Press release

Exhibition puts art therapists in the frame

Graduating art therapy students from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh will be launching an exhibition of their creative work on the 26th June.

The students, who will graduate with a Masters in Art Therapy in July, will be using the exhibition as a platform to showcase the work they have produced over the last two years of their study.

Art therapy uses creative processes to help different kinds of people work through their difficulties. Therefore, some of the creative work will highlight the students' journey in developing their skills as therapists.

The exhibition called 'Traces' will include painting, drawing, sculpture and video which showcase the diversity of the students' work.

Sarah Haywood, Art Therapy student at Queen Margaret University, explained: "The 'Traces' exhibition captures the experiences that each student has had over the last two years. During our course we have had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of people in different settings including mental health services, hospices, schools and community groups. The art work in the exhibition reflects the impact that these relationships have had on us as artists and therapists."

Petra Wend, Principal of Queen Margaret University, said: "Art therapists have an important role to play and often end up working with some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in our society. Their work embodies Queen Margaret University's aim of improving quality of life."

The exhibition will run daily from 26th June until 8th July 2010, 10am - 5pm at The Arts Complex, St Margaret's House, 151 London Road, Edinburgh. Admission is free and everyone is welcome. For further information email art.therapy.art@gmail.com

ENDS

Notes to editor

The new MSc in Art Psychotherapy (International) which will begin in September 2010 can be studied at Queen Margaret University on a full-time or part-time basis.

The course is approved and validated by the Health Professions Council of Great Britain. It has strong International links with the Netherlands, Germany, Spain and South America and is a member of ECArTE (European Arts Therapies Educators Consortium).