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Art Therapy

The Cancer Center's Art Therapy program provides a therapeutic outlet for patients and their families, helping them explore and express feelings that can be difficult to put into words. For centuries, art has served as a healing tool, and has been proven to assist in pain management and to reduce stress. A credentialed art therapist guides participants through the art experience. From drawing and painting to sculpture and weaving, those faced with cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery find that they increase their self awareness and build positive coping skills.

In the Fall, 2007 issues of Thrive, a cancer center patient described her experience with art therapy. Read about it.

Art therapy is available at no charge in individual, family and group settings to any interested patient or family member, and the Cancer Center provides not only the know-how and guidance (no previous art experience is necessary), but the materials as well.

The Art Therapy Program offers two workshops: Art for fun and Learn to Weave

Art Therapy Workshops: Art for Fun

Local artists introduce their art technique to adult cancer patients in these workshops. Participants experience a creative activity, have fun, meet new people and develop a piece of artwork.

This workshop is held monthly on the 2nd Wednesday from 4:00 to 6 p.m. in the Patient Family Center Classroom, in the Cancer Center. Class size in limited, and time is subject to change, so please call 734-615-4012 to register.

Schedule

May 14, 2008 - SILK SCARF PAINTING WORKSHOP: IMPRESSIONS OF NATURE
Join us in painting on silk fabric using water soluble dyes that are heat set with an iron to preserve the image. The vibrant colors of the dye-na-flow dyes and the soft texture of the silk combine with the loose expressive watercolor- like painting technique to create a variety of styles and designs: geometric, abstract, patterns, figures, nature, in bold colors or soft pastels. We will be using as our inspiration for design: scenes, colors and impressions of nature.

June 11, 2008 - Creating Handmade Books

July 9, 2008 - Photograph Art Collage

August 13, 2008 - Mandalas

Please note:
The 'Art for Fun Workshops' are a collaboration of the Art Therapy Program and the Zoe Foundation for Infusion Art Therapy. Workshops are generously funded and facilitated by the Zoe Foundation for Infusion Art Therapy. For further program information, visit www.thezoefoundation.org.

Art Therapy Workshops: Learn to Weave!

Mondays and Wednesdays
10am to Noon
U-M Cancer Center, Level B1, Outpatient Pharmacy Waiting Area

Please join local weavers Marion Marzolf and Georgia Gleason as they share their expertise with Cancer Center patients and families. Anyone is welcome to try the weaving.


Contact Margaret Nowak at (734) 615-7288 or via e-mail at mrnowak@med.umich.edu for more information on workshop schedules or participating in individual or family therapy.


updated 5/08

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Speak with a Cancer nurse: 1-800-865-1125
Contact Margaret Nowak at (734) 615-7288 or via e-mail at mrnowak@med.umich.edu for more information on workshop schedules or participating in individual or family therapy.

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University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center
1500 East Medical Center Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48109

This site is part of the U-M Health System. The information presented is not a tool for self diagnosis or a substitute for professional care. © 2008 U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center