A new form of therapy
Shawn Ashman bolsters ‘Draw It Out’ programme
THEY SAY art is an effective form of therapy, and, with this as the catalyst, fine artist Shawn Ashman’s revolutionary ‘ Draw It Out’ programme has been nothing short of transformative.
Since its launch in July of last year, this initiative has woven its i mpact t hrough schools, communities, and even major corporations across the island. Beyond creating therapeutic journals for children and parents, the programme has expanded to offer online courses, tailored art journals for teachers, and fostered team-building through artistic expression in large corporations. Ashman’s programme is spreading widely, captivating hearts and minds as it ventures into new territories of creative well-being.
“Since the programme’s launch, we’ve hosted several sessions at The Masterpiece Gallery, guiding young children to express themselves better through art. This has influenced parents to practise with their children at home after witnessing the impact on their children’s communication skills. By partnering with companies like D&G Foundation, we’ve reached over 150 children in schools and communities across the island, and, since then, we have reached other target audiences. The positive feedback influences how far we’ve come in expanding our offerings and our upcoming plans,” she said.
The ‘Draw It Out’ programme operates on the premise that art is a potent form of therapy. Guided by a dedicated team of counsellors, psychologists, and artists, each session encourages participants to work together in an environment conducive to open communication and emotional expression.
“After we introduced the journal for young children to use on their own and another for parents to use with their children, we started tailoring our sessions to target niche groups, all-girls programmes like D&G Foundation’s Girls Becoming Initiative in Portland, allboys, like the No Male Left Behind Group in St Thomas. During one of our sessions, teachers asked us to create a journal for their benefit, and so I worked with the guidance counsellors at St Patrick’s Primary to create ‘The Teacher’s Palette’, she added.
Along with ‘ The Teacher’s Palette’, Ashman will also offer a tailored journal for employees, along with a journal influencing body positivity and confidence for women. She also has plans to create company-specific art journals to foster team-building and a healthy workplace culture.
“The journals are neither designed for experts nor do they teach you how to draw. They are designed as a conduit for selfexpression, a soothing activity that will allow you to be more focused and grounded, especially after feeling overwhelmed or angered. I have experienced the therapeutic abilities of art from a very young age and I’d like for others to experience it as well,” she continued.
Owing to sponsorship by major corporations, the Art of Motivation team has also built out comprehensive online courses, equipping 20 teachers with licences to take advantage of the resources. This is to reach an additional 400 students.
Dianne Ashton-Smith, head of corporate affairs at Red Stripe, applauded Ashman for the growth of her programme, underscoring the meaningful collaboration between the Desnoes & Geddes Foundation and the Art of Motivation, stating, “Through our intentional interventions with Shawn, we’ve witnessed the compelling power of art to instigate transformative shifts in minds and behaviours”.
Ashton-Smith added, “This partnership has provided us with a first-hand view of the profound impact that creative initiatives can have on individuals and communities.” Expressing a commitment to the ongoing alliance, Ashton-Smith noted, “We are inspired by Shawn’s constant efforts to enhance and diversify her portfolio of offerings, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to holistic well-being. Red Stripe is proud to continue supporting such innovative approaches that contribute to positive change and growth.”
The programme aims to reach different facets and institutions within society.