Art Therapy

Kelly Darke, ATR-BC, M.Ed., BFA
Art Therapist, C.A.R.E. Program

Kelly Darke is a board-certified art therapist, published author, certified K-12 art teacher, professional artist, and speaker. Darke has extensive experience working with groups and individuals of all ages with various developmental and emotional needs for over a decade. 

Kelly combines the current research in neuroscience with her art therapy experience to develop art tasks to help support your mental health as well as provide you with tools to manage stress.

Creative Mindfulness with Art

Creative Mindfulness with Art sessions give you an opportunity to reduce stress through art making and conversation in a judgment free atmosphere. All you need to participate is paper and a pencil – no prior art skills are required, just a willingness to try.

Click here to learn more and join a session

The Healing Power of Art

Join Kelly for a presentation on the healing power of art, highlighting the benefits of artmaking according to current research in neuroscience. 

Click here to learn more and join a session

The Healing Art of Caregiving

You're invited to a heartfelt virtual art show celebrating caregivers who are also artists—those who give so much of themselves in daily life and still find the courage and creativity to express their inner worlds through art.

Click here to learn more, view the virtual art show, or submit your art for participation

Special Art Therapy Event: Celebrating Caregivers

Are you a caregiver for a cancer patient at Henry Ford Health? You’re invited to join the C.A.R.E. Program and the Henry Ford Health Cancer Center to participate in a community art project to honor Henry Ford Health cancer patients, their caregivers and family. 

Click here for more information

Resources and References

Printable mandalas for you to use for self-care:

• CARE Mandala Template 1
• CARE Mandala Template 2
• CARE Mandala Template 3
• CARE Mandala Template 4
• CARE Mandala Template 5

Neuroscience of Art References

• Neuroaesthetics: How Art is Scientifically Proven to Help Brain Health
• Reduction of Cortisol Levels and Participants' Responses Following Art Making 
• Study Says Making Art Reduces Stress, Even If You Kind Of Suck At It 
• This is your brain on crafting 
• The Neurobiology of Beauty - Samir Zeki
• Can the Arts Get Under the Skin? Arts and Cortisol for Economically Disadvantaged Children
• Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us