Beyond the Resilience Narrative: A Case Study in Integrating Art Therapy as Self-Care at the University of Michigan Library

Abstract

The practice of engaging in self-care to ensure your mental and physical wellness has by its very nature, placed the onus on the individual, without addressing the underlying structures and practices that can foster this need. Recognizing that asking individuals to engage in self-care without actively providing avenues that can fulfill this need, Naomi Binnie, Sheila Garcia, and Breanna Hamm came together to create the Art Alliance Interest Group. The Art Alliance is a group that provides open workshops and group sessions with certified therapists that lead employees from the University of Michigan (U-M) library in creating art as a form of self-care.