THE FIVE PRINCIPLES

I located five principles of curating as a result of my research study then translated each of these principles into art therapy practice. I Illustrated each principle with a story from my practice as an art therapist. Then I combined these vignettes with artwork and photos to create a video highlighting each principle. The stories and videos shared here were created specifically for this project, however the experiences and the artwork are from my past practice as an art therapist and have been shared in presentations and publications throughout my career. I obtained prior written consent to share the artwork, photos, and stories that I used to create the videos on this website. The consent forms can be viewed in the appendix section of my contextual essay that is available on this website. The names of the adolescents in the stories have been changed in order to protect their identities.

On this page you will find a video of each principle followed by written descriptions of the curating principle and it's art therapy translation. The contextual essay describing this research project is available on this site if you are interested in learning more about the five principles, their links to the interview material, and their connections to art curating and art therapy literature.

PRINCIPLE 1

Principle 1: Curating creates multiple points of access

In curating, creating multiple points of access means using art, language, space, and subject simultaneously within exhibition to communicate on different levels with a variety of visitors.

Translation of Principle 1: Art therapy creates multiple points of access

In art therapy, creating multiple points of access means offering a range of art materials, a creative space, and a variety of possibilities for participating in art making in order to engage others.

Illustration of Principle 1: Group art therapy at a residential treatment program for children

This video provides an example of how art therapy creates multiple points of access. The story highlights ways that I used color, organization, visual prompts, and the flow of the studio to communicate that the space was a place for imagination, relaxation, creativity, and structure. The story also highlights a comic strip directive format that provided multiple points of access to art making for residents with differing needs and abilities within the same group.

PRINCIPLE 2

Principle 2: Curating locates the time of significance in the present

In curating, locating the time of significance in the present means joining art that is made in the past to reasons why it is relevant today. It also means using current art to address issues that pertain to the present.

Translation of Principle 2: Art therapy locates the time of significance in the present.

In art therapy, locating the time of significance in the present means using the sensual and tactile experiences of art making for grounding in the present moment. It can also mean using art to address the past and to make new history and connections with others in the present.

Illustration of Principle 2: Making music with Lamar

This video shares a story about creating music within the context of art therapy to express memories of the past, to locate the time of significance in the present, and to connect with others.

PRINCIPLE 3

Principle 3: Curating invites people to experience objects in context

In curating, inviting people to experience objects in context means that grouping objects creates new narratives and knowledge. It can also mean that the meaning of objects is different within the context of life than when they are removed.

Translation of Principle 3: Art therapy invites people to experience objects in context

In art therapy, inviting people to experience objects in context means considering how the context of people's lives and art creates new narratives and knowledge. It also means that art therapists consider people and the art they create within the larger context of their lives and culture.

Illustration of Principle 3: The Red Tent Project

This video illustrates the principle art therapy invites people to experience objects in context through stories about the red tent project. The red tent is a collaborative community tapestry project composed of red fabric that has been contributed to by hundreds of people and used in the context of ritual, imagination, and life.

PRINCIPLE 4

Principle 4: Curating emphasizes trust in the nonlinear process of art

In curating, the principle of trusting the nonlinear process of art means embracing the difficulty of predicting goals or outcomes associated with the art process. It also means within a project leaving room for the unexpected and the counterintuitive and being willing to shift perception.

Translation of Principle 4: Art Therapy emphasizes trust in the nonlinear process of art

In art therapy, trusting the nonlinear process of art means maintaining faith in the therapeutic value of art making in order to unfold meaning. It means leaving room within the therapeutic process for the unexpected and the counterintuitive and being willing to shift perception.

Illustration of Principle 4: Ciara's grocery lists

This video illustrates the principle art therapy emphasizes trust in the nonlinear process of art through a story of a young women who used her art process instead of her words to support her grief.

PRINCIPLE 5

Principle 5: Curating serves as a collaborative orienting resource

In curating, serving as a collaborative orienting resource means serving as the orienting center or structure of a project. This includes being the expert about what you know and also being clear that you don't have all the answers.

Translation of Principle 5: In art therapy, serving as a collaborative orienting resource means employing art to orient and ground people in collaborative work. It also means using the art process to gain insight, to listen, and to reflect on all aspects of a collaborative project. Being a collaborative orienting resource entails knowing your expertise and simultaneously knowing that you do not have all the answers.

Illustration of Principle 5: Family Strengths Workshops

This video illustrates my art based learning that lead to collaborative solutions for change centered around creating programming change in a residential treatment center.