Art Program Rationale | Course Outline | Mediums Overview | Group Work | Goals & Outcomes 
Rationale: Our main objective is profiling the ever growing artwork of the individuals in the art room and to share the life changing experiences our individuals have realized thanks to the therapy behind art and the creative process. Chrysalis Art Program was founded in 2008 in the early spring. With the shared dream of providing our individuals with a new way of spending time, our main objective has not changed. With the idea of providing a wholesome understanding of the importance of self-expression, most of our artists find the courage to make a mark on a canvas or paper, eventually evolving to a new way for them to communicate their interpretation of the world in which they live. The creative process is guided by reading the emotional levels of every individual. One person at a time we travel through an array of mark making and artistic language exploration. The journey of an individual with a disability in the art room has repeatedly emphasized the need to be heard through expression and emotion. With every whimsical creation that appears another one of the artists reaches a level of understanding themselves, and learning that it is ok to be original to be distinctive and ultimately accepting their own unique being. See Chrysalis Art Program Website -Edmonton | | Click here to read Testimonial "There are some bright futures ahead for many of our artists and knowing there is so much talent inside these individuals is what makes this position so much fun. Helping them harness that potential and create a work of art is extremely rewarding for everyone involved." - Gonzalo Canales, Art Teacher |
top Course Outline   In the art room we encourage originality and freedom of expression. We embark every day with the thought of creating something important to the artists. Artwork inspired by what they can achieve thanks to the creative process. The healing therapy of art is clearly seen in each of our individuals, making them more attentive and perceptive to critical thought. - Attention deficit disorders
- Self-esteem
- Anger management
- Social misconduct
- Interpersonal relationship conduct
These are just a few of the challenges that the art room staff is faced with everyday. We are proud to say that we see people change these social conduct behaviours with the use of the creative process and art therapy. top Mediums overview Paintings and liquid mediums  -Javier Fernandez-  - Rene Valois - Instruction of painting techniques and general understanding of the brush, colour mixing and working with acrylics, water colours, inks and oils as well as mixed media are the components of basic studies. The learning curves vary from one artist to the next. With their best interest in mind, the instructing is provided according to the mechanical and conceptual need of the individual. top Drawings and Inks  -Ann Matheunhall-
 -Amber Koehler-
Instructions on the drawing skills are very different from one artist to the next. With such methods as hand over hand and simple techniques to achieve the clear concept of what the artist is trying to portray on their own working palette. Such simple methods are a great way to get the artists motivated and eager to learn how to draw things on their own. The challenges that a person has to overcome in order to draw a shape such as a circle, house or even a tree at times can take months of repetitive instruction. Patience from both the artist and the instructor is shared to gain the trust of creating without fear of judgment and failure. top Group work-     
Group projects are the essence of what the art room here at Chrysalis is trying to relay to the general public. With such exercises as wood staining, sanding and preparing surfaces for renovations, we are able to create some very interesting group projects. Custom designed tables, dressers, chairs and other pieces of furniture are all projects our artists have worked on together. The artists learn hands on and practicalities that can benefit them in their work environment or volunteering settings. Group projects also include mural work, a process of painting on the walls of establishments that need the colour and art. These projects usually require groups of up to ten artists to participate. The group projects are mostly private commissions from the public. Prices are calculated according to material usage and labour. top Goals and Outcomes for each Participant The goals and outcomes in the art program are as unique as the individual that enters through the doors. The most important change that we see is the self confidence that the creative process helps to instill in our individuals. The artists are entitled to one person showings when the time is right and the individual has enough of a portfolio to showcase. Exhibitions around the Edmonton area give the artists the chance to be recognized for their talents and hard work. Chrysalis also hosts an annual Art Show and Sale every December to showcase some of the amazing artwork that has been created in the art room over the past year and to help raise some funds for supplies and future growth of the Art Program. Everyone is welcome at this event so please check the Chrysalis website for any updates and details pertaining to the Art Show and Sale. top updated April 13, 2011 | 
