In Lowell, a multi-site celebration of expressive arts therapy
October 21, 2009
The city of Lowell, Mass. this fall plays host to a series of shows and performances stemming from Lesley University’s landmark Expressive Therapies program.
Jean Winslow, Neurotic Styles: Paranoid
Dubbed The Art of Healing, the events will be anchored by an exhibition of work by nine psychotherapists, including event organizer Jean Winslow, two other Lesley alumni and Expressive Therapies program founder Shaun McNiff.
The Art of Healing is meant to show how creative arts can encourage healing and build connections in communities, Winslow, an ‘81 Lesley grad, said. A gallery show entitled Strong at the Broken Places: Healing Art, for example, includes work by homeless shelter residents, elderly Cambodian women, addicts and recovering addicts, young single parents, hospice volunteers and other people who have benefited from participation in expressive art therapy.
“What goes on at the exhibits is really quite magical,” Winslow said. “People have a way of seeing themselves in the world and being in that group and getting some feedback. They come out from behind the shadows.”
McNiff, who will give a Nov. 5 artist talk as part of The Art of Healing, said the program is an excellent means of bringing Lesley’s work with expressive arts therapy into the Lowell community.
Helen Shulman, Red Shift
“What appears to be totally unique about this is the relationship with Lowell,” McNiff said. “This is the application of things that are going on through the world - the whole arts and healing movement - and bringing them to focus on a particular community.”
Lesley alum Dicki Johnson Macy’s Rainbowdance program is also participating. The Art of Healing began last Friday with a performance from True Story Theater. All events are free with the exception of two workshop/performances.
Winslow, a psychotherapist, said the art community in Lowell has been very receptive to expressive arts therapy in recent years. A mill town located about 30 miles north of Boston, Lowell in recent decades has earned attention for a flourishing arts and culture scene.
When Winslow first moved to Lowell in 2000, she was “relatively quiet” about being an art therapist.
“Now it’s accepted with great acclaim,” she said. “I don’t know if it’s Lowell or a sign of the times or if Lowell’s rebirth and resurgence is also a sign of the times.”
Shaun McNiff, Wigwam Rocks 3
Remaining events in The Art of Healing are:
Oct. 24 - Nov. 1
Strong at the Broken Places: Healing Art
ALL Arts Gallery
Opening Reception: Oct. 24; 2 pm - 4 pm
Closing Reception: Nov. 1; 1 pm - 3 pm
Oct. 27
Interplay - Theater Performance
119 Gallery
119 Chelmsford St., Lowell, Mass.
7 pm - 9 pm
Nov. 1 - Jan. 10
The Art of Healing: The Art of Psychotherapists
Brush Art Gallery & Studios
256 Market St., Lowell, Mass.
Opening Reception: Nov. 1; 2 pm - 4 pm
Nov. 5
Artist Talk - Shaun McNiff
Brush Art Gallery & Studios
256 Market St., Lowell, Mass.
5 pm - 7 pm
Nov. 8
True Story Theater - Training Workshop
119 Gallery
119 Chelmsford St., Lowell, Mass.
3:30 pm - 6 pm
Pre-registration required. Fee included. Call Jean Winslow at 978-455-2236 or email jeanwinslow@msn.com.
Nov. 12
Life Support - Musical Performance
O’Leary Library - UMASS Lowell
61 Wilder St., Lowell, Mass.
7 pm
Nov. 14
Rainbow Dance - Performance and Workshop
Revolving Museum Building
22 Shattuck St., Lowell, Mass.
10 am - 12:30 pm
Pre-registration required. Fee included. Call Jean Winslow at 978-455-2236 or email jeanwinslow@msn.com.