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Therapeutic School

Art Program

Students explore a variety of materials and techniques in a structured, supportive environment that encourages self-expression, experimentation, problem-solving, and pride in their work.

Therapeutic School

Art Program

Students explore a variety of materials and techniques in a structured, supportive environment that encourages self-expression, experimentation, problem-solving, and pride in their work.

Creative Expression Beyond Words

For families, art becomes a window into their child’s thoughts, emotions, and strengths.

 

Emotional Expression & Regulation

Our art program provides safe, structured opportunities to process and communicate feelings utilizing a wide-array of tools and materials, adapted to students’ interests and needs.

Fine Motor & Visual-Motor Skills

Students strengthen their hand control, coordination, and planning needed for daily tasks and learning.

Sensory Exploration & Tolerance

Through varied textures, artistic mediums, and interactive and collaborative initiatives, our students increase their interaction with and tolerance of new experiences.

Confidence & Self-Identity

Our students get to build pride, autonomy, and a sense of accomplishment by taking creative ownership of their art and sharing their projects with their families and the community.

Attention & Persistence

Art encourages focus, task completion, and problem-solving in a context where students can see the fruits of their labor.

Thank you graphic featuring the Sigma Alpha logo, several Heartspring students painting ceramics with glaze to put in the kiln, the kiln itself, and some small ceramic dishes that have come out of the kiln.

We're Serious About Self-Expression

We give students ability level-appropriate materials and activities because we believe every student is capable of creating art to the best of their ability and should have the same access to creative expression as their neurotypical peers.

Learn More About Our Kiln
Gallery at Envision Arts Center for the Heartspring Therapeutic School's annual student showcase.

Student Art Shows

Each year, students showcase their creations during our annual Family Weekend Art Show and through a collaborative exhibition at the Envision Arts Center in downtown Wichita.

These events transform student artwork into a community experience, giving students the opportunity to see their work displayed, celebrated, and appreciated by family members, peers, and community supporters.

In each show, there’s at least one piece of art from every student in our Therapeutic School, as well as larger group projects they contribute to.

To some it may look like simply a ceramic heart in a frame, but to us, it represents opening a whole new world to our young daughter and giving her a chance to finally express herself.​..for our daughter to be given the opportunity to find her voice, even if it is in painting a simple piece that she may never realize touched our lives and gave us even more hope for her future thanks to wonderful projects like this one.

Jeremy

Heartspring Parent

Before Heartspring and Julie’s passionate efforts, Josh‘s projects consisted of construction paper efforts that faded and ended up mostly in the recycling bin. Because of the investment by Heartspring, I can now add genuine, heartfelt pieces throughout my house. Most importantly, all three of my children have art projects in their memory bins.

Beth

Heartspring Parent

Receiving art that he made with his hands is a really special memento that I keep in my office, that I can periodically look at, and am reminded that he is in a good place, with good people, and doing activities that help him connect with the world.

Todd

Heartspring Parent

I love that my son is able to go and do art. Before Heartspring, it was difficult for him to even participate in art activities.

Amanda

Heartspring Parent

Had we never found Heartspring, I don't think I could have ever imagined my daughter thriving and having these chances to create such beautiful pieces. Something I will cherish always!

Brittney

Heartspring Parent