Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Bittersweet Farms Creative Arts Program



Why Art?

In the Bittersweet Farms Creative Arts program, we believe in the ability and potential of our artists. We focus on strengths, not weaknesses, and ability, not disability.

We have created a comprehensive art program for adults with Autism, focusing on Art Education, Art as Vocation, Art as Therapy, and Art Enrichment.

The benefits of our program reach far beyond learning artistic technique. Art strengthens cognitive ability by helping to improve problem-solving and reasoning skills, and increasing focus and attention span. The act of creating artwork reduces stress and anxiety, and is an effective treatment for depression. All of these things are very beneficial to individuals with Autism.

Regular involvement in an effective art program can also reduce negative behaviors. We have experienced the direct effects of this at Bittersweet as we have witnessed a significant reduction in these behaviors with involvement in the Creative Arts Program.

Possibly the most important and significant effects on individuals in our program, are the increase in self esteem, confidence, and a greater level of peace, and happiness. Experiencing these effects is life-changing, and offers individuals a sense of self that they may have never known before. This improved quality of life, as well as the cognitive and educational benefits, make the Creative Arts Program an essential part of the lives of the individuals at Bittersweet.

For more information, please contact:

Valerie French - Creative Arts Manager
Bittersweet Farms
12660 Archbold-Whitehouse Road
Whitehouse, Ohio 43571

(419)-875-6896 x 1237
VFrench@BittersweetFarms.org