Meet Artist in Residence Dr. Maria Lupo

Special guest presenter on January 28, 2025, Dr. Maria Lupo, Artist and Board-Certified Art Therapist
Join us as we learn from our Artist in Residence, Creativity Unleashed: The Healing Power of Art
Snow date is Feb 4.

Space is limited so everyone must register: Winter Artist Meetup Collab Registration
This is an artist to artist meetup. Attendance in person at the arts center is preferred, but a Zoom link can also be provided.

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

The healing nature of art and the creative process will be the focus of Dr. Maria Lupo’s talk. Models of Creativity will be explored. She will share her personal journey as an artist /art therapist while sharing the healing benefits of her art practice and the symbolism behind her work. The talk will also include a brief overview of the art therapy field (a licensed mental health profession) both historically and professionally and how it sits within the field of mental health today as part of the recent movement in Neuro-Arts.

Dr. Maria Lupo on her art: 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.

Bio: A nationally recognized artist and Board-Certified Art Therapist, Lupo attended Rutgers University, NJ receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Thru 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.

The Artist in Residence Talk is a special presentation as part of our Artist Meetup Series:
– Artist Meetup Collab will meet once a month, on a the last Tuesday of the month (unless there is a holiday).
– This is FREE to WWA Artist Level Members, and Hightstown Cultural Arts Commission artist members (Please contact Ann Marie Miller at cac@hightstownborough.com if you are interested). For all others there is a $10 registration fee.
– Join the group at one of our other meetups to share your art and your ideas. This a judgement free zone to share and learn from each other. WWA seeks to build artist to artist relationships, creating a positive and supportive environment for all.
– Sessions will continue year round.

Space is limited so everyone must register: Winter Artist Meetup Collab Registration
If you are a member, to get the member rate, you need to log in. Then from the Member Portal, please click “Register/Buy Tickets.” Members have access to special pricing. Click here to learn more about membership.

Attending with Zoom will be available upon request. Please reach out to Kimberly@westwindsorarts.org