A new program at the Coral Springs Museum of Art is giving two of society’s most valued groups of people the opportunity to find solace, stress relief and community through creativity.
Art Therapy sessions are now offered at the Museum specifically for veterans and teens on select Fridays through March 2026.
Conducted in small groups, the sessions are run by Registered, Board Certified Art Therapist Alicia Ballestas. Combining her love for art and her passion for helping vulnerable populations, Ballestas knew from the moment she first learned about the practice of Art Therapy that she wanted to make it her career. She’s been helping individuals navigate some of life’s toughest circumstances ever since though a model that fuses creativity and connection. Ballestas says the Museum’s programs use the same model.
“While a mental health therapist will use words with a patient to express thoughts and emotions, here we are using the process of making art.” Ballestas said. “Sometimes an individual does know how they are feeling; the words just don’t come, but art can really be that pathway for someone to express what they are feeling.”
According to Ballestas, a typical session will start with a ‘how are you feeling?’ check-in, bringing forth the individual awareness of how they are feeling, followed by a fusion of reflective exercises which may include drawing meditations, breathing and creative projects that vary depending on a person’s needs and preferences
The goal of the program is not only artistic expression, but also personal connection.
“Sometimes you need the physical release through drawing, painting or other means, for the stories to come out naturally,” Ballestas said. “I hope the group not only takes away a sense of community, but also a sense of believing in their own creativity and a greater ability to be present in their own lives.”
Museum Director Juliana Forero, who has championed the program from the start and helped to implement it at the Museum, is glad to see it come to life.
“The simple act of looking at art has been proven to support health and emotional wellbeing,” Forero said. “We are proud to offer such an important tool for mental wellness here at the Museum and look forward to seeing it flourish.”
Art Therapy is offered on select Fridays, twice per month for veterans and once per month for teens. Veterans Art Therapy is free while Teen Therapy costs $5 per session.
Visit www.coralsprings.gov/News-Articles/2025/October-December-2025/Art-Therapy-at-CSMoA for info.
