The Art of Happiness: Reflections on the power of creative projects

Authors

  • Natalie Grant Wichita State University School of Social Work

Keywords:

creativity, happiness, family violence, healing, art therapy, teaching

Abstract

This reflection piece is intended to share an experience of a professor and a student as they journey through a semester long assignment entitled the Art of Happiness Project.  The student’s difficulties with the assignment create opportunity for imagination and creativity to take hold.  The professor provides the platform for the student to overcome fears and present special works of art to a large class as well as prepare for a submission to a community art show.  Both experience a reciprocal process of growth and definitions of happiness.

Author Biography

Natalie Grant, Wichita State University School of Social Work

Natalie Grant received a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Wichita State University and is currently an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at WSU. She has served as a psychiatric social worker/therapist in addition to teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. She has used creative pedagogues for engaging students in her Social Diversity and Ethics course and also teaches courses on Women in Poverty while including service learning and project based learning opportunities. In 2012, she received the Academy of Effective teaching award at WSU, the University's highest award. Dr. Grant's research interests include digital storytelling, service learning, youth workforce preparation and social capital, yoga for healing, diversity and poverty issues, and ecological processes.


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Published

2015-11-16

How to Cite

Grant, N. (2015). The Art of Happiness: Reflections on the power of creative projects. Reflections: Narratives of Professional Helping, 20(1), 58–62. Retrieved from https://reflectionsnarrativesofprofessionalhelping.org/index.php/Reflections/article/view/238