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Art Therapist, Erica Curtis lecture



10/11/10
07:00pm - 08:00pm
Lecture, Reading, Film, Conference


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The Artists, Community and Teaching Program presents Visiting Art Therapist, Erica Curtis and The Mural Project and Documentary: Social Development in Adolescents with Autism. This lecture is open to the Otis Community and will be held in Galef 218.

The Mural Project and Documentary: Social Development in Adolescents with Autism

Engaging in a communal art piece requires planning, problem solving, and teamwork.  For a group of adolescents with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD), creating a mural was not only an exercise in artistic expression but a creative process in discovering themselves, relating to others, and finding a place within their community.  This presentation will examine the unique challenges faced by individuals with ASD and how the creative processes of mural and documentary film making opened new doors to learn social skills, develop a sense of purpose, and to ultimately feel better about themselves.

Erica Curtis is a faculty member and supervisor at the Loyola Marymount University department of Marriage and Family Therapy and serves on the board of directors of the American Art Therapy Association. A licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a board certified art therapist. She was formerly clinical director at The Help Group.  Erica developed and implemented a wide-ranging school-based anti-bullying program, which was recognized in a popular family magazine, and is currently working on a book to help parents navigate the stress and confusion often associated with investigating early educational options for children.  Erica has provided art therapy for hundreds of children, adolescents, adults, and families and is interested in continuing to investigate ways in which the creative process can bring about change and healing.

Contact mjaquis@otis.edu or (310) 846-2682