Art & Design students aim to reinvigorate a pillar of the Delaware disability community
Though they came to the summer internship with Art Therapy Express separately, Anastasia Burns and Cynthia Brosky were both attracted to the opportunity to help shape the future of the small nonprofit organization.
Image courtesy of Cynthia Brosky.
For 20 years, Art Therapy Express has served the Delaware disability community through therapeutic art programming, which has historically occurred in locations like schools, hospitals, group homes, and day programs.
The programs went all-digital during the COVID pandemic, so now Bartoli wants Burns and Brosky to help revive and reinvigorate in-person events.
Burns and Brosky, sophomore Art and Design majors pursuing admission to the competitive Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communications program, were charged by Bartoli with developing innovative programs, finding locations for summer events, identifying new funding streams, and updating the organization’s brand.
Burns, who had some experience working with the disability community in high school, said that she has been motivated by Bartoli’s passion for the work. “[Lisa] was really excited to have new people.”
“Anastasia and Cynthia add new, youthful energy, great spirit, and creative talents to our summer art therapy and art education program that is being held at a variety of community venues this year,” said Bartoli.
For the students, this summer has meant practice in adjusting to variables–like weather affecting outdoor activities and scheduling around holidays–and in managing working relationships.
“It’s been very educational for me, seeing how much actually goes on behind the scenes. It was my first time working with a client,” said Burns. “That interaction will really help me in the future. I’m going to be contracting with people all the time who have different opinions.”
The students have worked on marketing and fundraising initiatives for the small organization.
“I feel like I’m learning something every day with this internship,” said Brosky. “[Lisa] gives us a lot of freedom to try new things and create solutions. We’re talking about helping Lisa start a GoFundMe… to just get a little bit of revenue. Since we revamped the entire logo, we can make merchandise that could be extremely appealing for new audiences.”
While the new artwork is under review by the organization’s board of directors, the students have continued to work on implementing new programs.
Brosky developed and taught a workshop on using clay to make a pinch pot. “I’ve never taught anyone before,” she said, “everyone was just so positive.”
“Our families and artists love learning, creating, and working side-by-side with such kind, enthusiastic, and talented UD students who are highly skilled in the visual arts,” said Bartoli.