Small Group Art Therapy

Program overview

The classes in this program emphasize using the creative process to reduce stress, increase problem solving and interpersonal skills, and support healthy and therapeutic self-expression. The small class size provides more one on one work with the teacher and a less stressful atmosphere for those who excel in a smaller class setting. The classes provide a safe environment where creative self-expression is not only accepted but encouraged. Art skills, art history an understanding of art media, as well as appropriate coping and socio-emotional skills are all taught to encourage enhancement of self-expression, and increase self-esteem and creative coping skills. The art curriculum and pacing for each discipline is accommodated to meet the needs as outlined in each student's IEP. Studio Art & Design and Photography classes are comprised of students at various levels. The advantage of this is the opportunity students have to form more positive relationships and engage in observational and interpersonal learning with classmates of various abilities. Students will have opportunities to engage in the creative process through focused teacher directed lessons and independent, student led projects.

For more information about these courses, contact Marielle Mariano mmmariano@fcsp.edu

Learn more about these classes -

Enjoy some photos of creative things happening in these classes!

Course descriptions are below.

Area/Type of Courses

STUDIO ART & DESIGN 1 CSS (912083)

Grades: 9, 10, 11,12 Credit one

Students will have an opportunity to engage with a variety of resources and materials to inform their art making process. Emphasis is placed on learning and practicing basic art skills to enhance the creative process in a way to reduce stress, increase problem solving skills, and support healthy self-expression of each students' experiences and interests. Particular consideration will be given to each student's needs as outlined in his/her IEP. The curriculum and pacing will be differentiated in accordance with the student's progress to support academic and socioemotional growth. Students will have opportunities to initiate self-directed work with teacher guidance and collaboration. Art skills will be covered in the areas of drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, and digital media. Course content includes art production, art appreciation, and studies in visual culture.

STUDIO ART & DESIGN 2 CSS (913083)

Grades: 10, 11,12 Credit one

Prerequisite: Studio Art & Design 1

In Studio Art & Design 2, students will be supported to cultivate previously developed artistic knowledge and skills learned in Studio Art and Design 1.They will be encouraged to continue expanding their creative self-expression through the art making process to include expansion in other areas of two and three- dimensional media and technological applications. Support will be given to needs as outlined in his/her IEP. The curriculum and pacing will be differentiated in accordance with the student's progress to support academic and socioemotional growth. Studio Art 2 students will be challenged to initiate self-directed work and convey, in their art, engagement with chosen art and contemporary topics that speak to their interests. Students will be given opportunities to examine their work to identify running themes and attempt to reflect on and communicate their intentions, idea formation and impact on their socioemotional growth. Course content includes art production, design thinking, art history, criticism, aesthetics, and studies in visual culture.

STUDIO ART & DESIGN 3 CSS (914083)

Grades: 11,12 Credit one

Prerequisite: Studio Art & Design 2

Studio Art & Design 3 students will be encouraged to develop an individual style and voice to communicate ideas and experiences. Students will be challenged to expand on creative and innovative combinations in their art making to convey a deeper understanding of self and one's place in various social and community groups. Support will be given to needs as outlined in his/her IEP. The curriculum and pacing will be differentiated in accordance with the student's progress to support academic and socioemotional growth. Course content includes art production, design application, art history, criticism, aesthetics, and studies in visual culture.

PHOTOGRAPHY 1 CSS (919333)

Grades: 9, 10, 11,12 Credit one

Photography, especially digital photography, has become a convenient and immediate format for individuals to communicate observations and experiences but how does one take unique and stunning art quality photos which convey meaning, thought and feeling? Photo 1 students will explore the basic foundations of photographic techniques, processes and editing using digital camera resources and technology as well as alternative photographic techniques to produce meaningful photographs that demonstrate self-expression, observations of environment, and story telling. Students will be exposed to contemporary photography and history of photography to consider how well known photographers have demonstrated personal meaning in their photographic artmaking. Students will be encouraged to examine and discuss their own personal connections to the images they choose to capture through their lens and gain and awareness and agency to use photography to communicate and connect with others. Photo students will be supported to maintain and produce a beginning portfolio of their work and develop and maintain workflow. Support will be given to needs as outlined in student's IEP. The curriculum and pacing will be differentiated in accordance with the student's progress to support academic and socioemotional growth.

What is Small group art therapy?

In the graphic on the right, differences between art therapy and art class are outlined. In small group art therapy in an academic setting, certain characteristics described for both settings in the graphic are used in art class in the CSS Program. Ms. Mariano is both a professionally trained art therapist and art teacher who can respond to the unique challenges and needs experienced by students enrolled in the Comprehensive Services Site (CSS). The main areas of focus in small group art therapy classes is to support and encourage the student to successfully use the art process as a means for self-expression, as a coping skill, develop problem solving skills and increase self-esteem and attention to task.

To provide comprehensive support to the needs outlined in each student's IEPs, Ms. Mariano works collaboratively with the CSS team providing consistent updates and feedback on student progress through documentation and attending clinical meetings. She also periodically conferences with each student to discuss progress and differentiates instruction and pacing to support student success when needed. In class, Ms. Mariano creates a safe and nurturing environment using mindfulness practices to engage students in developing self-regulatory skills which enable them to increase their focus, relate to one another in a more peaceful manner, and access the curriculum and their own abilities from a place of calm and clarity. Art techniques and academics are taught in support of the art process with the student's experience with the process, relationships with others, and communication being some primary areas of focus.

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