Virtual and in-person Therapeutic Art Sessions

 
 

Amataya Studio’s Therapeutic Art sessions combine the Open Studio Process (OSP) of art making with mindfulness practices to help participants de-stress and heal from the physical and emotional challenges that they are facing.

As a certified OSP facilitator, Benz Amataya has been teaching private and group expressive art classes in the Chicago area since 2016. In addition to being a certified Mindfulness teacher, she is also certified in Mental Health First Aid and is in the process of becoming a Certified Peer Support Specialist with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).

“I can paint anything here.”
— client, 5 years old
“My session with Benz was a time of needed reflection and re-connection with myself. She patiently and safely guided a time for me to check-in on how I am doing and find what I needed to tend to through drawing prompts. It helped to trim away the distractions and buildup that the business of life had piled on. I felt rejuvenated and clearer on where to put my energy and Benz was a very caring and helpful presence along the way.”
— client, 36 years old
 
 
 

What is happening in a Therapeutic Art session?

Amataya Studio’s Therapeutic Art sessions utilize a form of process-based painting that is nourishing and regenerative for the heart, mind, and spirit of a person.

Every session starts intention setting, where the participants meet with Benz to share their intention for this creative session. After setting the intention, participants will be given an uninterrupted period of time (usually 45 minutes) to paint. They can choose different painting materials to express their thoughts and emotions. After they are finished, the participants will share their reflections. Benz will also be asking questions and taking notes to help them see their situation more clearly as well as process any challenges as needed. Participants can choose to share as much or as little as they want. Everything shared in the group will be kept confidential.


Who do you work with?

We work with children and adults who are interested in an art practice that focuses more on the process than the end product. Our SSP process is a great tool to support children and adults who are facing mental/emotional/physical health challenges.

Areas we cover include, but not limited to

  • ADHD

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Executive Functioning

  • Self-esteem, Self-doubt

  • Relationship challenges

  • School challenges

  • Workplace challenges

  • Indecisiveness

  • Finding your life purpose

Disclaimer: Amataya Studio’s Therapeutic art is not clinical art therapy. While our sessions can be supportive of any mental health challenges, they are not a replacement for clinical therapy.


Who is facilitating the sessions?

All sessions will be led by Benz Amataya.

Sirimas Benz Amatayakul is a Chicago-based painter and Expressive Arts Facilitator. She was a 2021-2022 Hatch Resident at the Chicago Artists Coalition.

Benz received a Master’s Degree in Integrated Communications from the Medill School of Journalism, Northwestern University and a Certification in Expressive Arts Facilitation from Open Studio Project (Evanston, IL). She received a mindfulness training from the Magnolia Grove Monastery. She is certified in Mental Health First Aid and is in the process of becoming a Certified Peer Support Specialist with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)

Benz is a founder of Dear Artists Project, a platform with a mission to create more dialogues around mental health in the art community.  Dear Artists facilitates a virtual artist residency called Dear Artists With Anxiety (DAWA) residency, a week-long virtual residency that runs throughout the year to showcase artists’ work while at the same time highlight and document their mental health journeys.

Benz’s work has been shown at The United Club at O’Hare International Airport, The Hyde Park Art Center (Chicago, IL), Roots and Culture (Chicago), Oak Park Art League (Oak Park, IL), and Chicago Artists Coalition (Chicago, IL).

Are the sessions virtual or in-person?

We offer both options!

How many sessions do I need?

We offer both one-off sessions and continuous sessions, depending on the needs of the participants. Continuous sessions are generally recommended.


How can I get started?

You can request a session by filling out a form below. Please indicate your preferred date and time for the first meeting. We will contact you back within 48 hours.

Please email benz@amatayastudio.com with any questions. Thank you!