Artist in Residence Maria Lupo Workshop: Create a Personal Symbol 

The creative process and the healing benefits of art are the focus of this workshop and each participant will be creating their own personal symbol.

Registration for: Create Personal Symbol
Cost: $35 for members, $45 for all others

For accommodation needs, please review our Accessibility Features. You can also reach out to Kimberly@westwindsorarts.org with questions regarding this event.

The workshop will include a brief overview of the art therapy field, historically and professionally, and its connection to the field of mental health today as part of the recent movement in Neuro-Arts. Then the participants will create a Personal Symbol using clay.

A personal symbol is a representation of something that is meaningful and significant to an individual. It can be a visual image, an object, a word, a phrase, or a combination of these elements that encapsulate one’s personality, values, beliefs, and aspirations. With the guidance of Dr. Lupo, participants will explore their roots through a creative journey to discover their personal symbol, making a visual vocabulary.

 Materials will be provided.

Bio: Maria Lupo, DMH, LPAT, ART-BC (MFA, MA) Board Certified Art Therapist

A nationally recognized artist and Board-Certified Art Therapist, Lupo attended Rutgers University, NJ receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Through Rutgers University, Dr. Lupo began her Sculptural studies in Cennina, Italy. Dr. Lupo continued her studies in Sculpture at Hunter College, CUNY, receiving a Master’s of Fine Arts degree. In addition to her studies as a fine artist. Lupo has completed her Post-Masters Specialization in Art Therapy from Caldwell University and is a Board-Certified Registered Art Therapist holding a second Master’s Degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology. Montclair State and Caldwell Universities, Cedar Crest and Ramapo College. As a clinician, Dr. Lupo’s work focuses on dementia care (Alzheimer’s), neuro-diversity, well-being, gender, caregiver support and End of Life issues. A recipient of the NJ State Council on the Arts fellowship award, Dr Lupo’s work is included in many public and private collections.
Dr Lupo’s artist statement: Artist’s Statement: My work is influenced greatly by the power of myth and fairy tales to inform and understand my own biographical journey through universal stories and themes. Personally, I am longing to belong to be accepted and to find my sense of place which as a child did not exist in my world. A stranger in a strange land displaced, disjointed…alone. My creative process is stimulated by various and unusual materials while enjoying their lush and tactile properties. Transcending the use of traditional materials, my work includes such materials as: topsoil, teabags, fabric, faux flowers, recycled materials.
Learn more about Dr. Maria Lupo at www.lupoart.com