About Art & Soul
Art & Soul is a group art therapy program available to nursing homes, assisted living, and adult day care centers in Connecticut. Programming can be geared towards different ability levels and group size can generally range from 6-10 residents based on level of functioning of the group members. No artistic ability is necessary for participants to gain a great number of benefits from the session. Some benefits include:
Improved mood
Decreased agitation, anxiety and depression
Improved fine and gross motor skills
Improved socialization and communication skills

The sessions consist of art-making, often based on a question or directive posed to the group to give some guidance and 'food for thought'. The participants work to complete the directive or answer the question through art, and then join together in a group discussion where each individual shares memories, opinions and/or personal insight. The result is a cohesiveness or 'coming together' of the group members who develop personal bonds, face challenges, and explore their creative potential in a safe, nurturing environment.

About Briana Benn
Briana Benn is an art therapist working in Guilford, CT. She is also the Director of Therapeutic Recreation at The Guilford House, a skilled nursing and physical rehabilitation center. She received her Master's degree in Art Therapy at Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, CT. She is a member of the American Art Therapy Association as well as the Connecticut Art Therapy Association. She has worked in various nursing homes on the Connecticut shoreline, and is recognized by the state of Connecticut as a Therapeutic Recreation Director. Her experience in art therapy includes working with substance abuse populations, at-risk adolescents, hospice patients, and nursing home residents. Briana is also an accomplished artist, focusing most of her talent in the field of illustration. She has professionally illustrated a number of children's books geared at improving literacy, developed logos, advertising, and websites (including this one).