Some are coping with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, developmental delays and school problems due to low self-esteem or attention issues. Others are looking to increase self-discovery and potential for growth.
Since opening in 2004, The Art Station in Fort Worth, founded by Jane Avila, has provided individual and group art therapy to more than 7,000 children and adults. The nonprofit's mission is to provide a safe and encouraging environment where art-making can be used to promote personal growth, uplift hearts and help heal minds and bodies.
On Oct. 22 a unique inaugural benefit event, Public Figures Private Artists, was held as part of The Art Station's 10th anniversary celebration.
Twenty-nine business and community leaders created and donated a work of art for the event's art auction-paintings, sketches, sculpture, photography and mixed media. Artists included Congresswoman Kay Granger; attorney, Marvin Blum; Tim McKinney, President and CEO of United Way of Tarrant County; Pam Minick, host of two cable television shows: "Gentle Giants" on RFD-TV and "American Rancher" on FamilyNet; and photographers B.J. Lacasse and Brian Luenser, to name a few.
Lee Moncrief is involved in philanthropic endeavors and discovered the benefits of art therapy after a serious car accident.Through the joys of painting, Moncrief creates beautiful paintings of nature and the outdoors.
Civic leaders Andy and Dawn Taft served as Honorary Co-Chairs. Andy is president of Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. Dawn is well known for her oil paintings of nature, landscape, portraits, still life and animals.
"We are big believers in what Jane is doing there," Dawn Taft says. "We first saw The Art Station when they had all of these decorated bras on exhibit. They were artwork pieces from women who were going through breast cancer at different stages. This was part of the group therapy used as a cathartic measure. Jane is all about using art for therapy, whether it's a kindergartener or a veteran," Taft says. "They don't turn down anybody for lack of funds, and like most organizations, are seeking more funding."
Peggy Marshall, CEO of The Art Station, says that most people are unaware that business and community leaders are also accomplished artists. "They have pursued art for many reasons," Marshall says. "It reduces stress, provides a means of relaxation and offers a means of expression unlike anything else they do. It fosters self-discovery and helps manage the pain of chronic illnesses, and much more," she says.
"At The Art Station, we believe that everyone has an artist deep within and that all too frequently that artist gets shut down early in life for a variety of reasons," Marshall says. "We believe that the process of art-making enhances our lives in so many ways. We hope this event encouraged more individuals to explore art-making.
"We also want to increase awareness of the valuable services that The Art Station has provided to this community since opening its doors 10 years ago."
Art therapists are professionals trained in both the visual arts and psychotherapy. They hold a master or doctoral level degree in art therapy or a related field. Art therapists work with children, adolescents, and adults and provide services to individuals, couples, families, groups and communities.
The Art Station founder, Jane Avila, is a licensed clinical social worker and art therapist.
"Making art with a licensed counselor who has a degree and/or extensive, specialized training in art therapy can help individuals deal with many different kinds of life challenges and opportunities," Avila says.
"Making art in a therapeutic setting creates a visual language that provides clarity and impact, especially when words alone are difficult, painful or inaccessible."
Avila is looking to the next decade, which she believes will bring even more opportunities for healing and growth.
The Art Station is housed in the renovated historic Fire Station #16 located at 1616 Park Place Ave. in Fort Worth. For more information, visit theartstation.org.
