Introduction to Therapeutic Art: Mixed Media

Class Description

The Erie Art Museum is excited to host this Therapeutic Art Program, designed and facilitated by Sumin Kim, BFA, MA, LAPC, ATR (she/her). This four-week class invites participants to explore self-awareness, empathy, and joy through expressive artmaking in a supportive, judgment-free environment. No prior art experience is needed. Participants will:

  • Use art for mindfulness and emotional well-being

  • Reflect on personal identity and positive memories

  • Learn about differing perspectives through creative collaboration

  • Cultivate self-compassion and kindness

  • Discuss and learn about wellness

  • Bring home reflective artworks that are personally meaningful

Week 1 – Who Am I? How Do Others See Me?
Explore self-image and perception through reflective collage or mixed media artmaking.

Week 2 – My Happy Memory Frame
Create a personalized photo frame inspired by memories that bring joy and motivation.

Week 3 – Paint Swapping
Learn about differing perspectives through a fun, collaborative painting activity.

Week 4 – Kindness Stone
Decorate stones with words or images of compassion to keep as a gentle reminder and to close the series.

Price

This class is operating on a sliding scale. You may purchase the class at a rate you feel financially comfortable with, up to the maximum class cost of $125. All students will receive the same instruction regardless of payment.

Use the checkout process as-is to pay the full $125 for the class. To adjust the price during checkout, please enter the desired price in the promo code box in a multiple of 25, between $25 and $100, using the format MEDIA##. For example, to pay $75, enter MEDIA75 into the promo code box. Please reach out to us if you need assistance.

Available promo codes

MEDIA25

MEDIA50

MEDIA75

MEDIA100

Please only register 1 student per transaction if using discounts.

Dates & Times

Two different sessions are available for this class.

Session 1: Thursdays March 5th—26th, 12 – 2 pm
March 5th
March 12th
March 19th
March 26th

Session 2: Wednesdays May 6th—27th, 6 – 8 pm
May 6th
May 13th
May 20th
May 27th

Materials Required

All materials are included.

A smiling young woman with shoulder-length hair sitting at a table with a pumpkin and supplies, in a festive indoor setting.

About the Instructor - Sumin Kim

Sumin Kim (she/her), MA, LAPC, ATR is an Erie-based award-winning artist, associate therapist, and certified art therapist, who has been recognized for her community outreach, including pioneering art therapy programs across multiple community settings and sharing professional work at various conferences. Sumin’s passion is to promote community wellbeing and belonging through creative expression. Her approach integrates mindfulness, playfulness, and reflection to help participants reconnect with themselves and others through art. As an artist, Sumin creates toys to promote dialogue and build stronger communities.