Lisa agrees. “The most surprising thing I took away from art this year was how much joy the kids experienced with just markers and paper,” she says. “They collaborated, laughed, and came into the art room excited to try something new.” The simplicity of art materials becomes a launchpad for discovery. Every week reveals something new: Yonaton loves painting. Eric can’t get enough of beads and bracelet making. Everleigh greets every project with a grin so wide, you can feel her joy even if she can’t speak it aloud. Art therapists have long emphasized that the creative process can be healing and empowering (Moon, 2002). Sensory art in particular activates multiple areas of the brain, supporting self-awareness, emotional processing, and resilience (Shaffer et al., 2017). Where the Magic Happens The art room at Sunday Circle is more than a studio—it’s a space for growth, connection, and joy.
Art is where we see the kids come alive,” Sue says. “It’s not about the end result—it’s about the journey of creation. That’s where the magic happens.” In a world that often relies on words and screens, sensory art offers something different. Thanks to volunteer art directors like Sue and Lisa, it’s become a doorway to expression, connection, and confidence—for every child who steps through. References Adamo, S. M., McCullough, M., & Thies, S. (2019). Sensory art activities and their benefits for children with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49(3), 1010-1020. Dewey, J. (1934). Art as experience. G.P. Putnam’s Sons. McNerney, C., Eckert, T., & Martinez, A. (2018). Exploring art-based interventions for children with special needs. Special Education and Art Therapy Journal, 5(2), 56-67. Moon, B. L. (2002). Introduction to art therapy: Sources & resources. Brooks/Cole. Shaffer, H., Hughes, R., & Brown, C. (2017). Using art therapy to improve emotional regulation in children with sensory needs. Art Therapy Review, 33(4), 23-36.
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More Than A Mess: The Magic of Sensory Art for Kids
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