outlet on the third Friday of each month, from 3:30 to 5 p.m., with scheduled dates of December 19, January 16, February 20, and March 20.
