Saturday, December 3rd

I had a WONDERFUL Saturday with Arts and Scraps!! Was it my final event with Arts and Scraps?... probably not! I plan to continue to work with them at children's events, it is a lot of fun!

The first event was at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Max Fisher building. I had to pleasure of working with another volunteer who was an old classmate of mine, and running into one of my friends. It was a Christmas event for children that included face painting, prizes, discovery learning of different instruments (tuba horn blowing), and of course making reindeer headbands out of recycled materials with Arts and Scraps. We had all types of ribbons, pipe-cleaners in different colors, and other fluffly materials...etc. I decided to make a reindeer head band as an example, and I loved how creatively comes through so spontaneously! All of sudden children and parents were coming in droves! Parents and children were working together to create thier headbands. It was a very nice experience. One thing that always suprises me is that every event has different materials to create. Some are the same, but some are different, which makes it more anticipating.

The second event was at Midtown's Noel Night. I was volunteering with Arts and Scraps at the Detroit Public Library. Again, having children and parents make reindeer headbands in light of the Christmas season. Parents were even excited that they even made their own headbands. :-)
The experience was very enjoyable. Even though my experiences do not fully relate to art therapy's goals, I believe it relates in a way where children are given the opportunity to become independent innovators of their own projects. The art projects gives them a sense of control, confidence, and creativity over various materials. At first when children see the materials to make a project, and they are a little apprehensive. But when they are given guidance it allows them to flourish. I believe this is art therapy because it is the creative process that helps them tremendously.