Art Therapy Studio in the Community
Art Therapy Studio (ATS) has reimagined our public programming to remove barriers to access and better meet people where they are. Our community-based art therapy and therapeutic art groups now take place offsite at trusted partner locations across Greater Cleveland and are offered at no cost to participants.
These groups are designed to support emotional wellbeing, social connection, and creative expression for individuals and families of all ages and abilities. While groups are free, registration is required for every group, and each group has its own registration process depending on whether it is coordinated directly through ATS or through a community partner.
Why group art therapy? Receiving art therapy in a group setting allows for increased socialization, accountability, and emotional regulation.
What to Expect
- Free community-based groups hosted at accessible neighborhood locations
- Led by credentialed art therapists or supervised art therapy students, depending on the group
- Inclusive and welcoming for people with little or no prior art experience
- Art Therapy and Therapeutic Art options, clearly labeled so participants can choose what best fits their needs
- Advance registration required for all groups
Art Therapy groups are facilitated by licensed or credentialed art therapists and may focus on emotional processing, coping strategies, and mental health goals.
Therapeutic Art groups focus on creative engagement, social connection, and personal growth through art-making, and are not psychotherapy.
Community Group Art Therapy and Therapeutic Art groups vary by location, format, and schedule. Some groups are hosted directly by Art Therapy Studio, while others are hosted by our partner and may follow a different registration process, session length, or calendar. Because of this, please read registration instructions carefully.
Groups are typically scheduled Monday through Friday and may focus on a specific medium, such as painting, drawing, clay, collage, mixed media, or other creative approaches. Please review the schedule and registration details for each individual group to confirm dates, location, eligibility, and how to sign up.
Weekly Program Schedule
To register for any of the below groups, please follow the instructions to register or call our office at 216-791-9303 for assistance.
Art Therapy at Life Exchange Center
Enrollment is through the partner site. Click here or call 216-752-1269 for more information.
Through creative expression and guided artmaking, this art therapy group supports emotional well-being, self-awareness, and personal growth. Participants are encouraged to connect with peers, explore their experiences, and build on their strengths in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
Type of Session: Therapeutic Art
Day of the week: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
Session Dates: Ongoing
Session Time: 10:00-11:00 am
Session Location: Life Exchange Center
Age: 18+
Notes: Limited free parking onsite. Participants must become members of Life Exchange Center to participate
Therapeutic Art Open Studio
Enrollment is optional but recommended. Click here to register.
Therapeutic Art Open Studio offers a flexible and welcoming space for self-directed artmaking, creative expression, and social connection. Participants can work on personal projects, explore a variety of materials, and enjoy the support of a creative community in a relaxed studio environment.
Type of Session: Therapeutic Art
Day of the week: Tuesdays
Session Dates: June 9, 2026 to August 11, 2026
Session Time: 10:00 am -12:00 pm at Malachi Center
Session Location: Malachi Center – 2416 Superior Viaduct, Cleveland, OH 44113
Age: 18+
Notes: Drop-in participation is welcome, though registration is recommended as space is limited.
Artistic Expression for Socialization & Peer Support
Enrollment is open until filled. Click here to register.
Artistic Expression for Socialization & Peer Support uses art therapy to support self-expression, connection, and personal growth in a welcoming group environment. Participants will explore a variety of art materials and creative approaches while building relationships, sharing experiences, and learning from one another through the creative process.
Type of Session: Art Therapy
Day of the week: Tuesdays
Session Dates: July 7, 2026 to September 8, 2026
Session Time: 1:00-3:00 pm
Session Location: SPACES – 2900 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113
Age: 18+
Notes: Street parking only. There is a bus stop in front of the building.
Virtual Art Therapy for Connection & Wellness
Enrollment is open until filled. Click here to register.
Join a welcoming online art therapy community focused on creative expression, connection, and well-being. Through art-making, group discussion, and shared creative experiences, participants can build relationships and explore personal growth in a supportive virtual environment.
Type of Session: Art Therapy
Day of the week: Tuesdays
Session Dates: July 7, 2026 to September 8, 2026
Session Time: 1:00-3:00 pm
Session Location: Virtual: Microsoft Teams
Age: 18+
Notes: A brief virtual assessment is required before enrollment is approved to help ensure the group is a good fit for both the participant and the group.
Art Therapy at Life Exchange Center
Enrollment is through the partner site. Click here or call 216-752-1269 for more information.
Through creative expression and guided artmaking, this art therapy group supports emotional well-being, self-awareness, and personal growth. Participants are encouraged to connect with peers, explore their experiences, and build on their strengths in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
Type of Session: Therapeutic Art
Day of the week: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
Session Dates: Ongoing
Session Time: 10:00-11:00 am
Session Location: Life Exchange Center
Age: 18+
Notes: Limited free parking onsite. Participants must become members of Life Exchange Center to participate
Mindfulness with Clay
Enrollment is open until filled. Click here to register.
Mindfulness with Clay combines hands-on clay work with mindful creative practice in a supportive group setting. Participants will learn clay-building techniques through guided demonstrations while exploring sensory experiences, creativity, relaxation, and connection with others.
Enrollment is open until filled. Click here to register.
Type of Session: Therapeutic Art
Day of the Week: Wednesdays
Session Dates: On break until Fall Session
Time: 1:00–3:00 pm
Where: Fairmount Center for the Arts, 8400 Fairmount Rd., Novelty, OH 44072
Age: 18+
Notes: Free parking available onsite. Please be aware that the ceramics studio is only accessible via a full flight of stairs. If this would be a challenge for you, we recommend visiting https://www.artohouseinc.org/ to find a class.
Therapeutic Art at Benjamin Rose
Enrollment is through the partner site. Click here or call 216-791-8000 for more information.
This therapeutic art group uses creative activities and artmaking to support the themes and goals explored within Benjamin Rose’s Mental Health Day Treatment Program. Participants engage in guided creative experiences designed to encourage self-expression, build on personal strengths, and support connection with others in a welcoming group environment.
Type of Session: Therapeutic Art
Day of the week: Thursdays
Session Dates: Ongoing
Session Time: 9:00-10:30 am
Session Location: Benjamin Rose
Age: 55+
Eligibility Note: Participation is limited to individuals enrolled in Benjamin Rose’s Mental Health Day Treatment Program. Program eligibility requirements apply.
Art Therapy at West Side Community House
Designed for older adults (55+), this art therapy group provides a supportive space for creative expression, self-reflection, and connection with others. Through structured artmaking experiences and group discussion, participants can explore personal experiences, strengthen self-confidence, and support overall emotional well-being.
Type of Session: Therapeutic Art
Day of the week: Thursdays
Session Dates: Ongoing
Session Time: 10:00-11:30 am
Session Location: West Side Community House
Age: 55+
Notes: Limited free parking onsite. There may be a short wait to join the group depending on space
Therapeutic Art Thursdays at Fairhill Partners Senior Day Program
This open studio group for older adults (55+) offers opportunities for creative expression, social connection, and artistic exploration. Participants may choose to engage in an optional art activity or work independently on projects that reflect their interests and goals.
Type of Session: Therapeutic Art
Day of the week: Thursdays
Session Dates: Ongoing
Session Time: 1:00-3:00 pm
Session Location: Fairhill Partners Building (Second Floor Auditorium)
Age: 55+
Notes: Free parking onsite. Follow the signs for Senior Day to the Auditorium on the Second Floor and stop at the table near the door to complete enrollment paperwork
Art Therapy at Life Exchange Center
Enrollment is through the partner site. Click here or call 216-752-1269 for more information.
Through creative expression and guided artmaking, this art therapy group supports emotional well-being, self-awareness, and personal growth. Participants are encouraged to connect with peers, explore their experiences, and build on their strengths in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
Type of Session: Therapeutic Art
Day of the week: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
Session Dates: Ongoing
Session Time: 10:00-11:00 am
Session Location: Life Exchange Center
Age: 18+
Notes: Limited free parking onsite. Participants must become members of Life Exchange Center to participate
Artful Explorations & Expressions – Morning Session
Enrollment is open until filled. Click here to register.
Artful Explorations & Expressions offers a welcoming space to engage in creative expression, self-reflection, and connection with others through art-making. Participants will explore a variety of materials and creative activities in a supportive group environment, with opportunities to share insights and experiences if they choose.
Type of Session: Therapeutic Art
Day of the week: Fridays
Session Dates: July 10, 2026 – September 11, 2026
Session Time: 10:00-12:00 am
Session Location: Via Sana, 2450 MetroHealth Dr, Cleveland, OH 44109 (next to MetroHealth Medical Center Main Campus)
Age: 18+
Notes: No free parking at Via Sana. You can park in a paid MetroHealth lot and walk to the building. Street parking may be available but isn’t guaranteed. A bus stop is right in front. Do not park in the Via Sana lot—unauthorized cars will be towed.
Artful Explorations & Expressions – Afternoon Session
Enrollment is open until filled. Click here to register.
Artful Explorations & Expressions offers a welcoming space to engage in creative expression, self-reflection, and connection with others through art-making. Participants will explore a variety of materials and creative activities in a supportive group environment, with opportunities to share insights and experiences if they choose.
Type of Session: Therapeutic Art
Day of the week: Friday Afternoons
Session Dates: July 10, 2026 – September 11, 2026
Session Time: 1:00-3:00 pm
Session Location: Via Sana, 2450 MetroHealth Dr, Cleveland, OH 44109 (next to MetroHealth Medical Center Main Campus)
Age: 18+
Notes: No free parking at Via Sana. You can park in a paid MetroHealth lot and walk to the building. Street parking may be available but isn’t guaranteed. A bus stop is right in front. Do not park in the Via Sana lot—unauthorized cars will be towed.