A new program at the Bridgewater Library is using art to help young people express their emotions and gain confidence.
‘Art for HeArt’ is lead by Emma Bagnald, who is an intern at the Kutenai Art Therapy Institute.
She says creating art acts like a doorway to the issues people might be hiding, even from themselves.
“Often people have something to talk about but they’re not sure what that is. So, the art helps them get in touch with those thoughts, because often what’s important and relevant to us comes out in the art.”
She says art can help reveal issues lying just under the surface.
“In looking at the art they’ll often surprise themselves and notice that something that their feeling but haven’t been able to put words to is looking right back at them. It really helps people gain clarity.”
Bagnald says after the youth spend some time creating, the floor is opened up to discussion, helping them deal with what they’ve discovered.
She says discussing those issues can help the kids gain confidence and give them the tools to deal with difficult emotions.
The next session is this Saturday with Bagnald working with 8-12 year olds at 11 a.m., 5-7 year olds at 12:30 p.m., and 13-17 year olds at 2:30 p.m.
Pre-registration is required.
