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

  • 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.

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: March 30, 2026 – June 1, 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.

  • Tuesdays

    Therapeutic Art Open Studio

    Enrollment is optional but recommended. Click here to register.

    Type of Session: Therapeutic Art
    Day of the week:     Tuesdays
    Session Dates:    May 5, 2026 to May 26, 2026
    Session Time:    10:00 am -12:00 pm at Malachi Center
    Session Location:     Malachi Center - 2416 Superior Viaduct, Cleveland, OH 44113

    This open studio offers a welcoming and supportive environment where participants can engage in self-directed artmaking in a relaxed setting. Designed for those seeking socialization and creative expression, this group provides an opportunity to explore personal artwork while building meaningful connections with others.

    Participants are encouraged to work at their own pace using a variety of materials or to bring projects to continue. A trained facilitator is available to offer support, encouragement, and assistance as needed. Group members may share ideas, exchange feedback, and draw inspiration from one another, creating a collaborative and flexible studio experience.

    This open studio is designed to promote creative expression, build confidence, and foster a sense of community in an inclusive space for all experience levels.

    On the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month, Sew4Service offers programming in the same space, providing sewing instruction and support for those interested in textile-based projects. Sew4Service independently facilitates their programming during these sessions, and participants are welcome to engage with their offerings or continue with their own artmaking.

    This is a drop-in group; however, registration is recommended. If the studio reaches capacity, priority will be given to registered participants. Walk-ins are welcome as space allows.

    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: March 30, 2026 to June 2, 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.
     

  • Wednesday Afternoon

    Mindfulness with Clay

    Enrollment is open until filled. Click here to register.

    Type of Session: Therapeutic Art
    Day of the Week: Wednesdays
    Session Dates: April 1, 2026 to May 13, 2026
    Time: 1:00–3:00 pm
    Where: Fairmount Center for the Arts, 8400 Fairmount Rd., Novelty, OH 44072

    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.

    In this engaging and structured group, participants will receive step-by-step instruction and demonstrations from the art therapist, guiding them through the creation of various clay works over a 10-week period. The focus on working with clay is designed to enhance self-esteem, promote relaxation and mindfulness, and encourage sensory and tactile exploration.

    Throughout the program, community and socialization are key elements, with group members having the opportunity to process their experiences and share their completed artworks. This supportive environment fosters a sense of connection and belonging, making it an ideal setting for those looking to explore their creativity while building meaningful relationships with others.

    Registrations will be accepted on a rolling basis. All registration is first-come, first-served. Registration will remain open until all spots are filled.

    All participants will be required to complete a consent form prior to participating. Participants are welcome to bring a support person/helper. Helpers will also be required to complete a consent form.

     

  • 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: April 3, 2026 – June 5, 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: On Hiatus.  New sessions will be announced in the future. 
    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.