Today we’d like to introduce you to Helen Spaw.
Hi Helen, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up thinking I was going to be an artist, but then I realized how I was more interested connecting people with their own creative process. At the College of Santa Fe in New Mexico, I focused on Art Therapy and began working with recently released prisoners at a methadone clinic for my first practicum. After receiving my bachelor’s degree in psychology, I earned my master’s degree from Pratt Institute in Art Therapy and Creativity Development. I interned at a school for children with autism and other neurological differences, which applied to my position as a therapist after graduating.
Also in Brooklyn, I developed an art therapy program as an intern at the East New York Clubhouse to address the needs of adults experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and chemical addiction. This internship was the inspiration behind one of the newest programs I helped create through St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and in partnership with the Emergency Aid Coalition in Houston. We call this program The Art Tent. Under tents in the EAC parking lot, we create a space for people experiencing homelessness to express themselves through visual art. For our first season beginning last year, we created with over 1500 artists, added an annual Art Walk, and a summer program where we handed out 500 art kits.
After training at Healing Circles Houston in 2016 and in California from Healing Circles Global, I started leading Healing Art Circles through St. Paul’s and in the community. I added art exercises to these Healing Circles on a variety of topics including parenting, divorce care, healing of racism, domestic violence survivors, sexual assault/abuse survivors, and an open studio circle. I am currently passionate about leading art and spiritual practice circles for women. People always ask, what is a Healing Circle? A basic answer from Michael Learner, is “If it touches the heart, if it helps guide us on our path, it’s a healing circle.”
Art has been directly and indirectly related to my work in a variety of other ways. With our newly recreated labyrinth team at St. Paul’s UMC, I am also beginning to facilitate art reflection experiences for Labyrinth events. As director of the Fine Arts Academy I also get to teach individual art lessons and classes. In my current role I also host booths at art festivals, communicate with those who have mental health challenges or neurological differences, and imagine new ways to create engaging programs such as the community garden we installed in 2020.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I don’t think life is a smooth road, but it can be enjoyable.
I find my own challenges as a single mom, however it is better this way than it could have been.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I think I am most excited about helping others find their own creative voice and communicating through art. I enjoy creating and developing new art programs for communities that may not have access to art making opportunities.
I feel like art is necessary for processing and a way to experience joy.
What are your plans for the future?
I see new chapters on the horizon but nothing is clear yet.
Pricing:
- Free to Volunteer or Participate in many programs
- Art lessons: $33 per 30 minute lesson, $66 per hour lesson
- Workshops or groups- sliding scale
