Community Art Therapy & Therapeutic Art Groups
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
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Free community-based groups hosted at accessible neighborhood locations
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Led by credentialed art therapists or supervised art therapy students, depending on the group
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Inclusive and welcoming for people with little or no prior art experience
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Art Therapy and Therapeutic Art options, clearly labeled so participants can choose what best fits their needs
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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.
Each of our Community Group Art Therapy & Therapeutic Art Groups run for 8-weeklong sessions and are offered seasonally 4 times a year. Groups are scheduled Monday through Friday and are designed around a specific media, such as painting, drawing, clay, collage, mixed media, etc.
Weekly Program Schedule
To register for any of the below groups, please fill out the online form or call our office at 216-791-9303.
- Monday Afternoon
Artful Explorations & Expressions
Enrollment is open until filled. Click here to register.
Type of Session: Therapeutic Art
Day of the week: Mondays
Session Dates: January 5, 2026 – March 2, 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)
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.This group offers a safe and supportive space for individuals to explore their emotions through the creative process. Participants will engage in various art-making activities designed to promote self-expression and personal insight. Guided by an experienced art therapist, members will have the opportunity to use different mediums and techniques to express their thoughts and feelings in a non-verbal way.
The group encourages self-discovery and emotional growth, fostering a sense of community among participants as they share their creative journeys. Through open discussion and peer support, members can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and others, while developing new coping strategies and emotional resilience.
This group is ideal for those seeking a creative outlet to process emotions and connect with others on a similar path. Whether you are new to art or an experienced creator, you will find a welcoming and inclusive environment where your unique experiences and expressions are valued. - Tuesday Afternoon
Artistic Expression for Socialization & Peer Support
Enrollment is open until filled. Click here to register.
Type of Session: Art Therapy
Day of the week: Tuesdays
Session Dates: January 20, 2026 to February 24, 2026
Session Time: 1:00-3:00 pm at Art Therapy Studio
Session Location: SPACES - 2900 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113
Notes: Street parking only. There is a bus stop in front of the building.This group offers a dynamic and supportive environment where participants can explore various artistic mediums and techniques in a welcoming and relaxed setting. Designed for those seeking socialization and peer support, this group provides a unique opportunity to engage in creative expression while building meaningful connections with others.
Each session introduces a variety of art techniques, allowing members to incorporate these methods into their projects as they see fit. This approach encourages individual expression, fosters self-confidence, and provides a platform for learning new skills. Group members are encouraged to share ideas, give and receive feedback, and draw inspiration from one another, creating a rich, collaborative experience.
In this group, challenges in the creative process are viewed as opportunities for growth. When artwork doesn’t turn out as expected, participants can work together with the therapist and fellow group members to problem-solve, developing strategies that can be applied not only to their art but also to real-life situations.
While themes for the art tasks will be suggested, they remain flexible to accommodate the personal interests of each client-artist. This group is designed to highlight individual strengths, promote self-expression, and cultivate a strong sense of community through peer interaction.
- Friday Morning
Artful Explorations & Expressions
Enrollment is open until filled. Click here to register.
Type of Session: Therapeutic Art
Day of the week: Fridays
Session Dates: January 9, 2026 – March 6, 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)
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.This group offers a safe and supportive space for individuals to explore their emotions through the creative process. Participants will engage in various art-making activities designed to promote self-expression and personal insight. Guided by an experienced art therapist, members will have the opportunity to use different mediums and techniques to express their thoughts and feelings in a non-verbal way.
The group encourages self-discovery and emotional growth, fostering a sense of community among participants as they share their creative journeys. Through open discussion and peer support, members can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and others, while developing new coping strategies and emotional resilience.
This group is ideal for those seeking a creative outlet to process emotions and connect with others on a similar path. Whether you are new to art or an experienced creator, you will find a welcoming and inclusive environment where your unique experiences and expressions are valued.
- Friday Afternoon
Creative Connections with Mixed Media
Enrollment is open until filled. Click here to register.
Type of Session: Therapeutic Art
Day of the week: Fridays
Session Dates: Jan 30, 2026 – April 10, 2026 - NO Session March 13 (Ursuline Spring Break)
Session Time: 1:30-3:00 pm
Session Location: Ursuline College, Parker Hannifan Building - 2550 Lander Rd, Pepper Pike, OH 44124 (click here to see the campus map)
Notes: Free parking at Ursuline. Parking close to the building can be limited. Attendees should be prepared for a medium to long walk from the parking lot. There is a bus stop on campus.This therapeutic art group is designed to foster connection and socialization among individuals of all abilities through the creative process. In each session, participants will be provided with an art prompt, and the art therapist will offer personalized guidance to help adapt the task to each participant’s needs. Sessions will allow participants to explore a diverse range of media, including acrylic and watercolor painting, collage, fabric/textiles, and beadwork.
This inclusive and supportive environment encourages participants to explore their creativity while engaging with others from diverse backgrounds. The group provides a space for individuals to learn about one another, share experiences, and build a sense of community through art.
This is an educational partnership with Ursuline College. This group will be led by undergraduate art therapy students, with support from ATS staff.