Special Sections

4 • Exploring the Arts • News Graphic & Daily News • April 2022 By Grayson Sewell 262-306-5043 gsewell@conleynet.com WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTY — When people suff er loss or trauma the fi rst place they think to go to work through their problems is usually to a therapist to talk through it. For some, however, art therapy can provide a constructive outlet to process those same emotions. "Something happens that transforms the natural process of healing," said Kathleen Marver, owner of Painter Prana Art Therapy LLC. "It depends on each individual how fast or slow it takes, but art helps you slow down and process at a deeper level than just spitting out words." Marver has been working in mental health fi elds since 1991. She had been doing art therapy on and off from 1991 to 2013 when she started her business, and now she does counseling sessions and art therapy as an independent contractor in Washington County. Marver worked at Rogers Memorial Hospital doing art therapy and social work for a while before breaking out on her own, because she wanted to do it in more than just in a hospital setting. "I didn't want people to be at their lowest point before experiencing art and art therapy," said Marver. Carol Gengler, a retired classroom teacher in the Mequon/Thiensville School District, had always been working on art on her own before she opened her own studio, the Interior Garden Art Studio in Thiensville. "I was always interested in how the artistic process can help people express themselves and relax," said Gengler. "It really helps with the emotional processing." Gengler went back to school at Mount Mary University to get her masters degree in art therapy while teaching, and has been helping people process their emotions through art since. "It is another way to express yourself," said Gengler. "It's a tactful way, using your hands to create something out of nothing. You realize things you never Healing through art Photo Courtesy of Kathleen Marver women painting outside during an art therapy session.

• Cover