Drexel University launched the first art therapy graduate program in the world 50 years ago this year.

To celebrate its milestone anniversary, Drexel is hosting an art exhibit that features the work of art therapy alumni, faculty, and students who have changed the art therapy field, writes Vicky Diaz-Camacho for Billy Penn at WHYY.

“We have a lot of historical heft and legacy,” said Girija Kaimal, interim chair of the Creative Art Therapies department at Drexel.

Philadelphia is home to early pioneers of the field, and today, the Creative Arts Therapies Department is one of the worldwide leaders in clinical preparation, and research in art therapy, music therapy, and dance movement therapy.

The art exhibit will run from April 2 through May 25 and feature works of all kinds.

Denise Wolf is one of the art therapists. She graduated from the program in 1999 and is also celebrating her 50th birthday this year.

“It’s kind of like time folding in on itself in a way to be here for the 50th Anniversary as an alumna, as a faculty and to have creative arts in therapy more and more nationally recognized as a viable credential, treatment form of wellness,” she said. 

Read more about the 50-year history of Drexel’s art therapy program in Billy Penn at WHYY.

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