Lewis & Clark College Open Studio

The Art Therapy Program at Lewis & Clark College offers a range of services as they expand into the Lewis & Clark Community Counseling Center (“The Center”). One of the services we offer is an Open Studio/Art Hive weekly on Thursdays from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm in the Fall and Spring terms. Our sessions are student led. The Art Therapist/Art Therapy student works with people to help them find the materials or media that will best support their individual needs. They are available to offer guidance and support, create a welcoming environment and a structure for people to work within. Sessions have a gentle prompt for those wanting support in getting started.

What is an open studio/art hive?

• accessible community based art-as-therapy studio
• decolonized approach to healing
• inclusive creative space to promote autonomy through self-directed expression
• a trauma-informed, socially-just, equitable space for engaging in art making for wellness
• a place to witness each other’s art and art-making process 
• a place to build community and help promote personal and collective growth through artmaking, and sharing in discussion

How is the open studio/art hive different from Art Therapy?

• Some may find collective art making can help reduce stress or help express thoughts and feelings in a different way. Open studio time offers a space that is welcoming and supportive to all attendees. However, the open studio is not therapy, a substitute for therapy, or to be labeled as therapy.
• Alternatively, Art Therapy is offered with a trained professional with consent for treatment under the care of that trained professional. Together therapist and client work toward shared goals, and use art as a way to explore treatment.
• Open studio attendees interested in The Center’s options for counseling and therapy, including Art Therapy, can call 503-768-6320 or complete an inquiry form at https://graduate.lclark.edu/clinics/community_counseling/resources/

How is an open studio/art hive different from a traditional art studio?

• This is an open space for people to individually explore the materials and media that align with their unique needs.
• This is not a critique space. There are guidelines to follow when talking about artwork in ways that are supportive.

Who can participate? 

• Anyone can participate in open studio.You do not need experience with art making in order to engage in the open studio/art hive.
• All participants must complete the pre-registration form through the Art Therapy website prior to attending the group. 

What are the goals of an open studio/art hive?

• fostering community 
• making connections 
• supporting one another 
• creating space for safe emotional processing
• increased sense of universality 
• media & prompts: social locations/intersections and accessibility consideration
• providing space for different viewpoints expressed with respect.
• grow as a human
• experience authentic witnessing (be witnessed and feel seen)