art therapy classes
Nathalie Fuson’s Art Therapy Classes at IHCS 

Date

At Integrated Healthcare Systems (IHCS), we are always striving to provide holistic healing experiences that help our community explore their emotions and creativity in new ways.  

This fall, we are incredibly excited to welcome Nathalie Fuson as a volunteer art therapy instructor, offering a series of seven transformative art therapy classes designed to inspire, heal, and empower through the power of creativity. 

Nathalie’s passion for art and mental well-being shines through in her approach and her experience in blending art with emotional expression makes her an invaluable addition to our team of volunteers. She joins a growing list of dedicated individuals, like Mi Sun, who has enriched our community with yoga and sound bath classes. We are grateful for the dedication of volunteers like Nathalie and Mi Sun, who provide our clients with opportunities to explore new avenues of healing. We wish we had more volunteers like them! 

A Journey Through Art Movements: Nathalie Fuson’s Unique Class Structure 

Each of Nathalie’s seven classes is inspired by a different art movement, giving participants the opportunity to explore various styles and techniques while unlocking their inner creativity. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just curious about exploring art for the first time, these sessions offer a welcoming environment for all. Let’s take a look at what’s in store for these unique sessions: 

Session 1: The Fauvists (Matisse, Derain, Braque)
In the first session, Nathalie will introduce participants to the colorful world of the Fauvists. Known for their bold, unconventional use of color, artists like Matisse, Derain, and Braque rejected traditional color rules to create emotionally charged pieces. Nathalie will guide the class in a discussion of how complementary colors, when placed together, can increase their intensity and evoke powerful emotions. Using crayons and drawing inspiration from either a still life or reference photos, participants will create their own vibrant artworks, applying the wild color choices that define the Fauvist movement. 

Session 2: Abstract Expressionism (Kandinsky, Mondrian)
Music and art collide in the second session, where Nathalie will delve into the abstract expressionism of Kandinsky and Mondrian. Known for using color and brushstrokes to convey the energy and emotion of music, these artists offer a unique approach to creative expression. Nathalie will play a range of classical and jazz music while guiding participants to use watercolors to paint what they hear. This session encourages attendees to explore how sounds translate into visual art, focusing on mood, tempo, and the feelings that music evokes. 

Session 3: Cubism (Picasso, Braque, Cezanne)
Next, the class will explore Cubism—a groundbreaking movement pioneered by artists like Picasso, Braque, and Cezanne. Cubism is all about seeing things from multiple perspectives at once, and Nathalie will introduce participants to this abstract style by setting up a still life for them to interpret in their own way. Using colored pencils and crayons, the class will attempt to depict objects from different angles on a single plane, creating a multi-dimensional artwork that challenges traditional ways of seeing. 

Session 4: Abstract Naturalism (Georgia O’Keeffe)
Georgia O’Keeffe’s work is the perfect inspiration for this fourth session, which will focus on capturing depth and emotion through natural objects. Nathalie will bring in a collection of shells, bones, antlers, and flowers, providing participants with fascinating subjects to work from. Using watercolors or pastels, attendees will learn how to paint in the style of O’Keeffe, exploring the subtle details and emotional resonance hidden within simple forms. 

Session 5: Pop Art (Andy Warhol, Wayne Thiebaud)
In the fifth session, Nathalie will introduce the class to the bright, commercial world of Pop Art. This movement, popularized by artists like Andy Warhol and Wayne Thiebaud, is known for its use of advertising images and everyday objects. Nathalie will supply magazines and let participants find an object they want to reproduce. Using contrasting colors and colored pencils, the class will create their own bold, eye-catching pieces in true Pop Art fashion. 

Session 6: Collage (Romare Bearden, Kara Walker)
The sixth session will focus on collage as a form of expression, taking inspiration from artists like Romare Bearden and Kara Walker. Collage offers an exciting way to explore identity, social issues, and personal narratives through layering and juxtaposition. Nathalie will provide magazines, newspapers, and various drawing and painting supplies, encouraging participants to create their own unique collages that reflect their inner worlds. 

Session 7: Surrealism (Salvador Dali, Rene Magritte)
Finally, in the seventh session, Nathalie will take participants on a journey into the dreamlike world of Surrealism. Inspired by Salvador Dali and Rene Magritte, the class will explore the strange and unexpected connections that define surrealist art. Attendees will be encouraged to use any media they prefer—whether crayon, watercolor, colored pencil, or collage—to create their own dreamscape, a work of art that transcends the everyday and taps into the subconscious. 

Why Art Therapy Matters
At IHCS, we recognize that creative expression plays a key role in emotional healing and mental well-being. Art therapy allows participants to explore and process emotions in a safe, supportive environment. With Nathalie’s guidance, participants can find new ways to express themselves, connect with others, and reduce stress and anxiety through the act of creating. 

We are incredibly grateful for Nathalie Fuson’s volunteer efforts and her commitment to our community. Her classes offer a wonderful opportunity for growth, healing, and exploration, and we hope to see many more volunteers step up to offer their unique talents to enrich the lives of our participants. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to join Nathalie’s art therapy sessions and explore the transformative power of creativity! 

More
articles