Art as Therapy Class
12 Week Course Outline
Week 1 — Art as Therapy
Theme: Creativity & Emotional Expression
Students explore how art helps process thoughts and emotions.
Activities • Discussion: What is art therapy?
• Create “Emotion Color Wheel” paintings
• Journal reflection on feelings and color
Skills • Color symbolism
• Emotional awareness
• Creative confidence
Alignment • CASEL: Self-awareness
• VAPA: Artistic perception
Week 2 — Identity Portraits
Theme: Who Am I?
Students create self-portrait artwork expressing identity beyond appearance.
Activities • Mixed media identity portraits
• Words, symbols, and imagery representing personality and culture
Skills • Composition
• Symbolism
• Personal storytelling
Alignment • CASEL: Self-awareness
• Brave Spaces: identity expression
Week 3 — Art & Symbols
Theme: Visual Language
Students learn how artists communicate meaning through symbols.
Activities • Design a personal symbol or crest
• Explore cultural and historical symbols
Skills • Graphic symbolism
• Design thinking
Alignment • VAPA: Artistic context
• CASEL: Self-awareness
Week 4 — Canvas Painting Basics
Theme: Painting Techniques
Students learn basic painting techniques using acrylic.
Activities • Brush techniques
• Color blending
• Small canvas painting exercise
Skills • Acrylic painting
• Color mixing
Alignment • VAPA: Creative expression
Week 5 — Watercolor & Emotion
Theme: Flow & Feeling
Students explore watercolor as a softer emotional medium.
Activities • Watercolor mood landscapes
• Emotional storytelling through color
Skills • Watercolor techniques
• Emotional interpretation
Alignment • CASEL: Self-management
Week 6 — Graphic Art & Digital Design
Theme: Visual Storytelling for the Modern World
Students explore graphic design and digital art.
Activities • Design posters or album covers
• Learn basic typography and layout
Skills • Graphic composition
• Digital creativity
Alignment • VAPA: Artistic connections
Week 7 — Art & Community
Theme: Art that Speaks
Students explore how art addresses social issues and community identity.
Activities • Discussion on public art and murals
• Design concept sketches for community artwork
Skills • Concept development
• Social awareness
Alignment • CASEL: Social awareness
• Brave Spaces
Week 8 — Mural Design Lab
Theme: Collaborative Art
Students begin planning the class mural project.
Activities • Brainstorm mural themes
• Sketch group designs
• Vote on final concept
Skills • Collaboration
• Visual planning
Alignment • PBIS: teamwork
• CASEL: relationship skills
Week 9 — Mural Preparation
Theme: Turning Ideas into Art
Students prepare surfaces and scale designs.
Activities • Grid method for scaling art
• Surface preparation
• Color planning
Skills • Mural planning
• Technical art skills
Alignment • VAPA: creative application
Week 10 — Mural Painting
Theme: Collective Creation
Students begin painting the mural.
Activities • Group painting sessions
• Rotating mural roles
Skills • Collaboration
• Large-scale painting
Alignment • PBIS: responsibility
• CASEL: teamwork
Week 11 — Finishing the Mural
Theme: Final Expression
Students complete mural details.
Activities • Outline and finishing work
• Artist statements
Skills • Attention to detail
• Artistic reflection
Alignment • VAPA: aesthetic valuing
Week 12 — Art Showcase & Reflection
Theme: Celebrating Student Voices
Students present their artwork to the school community.
Activities • Gallery walk or unveiling event
• Student artist presentations
• Reflection discussion
Skills • Public speaking
• Creative confidence
Alignment • CASEL: self-awareness
• Brave Spaces
Final Project
School Art Installation / Mural
Students collaboratively design and complete a large visual artwork representing school identity, unity, and creativity.
Possible outcomes • School mural
• Art exhibition
• Digital gallery
• Community art wall