American Art Therapy Association's Official Member - Children's Art Village Helping Orphaned Children Around the Globe

PASADENA, CA, June 09, 2011 (Press-News.org) The Children's Art Village has been conducting non profit art and music programs for children in Ghana, India, Vietnam since 2005. Located in Los Angeles, CA they continue to create an impact by helping orphans around the world connect to their creative spirits through art, music, dance, and photography. Their future plans include creating similar programs in Haiti, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Latin America.

The Children's Art Village has become an official member of the American Art Therapy Association to continue the service that they have been offering to underprivileged children since inception. The American Art Therapy Association describes art therapy as "a mental health profession that uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. It is based on the belief that the creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and achieve insight"

In May of 2010 the Sevalaya Orphanage was a recipient of the Children's Art Village program. Located 1.5 hours outside of Chennai, India (southeast India) CAV in conjunction with the Aadhi Arts Academy, launched its first arts and music program. A team of 6 American and 11 Indian volunteer artist teachers hosted a week-long program for over 200 orphans. Classes included: painting, paper mache, mixed medium art, mandala art, sculpting, water coloring, mural art, photography, Indian classical & folk dance, American music class and Indian classical singing class. The Children's Art Village, working with the Sevalaya, has placed a full-time music teacher at the orphanage to teach classical Indian singing to over 1,500 children at the Sevalaya School. The goal of the program has heavy emphasis on sustainable art and music programs and The Children's Art Village plans to conduct another week long program this year. American artist teachers can participate, sponsor, travel, volunteer, donate and join local Indian artist teachers in a week of connection and empowerment for all involved by contacting The Children's Art Village Director Mai Lai Breech.

This program of service and art therapy will continue to the far reaching corners of the globe. For more information on upcoming programs or to volunteer, sponsor, or donate to The Children's Art Village please contact: Mai Lai Breech at:
info@childrensartvillage.org or visit http://childrensartvillage.org