
Exhibition demonstrates the healing power of art
A digital exhibition showcasing the healing power of art by students at the University of Chester is available to view.
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Students from the MA Art Therapy programme have worked with Dr Jeremy Turner from the University’s Department of Art and Design on an online exhibition, which focuses on the theme of life during lockdown. The online exhibition is hosted by CASC, Contemporary Art Space Chester.
The group of 14 sent their artwork to Jeremy, who co-ordinated the creation of the online gallery with Chris Millward, a Technical Demonstrator, who put the show together, and Technician/Demonstrator Tabitha Jussa, who worked on the website.
It is hoped that the success of this online exhibition will lead to an in-person MA Art Therapy show alongside the MA Fine Art and MA Design exhibitions next Autumn in the CASC space at the Forum Shopping Centre.
Visitors will be able to see a range of different artworks made by MA Art Therapy students in the course of their reflective practice and exploration of visual language. This artwork was made in response to living through lockdowns during 2020 and 2021 and can be viewed here.
Art therapy enables expression beyond words and promotes psychological wellbeing. The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) approved MA in Art Therapy enables participants to register as an Art Therapist or Art Psychotherapist and is suitable for those working with a variety of client groups in health, social care, education counselling and community settings.
Laura Haddick-Oxley, Senior Lecturer on the MA Art Therapy Programme in the University’s Faculty of Health and Social Care, said: “This has been a great way to bring students together across cohorts during a time that has felt quite isolating for many of us.
“Being able to showcase the MA Art Therapy students’ artworks is important because it provides the opportunity to celebrate their work and share the ways in which art therapists process experiences through the playful exploration of art materials. It is exciting to establish new relationships across the University and I look forward to maintaining links with the Art and Design Department into the future.”