Mariah’s Studio Programs

Mariah’s Studio Art Group

A Mariah’s Studio–sponsored Art Group is a facilitated gathering at a Host Organization, such as a nursing home, shelter, church, after-school program, DV shelter, etc., led by an Artist or Art Therapist (known as the “Art Group Leader"), offering participants the opportunity to engage in meaningful artistic projects. These non-clinical groups are held over multiple prescheduled sessions and are designed to encourage creative expression, connection, and personal reflection.

To see Mariah’s Studio Programming Goals, click here.

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  • Art Group participants are individuals served by a specific host Organization (such as a nursing home, shelter, church, school or prison) who are likely to benefit from an experience in which they can freely express themselves through art.  Benefits may include but are not limited to decreased feelings of isolation, increased opportunities for socialization, a sense of community and shared purpose, development of focus and mindfulness, relaxation and emotional expression, and opportunities for meaning-making and self-awareness.

  • Typically, Art Group sessions are conducted at the host institution’s facility.

  • To see if your organization might be a great match for this kind of creative partnership, click here

  • Mariah’s Studio financially supports Art Group activities. An individual or organization that applies for Art Group funding is required to participate in a three-step process.  

    • Step 1 involves the Art Group Leader developing a funding proposal for Mariah’s Studio and then creating an agreement with a host organization. 

    • Step 2 is to complete preparations for Art Group sessions. 

    • Step 3 involves the Art Group Leader executing the sessions and reflecting on the experience with session participants.

    A registered Art Therapist working closely with Mariah’s Studio has prepared materials to guide those individuals or organizations wishing to hold an Art Group.  The Guide, provided on this website is designed to assist with each phase in the process of planning and executing a successful Art Group. It enumerates specific steps and actions to complete, provides helpful advice, and links to all required forms and materials.

  • A good fit for leading an art group supported by Mariah’s Studio is someone who values creativity, connection, and community. Group leaders may be educators, artists, art therapists, or individuals with similar experience in the arts or helping professions.

    Leaders should be organized and comfortable working closely with both Mariah’s Studio and the host location to coordinate logistics and communication. The most successful leaders are reliable, inclusive, and adaptable people who enjoy creating welcoming spaces where participants can explore and express themselves through art.

    If you believe in the mission of using art to foster connection, growth, and well-being, you may be a wonderful fit to lead a group with Mariah’s Studio!

STEP ONE: Complete Agreements

‍ ‍Congratulations! We’re thrilled you want to partner with Mariah’s Studio in leading an Art Group. Step One involves submitting a funding request to Mariah’s Studio and developing a general engagement agreement with the Host Organization.

  • Click here for the Google Forms funding request, or click here for the web version of the form which you can download as needed

  • Click here for the boilerplate Engagement Agreement which you can download as needed

Click here to access the Art Group Guide materials for Step One.

STEP TWO: Get Ready

‍ ‍Once funding is approved and a Grant Agreement is signed with Mariah’s Studio, the Art Group Leader plans the Art Group sessions. This includes defining goals and appropriate activities for the group, gathering art supplies, developing demos, and going over guidelines for hosting groups.

Click here to access the Art Group Guide materials for Step Two.

STEP THREE: Hold Sessions

‍ ‍Holding Sessions is the core phase of a Mariah’s Studio Art Group engagement, where the Art Group Leader and participants come together to create, connect, and explore through the art-making process. This step involves conducting the planned art sessions in a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages self-expression, collaboration, and reflection.  Careful attention is given to maintaining a consistent structure, fostering open communication, and ensuring that each participant feels seen, valued, and inspired.

Click here to access the Art Group Guide materials for Step Three.