By Debra Barnhart | Like many visual art centers in metro Atlanta, Kudzu Art Zone in Norcross, a non-profit gallery and art center, offers a variety of art classes. But not many art centers offer classes led by an instructor trained in art therapy.
Beginning Wednesday, January 20, Chelsea Elliott Harris will lead two art therapy classes: a teen session from 4:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., and an adult session from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. These classes will meet once a week for four weeks. Ms. Harris holds a Master of Science degree in Art Therapy from Florida State University.
Trained in both art and psychology, art therapists use art media to help people explore their feelings. Ms. Harris’s class at Kudzu Art Zone is open to all who are looking for relaxation and a better insight into how creative endeavors can lead to self-understanding. The class will focus on the creative journey of discovery rather than the end product, but producing a beautiful artwork can certainly be a bonus.
Ms Harris knew early in life that she wanted to help people. Her father ran a homeless shelter. “I witnessed how my father was able to make such a positive impact on peoples’ lives, says Ms. Harris. ” I wanted to spend my life helping others as well.”
Ms Harris decided to combine her desire to help others with her passion for art when she was an undergraduate at the University of Georgia. “I’m a creative person who sees the world through a paintbrush,” she says. In her sophomore year of college Ms. Harris took a drawing class in which the students participated in an art therapy project. “Finally, I felt like I had found my niche, using art to help others!”
Kudzu Art Zone will offer 15 art classes and workshops during the first half of 2016. Classes are available for both the novice and the experienced visual artist and cover a variety of media including oil, acrylic and watercolor painting, and drawing. A four-day workshop by the notable artist, Mark Mehaffey (February 15 through 18, 2016) and a class in Art Journaling are also part of the line-up. Those interested in classes can visit www.kudzuartzone.org for more information.
Headquartered in Norcross, Georgia, Kudzu Art Zone, Inc., is a non-profit organization established in 2006. It is dedicated to serving Georgia artists and promoting the visual arts.
- For more information, visit www.kudzuartzone.org.
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