Presentation today

Today I presented my presentation about my current research towards developing my FYP (final year project)

This thesis that I am writing explores the implementation of novel interactive technology to support the domain of art therapy and rehabilitation through Art. The focus of the research will centre on how art therapy and its augmentation through interactive technologies can support the therapeutic process in which a client goes through when creating art. The aim, using the findings from ethnographic research, is to explore how different client’s therapeutic process could be potentially exhibited within an exhibition with the support of interactive technology to enhance their overall welling being, and mental health.

The presentation went well and now I'm focusing on writing the first two chapters of my thesis, which is almost complete. 

Hunt Museum

This piece is part of an interactive project at the University of Limerick.

Prototype for Interactive table

This is a miniature version of how I will approach making an interactive table. Th aluminium L bracket will be used to mount the LED's and to support the acrylic.

Week 12 Semester 2

This video is part of a series that I am posting as a blog about my weekly experience of doing a masters in Interactive Media and Design at the University of Limerick.

How taking art to the public eye can be healing

I came across an article on the British association of art therapist website and I found this to be very moving. The link to the article can been seen here, http://www.baat.org/edp_article.pdf#search="exhibition"

Jackie explained that one reason they decided to hold the exhibition in the Forum is that it is a very public place. People going about their day-to-day lives might suddenly come across the paintings in the same way that women simply going about their lives can be confronted by a diagnosis of cancer. “There is lots of colour. They  are not all full of doom and gloom. They look fantastic, really impressive,” said Jackie. “These women have agreed to put their images on display, anonymously, and show something very private to the world. It felt really unsatisfactory that it would just end without anyone really being aware of what had happened. The women wanted to tell people how much they had got from the group. We want to go out with a bang, not a whimper!”

The art therapy group ran for more than three years, funded through charitable donations for women with

breast and gynaecological cancers, and led by Jackie and fellow art therapist.

This really shows you the healing power that work done by artist and presented in an exhibition can have a huge impact and help to support the healing process. 

British association of Art therapists

The following link  http://www.baat.org/searchpublic/search.php?zoom_query=exhibition will re-direct you to a webpage which will list a series of PDFs and articles relating to the relevance of creating exhibitions from patients work and how this is an essential element for the path of recovery. It also includes the article I posted recently Val Huet's opinion on how relevant and important creating exhibitions from clients work.

Art therapy in Australia

I came across this link, it is part of Australia's response to helping those with mental health issues, using art therapy. One of the key strategies they use is promoting solo and group exhibitions. 

Government of Western Australia, Department of Health 

Art therapy for mental health recovery 

CECAT events and exhibitions

CECAT hosts several annual group and solo art exhibitions through out the year open to the general public:

• Annual Schizophrenia Awareness Week art exhibition in May
• Annual Mental Health Week art exhibition in October
• Annual Sale and art exhibition at the end of the year
• Solo artists and group exhibitions throughout the year

All exhibitions are open to the public for viewing, Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm. Many works are for sale at very affordable prices. Call to view or otherwise drop by during these times to view an exhibition. Most exhibitions are open for 2-4 weeks.

Today, CECAT continues to serve both inpatients and community participants, utilising the open studio for arts exploration and self-development, art therapy, consultation to other services and art education classes, all aimed towards the therapeutic recovery and well-being of participating participants.

CECAT continues to support several annual events – Schizophrenia Awareness Week and Mental Health Week with exhibitions on site.  We also host many other exhibitions through out the year, both group and solo ones, showcasing participants art works.