HEALING ARTs
About Healing Arts
Responding to community needs, in 1990, ALH - in partnership with artist Patrick Palmer - established the Healing Arts program during the beginning of the AIDS crisis in Houston for adults living with HIV/AIDS. Five years later, ALH expanded the program to serve people with various chronic illnesses and disabilities. The program is provided to participants at no cost and is guided by professional teaching artists. Its primary goal is to maintain a legacy as a creative, healing, accessible and inclusive space, fostering a sense of community among students. Participants engage in a variety of arts-based skills, including painting and ceramics, as well as lectures from Texas artists gaining insights into the life of a working artist. Notably, Healing Arts stands as one of the few programs of its kind for adults in Houston, distinct from hospital or clinical settings.
Healing Arts has two dedicated teaching artists, Rebecca Bass, and Emily Sloan. Both are professional artists with strong ties to the Houston community. Sloan has taught the program for 10 years and Bass for 6 years. The program currently consists of four 2.5-hour classes, held in-person and virtually each Friday from September through May. Classes are limited to 10 participants to allow one-on-one instruction and facilitate a sense of community in each class.
join Healing Art
The Healing Arts Program is currently not accepting applications for new participants. We will open applications again in the spring/summer of 2025 for next year’s fall semester.
APPLICATION PROCESS
PART ONE - APPLICATIONS
The Healing Arts Application requires the completion of 2 forms, which will be available during the open application period.
Healing Art Application Form
This form must be completed by the Healing Arts applicant. If you have received assistance in completing the form, please list the preparer at the end of the application.
Healing Art Nomination Form
Applicants to this program must have a healthcare provider or community health organization provide a recommendation. The form must be completed by the healthcare provider or community health organization. ALH will follow up with recommender’s via email or phone call.
Applications can be submitted using the online forms linked above or you may click here to download a PDF of the Healing Arts Application form, which can be submitted by mail (1953 Montrose Blvd., Houston, TX 77006) or email mehek@artleaguehouston.org
*Please note: Both application forms must be submitted to be considered for enrollment in the Healing Art Program.
PART TWO - INTERVIEWS
After applications have been reviewed, applicants will have an informal interview with Healing Arts Teaching Artists and program staff to discuss their interest in the program. Applicants who meet all ideal participant criteria (as listed in the application) will be invited to join the Healing Arts Program.
Contact
E-mail our Community Engagement Manager, Mehek Ahmed, at mehek@artleaguehouston.org or call Art League Houston at 713-523-9530 ext. 5
What participants are saying about the Healing Arts:
“Healing Arts reaches out to those in the community who may need an activity to occupy them while touching others and advancing skills”
“Healing Arts has given me something to believe in for myself”
“Healing Arts has improved my overall health and peace of mind”
Healing Arts Instructors
Rebecca Bass has over 25 years teaching experience coupled with a strong background in both art and psychology. She has developed her own style of teaching built around a unique curriculum that instills students not only with the necessary technical skills but also motivates them through an appreciation of their own abilities and of art as a dynamic medium, allowing them to experience success. Rebecca Bass has been a driving force behind bringing the Art Car to the forefront of art education, as well as involving her students in other community art projects which in turn have allowed them to gain valuable insight into not only themselves but the community as a whole.
Internationally unknown artist and post-Campbellite Emily Sloan is the founding reverend of the controversial Southern Naptist Convention and chief caretaker and curator of The Kenmore exhibition object and the Mystic Lyon, a social sculpture featuring installation art, badminton and groceries in Houston's historic Fifth Ward. Sloan is based out of Houston, Texas where her practice includes public art projects, object making, education and performance. She previously served on Art League Houston's Artist Board and is Co-Director of the Houston International Performance Art Biennale.
-
Attendance
Excluding days when a student may be too ill to attend class, Art League Houston does expect its Healing Arts students to attend regularly.
A student missing more than three (3) classes during the fall or spring session may be dropped from the program. Late arrival past 30 minutes will be considered an absence.
Students should not attend when ill, even with a mild cold. Students who are ill should contact their instructor at Art League Houston to let them know they will not be in class that day.
Participation
The Healing Artsprogram is not a “drop-by” painting lab. Students are expected to arrive at the beginning of class (9:30 a.m. or 1:00 pm) and stay for the full duration of the class.
This program is limited to Healing Arts students. Unless approved by Art League Houston staff, students are strictly prohibited from bringing visitors to class, including but not limited to friends, children, grandchildren, etc.
Healing Arts Code of Conduct Policies + Procedures
Art League Houston’s students in the Art League School, the Healing Arts program, and other programs are, by and large, courteous and respectful of instructors, volunteers, other students, and the Art League Houston staff. However, Art League Houston does reserve the right to refuse enrollment in any program to individuals with a history of unacceptable behavior.
Art League reserves the right to remove a student from any programs, including the Healing Art program, for inappropriate behavior, including but not limited to disruptive and disrespectful actions towards any person associated with Art League Houston.
Definitions + Types of Disruptive, Disrespectful, and Discriminatory Actions
In a healing arts class setting, behaviors that are considered disruptive, disrespectful, and discriminatory can vary, and it's essential to maintain a safe and inclusive environment. Here is a detailed list of example behaviors that may fall into these categories:
Disruptive Behaviors
Excessive Noise: Playing excessively loud music or videos during class time without explicit instructor permission and class consensus. Students are always encouraged to use headphones at a respectful volume for personal devices. Intentionally talking loudly during class and attempting to disrupt the concentration of others.
Electronic Distractions: Using electronic devices in a way that distracts others (e.g., playing games, browsing social media).
Failure to Follow Instructions: Ignoring or consistently disregarding the instructor's guidance.
Disrespectful Behaviors
Insensitive Language: Use of offensive or inappropriate language towards instructors, peers, or the subject matter.
Disregard for Others' Space: Invading personal space without permission: Touching or handling others' artwork without permission.
Mocking or Ridiculing: Making fun of others' artistic expressions or personal experiences.
Interrupting Others: Frequently interrupting classmates or the instructor during discussions.
Refusal to Collaborate: Resisting group activities and refusing to collaborate with peers.
Discriminatory Behaviors
Bias and Prejudice: Expressing discriminatory comments or attitudes based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics.
Microaggressions: Making subtle, indirect, or unintentional comments that marginalize or offend others.
Exclusionary Behavior: Purposefully excluding certain individuals from group activities or discussions.
Stereotyping: Using stereotypes or generalizations that perpetuate bias.
Failure to Acknowledge Diversity: Disregarding the diverse experiences and backgrounds of classmates.
HEALING ART ARTWORK
