Art as Empowerment: The Virtue of Art Therapy | Ann Lawton | TEDxUWRiverFalls

Art provides many opportunities to express ourselves and help us make sense of the complex world around us.

Ann E. Lawton believes that art has the potential to heal, transform and empower individuals and communities. As a Registered Art Therapist, she has worked with inmates, domestic abuse survivors, young adults with depression and anxiety, addicts and individuals with cognitive impairments. Lawton received her Bachelors of Science in Broad Area Art with a minor in psychology from the University of Wisconsin—River Falls and her Masters in Science in Art Therapy from Mount Mary University in Milwaukee. She teaches full-time in the art department at UWRF and conducts adult and child art enrichment classes at Fox Den Books in River Falls.

[devifongers]

As an Art Therapist I've been searching for a video that accurately represents our field. This is the best video on Art Therapy that I have found! Thank-you for your informative and entertaining presentation!!! Finally, something I can post and share!

[ellona]

I just graduated after 4 years of Graphic Design. Sometimes it's hard not to compare your work to others. I kinda lost my passion so I'm taking a gap year to dive into my creativity & create things that makes me happy.

[kathyquinn]

I am a professional artist. When I was 8 years old I was dealing with a crippling anxiety. My mother did a very smart thing and bought me paint-by-number sets. Painting by number was like meditation for me, allowing me to experience flow (loosing track of time and place). Coloring books today are much like the paint by number sets in the 50's/60's. Those paint by number sets sparked my passion for color and shape. I continued to pursue art and completed an MFA. One never knows the value of an activity in ones life...for me paint by number was only the beginning!

[sos]

I am very grateful for this talk. I have chronic major depression and am just seeking ways to practice art therapy for myself. I have witnessed how art therapy has helped others who have had addictions, depression, suicidal ideation. Thank you for promoting these healing modalities. It is so very much needed and so very valuable.

[ananananabop]

Having an artistic outlet is so important for mental health. Very interesting talk, thank you for sharing.

[wojciechmazurek]

TEDx before sleep is the best choice !

[jknell]

If only I could have had art therapy instead of the psycho bla bla and prozac. What a waste. BUT at 77 I am doing it now and LOVE it! Art should a course from grade one until you get your PHD.

[dejavubymarciachase]

Coloring or anything even remotely like it is a place where many people feel safe to start to be creative. Coloring is therapy because it allows you to get out of your own way. The mind shuts off an you go into the zone of just coloring and not having to think about what to do next. That far surpasses any experience I have ever had paying for therapy.

[MJ-qhgn]

I wanted to understand art therapy more and after watching this, I got a deep understanding of its' beauty, purpose, and importance of art and its powerful role in expression and healing <3

[artsychic]

Thank you for this video, as an Art Therapist, I am always answering the questions you discuss, the adult coloring book "craze", and what Art Therapy actually is. Excellent video on the profession and its ability to help someone heal.

[mstenson]

One of the videos that’s made me pause and question everything I’ve learned. The world needs to hear this more then ever. Thank you Ann.

[irenesturk]

Thank you for this inspiring, highly informative and entertaining presentation! I am considering an education in art therapy on a background of a masters degree in visual communication, many years in marketing communications and a lifetime of being an empathic listener and go-to-for-any-kind-of-advice and lift-me-up person. This is the first time I’ve seen something that makes me feel that I could actually do this. So, thank you,

[theoparsonson]

What a fantastic piece! So inspiring, thank you 🖤 Ann is a great speaker, passionate and funny, what an uplifting person

[heidipedersen]

Wonderful to see this as an Art Therapist ♡

[illuna]

Such a beautiful message. ❤️
Thank you Ann. 🙏🌞🌻🌈🌠🌿

[parimaraki]

A true artist! Loved loved! Will be watching this repeatedly..thank you.

[georgegeorgehill]

This is wonderful. There is so much in this talk that speaks to me. I have saved this video. Thank you Ann.

[threeicys]

Informative, entertaining, thought provoking and all round good speaker.

[donnaakins]

This video has enlightened my awareness of art therapy. I enjoyed your honor and the tone for your audience.

[MelisJoy]

This is EXCEPTIONAL & she is a phenomenal public speaker