The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Students host therapeutic art show
Wickliffe Middle School students showcased far more than photography, ceramics and paintings at the art exhibit on Nov. 2.
The exhibition, called “The Exchange”, focused on mindfulness and emotional intelligence. Students expressed a range of emotions through various therapeutic art mediums.
The Exchange was organized by a group of educators.
Wickliffe Art Teacher Toni Starinsky said she encouraged the students to identify their emotions, triggers and coping mechanisms in class.
“These things are displayed in their artwork,” she said.
This event was open to the public and held at the Wickliffe Public Library.
Meridith Galloway, who is the 6th grade language arts teacher, said they wanted to bring the school and community together.
“It is really important to be able to label thee motion, reflect and manage it,” Galloway said. “These are important skills not just for the students, but for everyone.”
David Kryz, an 8 th grade teacher, said that he implements a lot of mindful activities in the classroom including yoga.
In addition to the team of educators that spearheaded this initiative, there were many community partners present including The Lake County Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services Board, Crossroads, The University of Akron and Harmony Studios.
Harmony Studios pro-
vided guests an opportunity to meditate.
Manager Jenifer Ezell said Harmony Studios is all about the community.
“There are many benefits to meditating ,” she said. “Many people think it is away to escape thoughts but it is really a time to self-reflect and face things in a safe place.”
Crossroads offered therapeutic art activities that facilitated communi--
cation, coping and bonding opportunities.
University of Akron Lakewood Campus Coordinator Melissa McCol lister whore searches emotional intelligence and facilitates workshops and trainings, said it is imperative for individuals to perceive, use, understand and manage emotions.
She discussed how the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence is a helpful tool to help schools inte- grate emotional intelligence into their curriculum.
Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence said that if more students learned about emotional intelligence there would be stronger connections and more respect in classrooms; children and adults would work together to build trust and children will become self-aware adults who lead compassionate and fulfilling lives.
“Many people have a hard time recognizing how they feel and expressing it,” McCollister said.” So this is a great way to raise awareness.”
“Many people have a hard time recognizing how they feel and expressing it.” —University of Akron Lakewood Campus Coordinator Melissa McCollister