UT Art Therapy Graduates Share Their Work in “The Graduate Garden” Exhibition April 28–May 5

Art therapy encourages free self-expression through the use of different art media in order to help cope with all of life’s difficulties. The art created during this process is not always focused on the end result, but on the process.

From April 28–May 5, two graduating UT art therapy students will show the end results of their process at “The Graduate Garden — 2017 Graduate Senior Exhibition” in the Hall Gallery of the Fine Arts Building, 201 North Boulevard. There will be a reception to honor the graduates on Friday, May 5, from 5–8 p.m.

The artists, graduating seniors Meghan Mutzel and Quinn Smalley, said the works narrate their personal meaning and experiences in the field of therapeutic arts, and the thoughts and emotions put into each piece allowed each artist to experience their own form of catharsis.

“I use art as an outlet of expression and creativity,” said Mutzel. “When I create art, I feel relaxed, focused and ready to battle any emotions or situations that come my way. I want to pass that feeling of self-assurance on to others with art therapy.”

“Art, for me, is whatever it needs to be at the time,” said Smalley. “There are so many possibilities with art making, so what I make really comes down to how I’m feeling at the moment. If I’m feeling stressed or down, I can always count on art to take my mind to another place.”

The Fine Arts Building is located across North Boulevard from the R.K. Bailey Arts Studios and Scarfone/Hartley Gallery. There is no charge for admission.

For more information, contact Joseph Scarce at jscarce@ut.edu.