MANSFIELD — Richland Academy of the Arts is introducing several new visual arts classes this summer in an effort to make mental health and wellness opportunities available to more people in Richland and surrounding communities.
The Academy has recently brought on Jacy Warrick, certified Art Therapist and visual communications instructor, to teach several new summer programs.
“We find great value in offering community classes and programs that promote our Arts and Health Initiative, including our current Senior 60+ program sponsored by the Area Agency on Aging and Dr. Harold and Clara Ballitch Advanced Eye Care and Surgery Center,” says Marianne Cooper, Executive Director at Richland Academy of the Arts. “Our partnerships with community organizations like theirs and with the Richland County Health Department have proven to be an asset to our community.
“I believe these new art classes will benefit many.”
New Arts & Health classes offered by Jacy Warrick this Summer at Richland Academy include:
Creativity and Connection Family Class (Ages 3+) – Saturdays 10 a.m. to noon. This class is meant to open lines of communication between families using art. Each week will offer a different project to encourage communication.
Teen Self-Esteem Workshop (Ages 11-17) – Wednesdays 5 to 6 p.m., 6 to 7 p.m. This class will offer an opportunity for teens to express themselves through art, where students will create a unique self-portrait from start to finish.
Exploring Wellness Using Art (Ages 18+) – Tuesdays 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Students enrolled in this class will be using art to explore the 8 Dimensions of Wellness, where each week focuses on a different topic to explore each individual’s understanding of wellness.
About the Instructor
Jacy Warrick earned a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communications at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Later, Jacy pursued a Masters in Counseling and Art Therapy from Ursuline College in 2019.
Jacy has used her passions to bring education and art opportunities to a variety of people in public and private school settings as well as created art programs for children with disabilities. Jacy currently works with North Central State College and the Ohio State University to provide counseling to students while she works as a mental health therapist in the community.
For more information on registering for classes or on financial assistance options, call Richland Academy at 419-522-8224 or visit www.richlandacademy.com. “Richland Academy… where anyone can explore the artist within,” located at the corner of 4th and Walnut St. was founded in 1991 and is supported by the Ohio Arts Council.