Art Therapy

When we hear the word “therapy,” we instinctively think of a patient/doctor relationship & a formal program designed to work thru issues based on some form of creativity.  Art therapy could be music, dancing, or painting, but primarily used as an outlet for self-expression & healing.

Most artists do not specifically say, “I’m doing this for therapy.” But, I did meet a young man several years ago who was open & honest about his artwork.  On the back of each piece, he told his story of struggling to get off drugs but kept falling back into the old habits.

He was educated and had a law degree from Georgetown University, but he was living on the streets & continuing to make bad decisions.  The therapist suggested he try art in one of his many rehab sessions.

The art was different.  But it was his art & he put himself out there for public opinion by having an art show at our local theatre.  He did his publicity, handing out flyers & that’s where I met him in the grocery store parking lot.

At first, when he walked up to me, I was hesitant to make contact but something about him seemed genuine & sincere & I took his flyer.  I went that evening to his art show & I bought a print to support him.  Even if something isn’t for me, I see the investment as something more.  It’s helping someone better themselves.

After that, I would see him set up his easel on the street & work on his art.  And then, one day, he left the area & I no longer saw him around.

I often wonder where his path has taken him if he still works on his art, & if he finally kicked the drug habit for good.