School of Visual Arts (SVA) presents “Us: Up Close” an exhibition of multimedia artworks by 21 students in the MPS Art Therapy program, as well as people they work with at their internship sites and community members. Curated by Elizabeth DelliCarpini, department internship coordinator and adjunct faculty member, the exhibition will be on view from Thursday, February 21, through Monday, March 11, at the SVA Flatiron Gallery, 141 West 21st Street, New York City.

Works included in “Us: Up Close” reflect the artists’ collective ambition to build a safe interpersonal and physical space for the coexistence of all people and emotions. Public participation is an essential component of community art therapy practice that creates opportunities for those who confront social marginalization to be seen, heard, gain recognition and receive social support. The therapeutic goal of “Us: Up Close” is to nurture empathy and sensitivity for interdependent lived experiences.

MPS Art Therapy is an immersive two-year, 60-credit program that prepares students to become licensed, credentialed art therapists. It integrates the experiential components of art therapy within a comprehensive framework of academic theory, clinical application via an internship program and art practice. Students learn to adapt the creative process to the specific therapeutic needs of the individual, population and setting with a consideration of how systems of theoretical and social constructs impact treatment. SVA believes in active engagement with the community at large, which allows for the utilization of the diverse, innovative, creative atmosphere of New York City and beyond to enhance training.

The SVA Flatiron Gallery is open Monday through Saturday, 10:00am–6:00pm.

Exhibition

Us: Up Close

SVA Flatiron Gallery

Reception