AN “ART THERAPY” PROJECT: FROM DISABILITY TO CREATIVITY / THE ENCHANTING ARTWORKS CREATED BY GUESTS OF “CASA FAMIGLIA” (ITALY)

By Roberto Alborghetti

“Un Invito” (An Invitation) and “Pensieri a colori” (Thoughts in colors) are the titles of two books – recently published by Marna with Velar editing – which enchant and fascinate heart and eyes. They gather images, colors, thoughts and stories created by guests at Casa Famiglia (House Family)  located in Rivolta d’Adda (Cremona, Italy). Casa Famiglia –   a solidarity institution founded by father Francesco Spinelli – welcomes serious and severely disabled persons (with physical, mental and sensory problems) and people at higher risk of “abandonment” and “social exclusion and family emergencies.” The service provide an integrated and comprehensive response to the needs of the disabled persons supporting them in rehabilitation, promotion and development of potentialities. 

The two publications are moving in the wake of this attention. True artist’s hands, like those of Emiliana, Paola, Rosanna and Mariangela – with the collaboration of  employees and volunteers  –  put together a fascinating kaleidoscope of creativity, in a fascinating way of art therapy project. Different techniques artworks take us on a remarkable journey where perception and observation –  and the look of heart! – create colourful paintings and scenaries, communicating us emotions and feelings. It’s a sort of life story expressed from a “special point of view”. The artworks are made up of things and recycled materials, as stones, paper, sand… A rehabilitation project through the use of art instruments.

The activities started from a free association of ideas which revealed several images: children, nature, sea, forest, water and so on. Some of these elements were captured and translated into expressive images, through a process of creative experimentation.

During the weekly workshops were used different expressive materials such as acrylic paints, chalk, sand, sawdust, glitter, all produced on sheets of medium size and thickness, in order to facilitate a free flow of creativity and to establish a communication bridge with “outside” reality.  In every moment of this  experience the team involved has kept in mind the basic concept of the book project: “Diversity is an opportunity for discovery and confrontation.”

These two books are showing us how the human being – in every path of life – has the power to amaze us. And how disability can bring astonishing creativity.

For informations : Casa Famiglia Padre Francesco Spinelli, Rivolta d’Adda (Cremona, Italy). Tel. 039 0363 77022 / Fax 039 0363 370 264; casafamigliaspinelli@tiscali.it

RELATED ARTICLE (ITALIAN LANGUAGE VERSION)

http://okayscuola.wordpress.com/2012/05/08/colori-e-arte-per-raccontare-la-vita-in-due-pubblicazioni-i-capolavori-degli-ospiti-di-casa-famigliadi-rivolta-dadda-cr/