Art Education vs. Art Therapy: Understanding the Difference
- 3 days ago
- 1 min read
In a recent art therapy session a client asked me about the difference between teaching art and art therapy, since I am trained, credentialed, and practice both. My first thought was that they are very different, even though there are many overlaps and they may appear similar to the casual observer.
In art education there are standards for each educational level and skills that accompany those standards. An art class may have a goal of learning about and practicing or exploring elements and principles of art as well as increasing skills in various art media. In an art therapy session there is an emerging or established rapport, agreed upon therapeutic goals, and an understanding that the participant and the art therapist will collaborate with the art to address the therapeutic goals. In both instances there are individuals making art, but the goals are different.
My background and experience as an art therapist informs my practice as an art educator. My training and natural inclination as an art educator means that I when I introduce new art media, I may do a quick mini lesson showing some of the ways to use materials to achieve various artistic effects. Regardless of which hat I’m wearing, I am so grateful to spend my professional life helping people of all ages and abilities access the power of art.
