Looking forward to reading the book I have ordered, Spirituality and Art.  The second session of meeting with Jenn, covered a basic understanding of where we are each coming from in our understanding of faith.  It was an uncomfortable time for us, as we don't see eye to eye on the religion aspect of life, and it is a major difference in our approach to helping others.  But I don't see it as an obstacle in learning the processes of art as therapy, and am actually excited to be venturing off into an area that may be a newer approach to helping people, using the Bible and the art as expression to dealing with life struggles.

I failed to type up meeting notes from our first session, so I will do it now to the best of my recollection.

Debora Koff-Chapen has developed "touch drawing" using water based oil paint.  It's important to stay away from the toxic chemicals.  Another appoach is using the non-dominant hand.  Julia Cameron's books are a good resource.  The book, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, is another good one.

Jenn asked me to think about my present position as the manager of a thrift shop and how I would approach helping someone using the available materials, for example, with decision making and goals.  This is an excellent study that I need to develop considering all of the different ways that the shop could be used as a place for volunteers to find purpose, focus and discipline.  It may also be a place where we could do art as a way to keep them engaged in a positive way.  Jenn stated that expectations would need to be clearly defined at the beginning to minimize conflict.  We mentioned the possibility of an art show with the participants works.  I
*Doug Nap is an artist to investigate.
Different art mediums to consider:  Tissue paper on oil, sand tray, converational drawing with two people using one piece of art (one person draws, then passes it to the other to draw).  And a vision board, which I really like the idea of.  It is done over a period of time, not just one session.  A large board is divided into three vertical sections and labeled past, present, and future.  Clipping magazines and such to show pictures of where the participants have seen themselves and are envisioning themselves to be. I'm so excited to be learning  lots of different ways for people to express themselves, and I'm looking forward to learning more ideas.