Throughout history, art has been well-known for offering people of all ages the opportunity for self-discovery, connection, and social impact. But did you know that in the last century, art has been used as a form of therapy as well?
The Benefits of Art for Foster and Kinship Youth
Art can be beneficial in a variety of ways, from encouraging creativity to providing a safe space to express emotions to even reducing anxiety. Research shows that making art corresponds with benefits like higher self-esteem, and a study done by researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Kienle Center for Humanistic Medicine (Penn State University) highlighted art’s potential to address mental health conditions among youth in particular. Other studies have addressed how art can be a safe way to approach traumatic memories with populations who commonly experience PTSD, such as veterans. This benefit could extend to foster youth, who often experience trauma, and the U.S Department of Justice has studied the effectiveness of art therapy for at-risk and traumatized youth!
Getting Started with Art
If you’re interested in introducing your foster or kinship youth to art as a calming hobby, KIDS MATTER has a limited number of supplies available, from drawing sets to canvases to pencils to craft kits. If you’d like to request materials for your child, please email [email protected] with the subject line “Art Supplies.”
Looking for more structured opportunities for children to get involved with art? The Milwaukee Art Museum is FREE for kids 12 and under, and they offer fun experiences for various ages every weekend (from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). If you are a CASA volunteer who would like to take your CASA youth to the museum, we’d be happy to purchase your ticket or reimburse you. (Be sure to let us know in advance if you want us to purchase it for you, and ask your supervisor to get permission if you plan to provide transportation!)
For more art-related options, the Wisconsin Art Education Association offers plenty of programs for youth to engage in art and connect with their peers on creative and peaceful projects. Milwaukee Rec also hosts affordable classes for kids who are interested in arts and crafts.
Acknowledgments
Thank you so much to our AmeriCorps member Thomas Romoeuf for researching and contributing to this article!
