Expressing yourself in a creative, nonverbal way is Katie Kinzer’s definition of art therapy. Kinzer is a master’s level art therapist at Clara’s House and Coborn Cancer Center.

“Art therapy is one piece of the puzzle,” Kinzer said of the multidisciplinary approach to providing care. “Art therapy is important for people of all ages because pain is stored in a place in the brain where there are no words to express it.”

Abstract designs and colors reveal the emotions of children and adolescents receiving outpatient services for behavioral health and chemical dependency issues at Clara’s House.

Letting go of judgmental thinking and getting into the moment also helps cancer patients at Coborn Cancer Center.

“You don’t have to be good at art. The art therapy program creates a calm environment where people can forget they have cancer,” Kinzer said. “It’s a calming time for healing.”

A mask created by a Coborn Cancer Center patient shows how she feels about her
cancer journey.

Flowers in vase painted by a St. Benedict's Senior Community resident.

“It’s miraculous to reach our residents through art,” said Betsy Horsch, director of Therapeutic Recreation at St. Benedict’s Senior Community - St. Cloud. Proceeds from the 2009 Spring Fling fundraiser were used to start a monthly “artist in residence” program, which had 24 participants from across the campus at the first session. “It was inspiring to see the residents immersing themselves in the art. A resident with Alzheimer’s who has a short attention span, focused on painting for an hour.”

“It’s not a competition or about being better than anyone else,” said Rita Bartlett, 88, a resident of Benedict Court, the assisted living apartments at St. Benedict’s Senior Community. “Anybody can do this.”

“I am a big believer in using therapeutic art and holistic treatment for any illness that affects my mind or body,” said Mae Ellingson-Skalicky, whose generous gift helped create Clara’s House, named in honor of her mother. “To have total health, I have to care for my soul as well as my body and mind. I feel art therapy helps do just that.”

Left: Floral arrangement painted by a
St. Benedict's Senior Community resident with Alzheimer’s disease.

Right: Flowers painted by a St. Benedict's Senior Community resident who is partially paralyzed from a stroke.