About Creative Edge Arts Studio

Creative Edge Art Studio is a unique resource for adults recovering from mental illness and/or addictions. Eligible participants must be at least 18 years old and currently enrolled in a therapy or rehabilitation program. Creative Edge Arts Studio is a program of Monsignor Carr Institute, the behavioral health services division of Catholic Charities of Buffalo.

In a two-hour weekly session, participants explore and discover a variety of expressive arts that focus on self-expression. These can include visual (fine) arts, written arts, music, song and drama. The sessions begin with a time of centering and meditation and then move into the creative and productive process.

Creative Edge strives to:

• build a strong sense of self esteem
• promote positive mental health and sobriety
• increase self-awareness
• enhance social skills
• foster problem solving skills
• recover/uncover the ability to discover a unique creative process for health and healing

Participation in the program has been shown to:

• significantly decrease anxiety and depression
• increase the ability to function
• decrease psychiatric hospitalizations

Creative Edge participants find freedom to explore inner feelings and strengths in a way that talk therapy alone can't. The safe and supportive environment allows clients to grow and change in ways they never thought possible.

The Creative Edge Arts Studio empowers individuals to find ways to achieve:

• Self-determination
• Self-esteem
• Flexibility
• Spontaneity, and
• Creativity

Creative Edge Arts Studio FAQs

What are the expressive arts?
Creative Edge uses a variety of artistic expression as part of our proven art therapy techniques. Participants will explore visual arts (painting, drawing, collage, etc.), written arts (prose, poetry and journaling), and music, movement, meditation and relaxation techniques.

What does it cost to participate in the program?
Currently, qualified candidates can participate free of charge.
Fees have been offset through grants, donations and sales of client-created note cards and print reproductions.

How do I get accepted into the program?
You must be at least 18 years of age or older, and have a diagnosis with an approved mental health and/or substance abuse program, and a client of Monsignor Carr Institute. Contact Catholic Charities Monsignor Carr Clinic for more details at 895-7715 or 1-877-448-4466.

Where are you located and is transportation provided for participants?
It is the responsibility of the participant to secure transportation. Creative Edge is on a bus route and centrally located within the Tri-Main Building at 2495 Main Street, Suite 412. Please call the studio at 862-0367 for additional information.

How long does a session last? What's my commitment?
Participants have a choice of one weekly session that lasts approximately 2 hours. Sessions are offered Monday through Thursday. The duration of an individual's participation is based on their needs and commitment to the program. A six-month time frame is typically minimal. Participants are expected to be accountable for making it on time to their arranged weekly session.

What is the average class size?
Classes average from 6 to 8 participants, with a maximum class size of 15.

What else do I need to know?
Catholic Charities and Creative Edge Studio will maintain participants’ confidentiality. We provide a safe, nurturing environment and ask participants to be committed to the program.

We must stress that this is not an art education program, but utilizes the expressive arts to heal and supplement other forms of therapy.