Art and Design Commons^™

Facilitating The Creative Process Through Collaboration, Jennifer K. Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Miles Parker Scharfenberg, an artist based in Richland, Michigan, provided the cover art for the Fall 2019 edition of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). “Late Night Fireworks” is a 30” x 40” painting made from acrylic on canvas. Born 15 weeks premature, Miles’ multiple health impairments have made it difficult to engage in meaningful occupations, such as painting. With support from his mother, Carol; occupational therapy students; and members of the community; Miles creates colorful abstract expressionist paintings. Collaboration is part of his creative process. In this fifth anniversary issue of OJOT, Occupation and the Artist is following …

Fall 2019 Fcs News Round-Up, College Of Education And Human Development

Family and Consumer Sciences News

• Presentations
• Publications
• Grants
• Other News

Advancing Art Education: Development Of An Innovative Series Of K-12 Encaustic Curriculum Modules, Christina Chin

Instructional Development Grants

Research and development of a series of K-12 encaustic (painting in hot wax) curriculum modules, inclusive of art historical and practical techniqueoriented lesson

Encaustic Mixed Media & Collage Workshop Peninsula School Of Art, Christina Chin

Instructional Development Grants

Instructional Development Opportunity

Encaustic Mixed Media & Collage Workshop taught at the Peninsula School of Art

Short Term Objectives

To complete a component of a larger sabbatical research project, by extending my compendium of encaustic process and technique understandings, specifically: –To learn how to build out in relief (extending out into three-dimensional space) with encaustics.

Promoting Healing With Therapeutic Use Of Clay, Jennifer Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Alice McCall Smith, occupational therapist and artist based in North Carolina, provided the cover art for the Summer 2019 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). The piece, titled “Mother and Child,” is an 8-1/4” tall sculpture made from clay. Alice grew up on a hill sheep farm in the Scottish Highlands. She has used many of the skills learned on the farm in everyday life and in occupational therapy practice. After being diagnosed and treated for depression, Alice turned to sculpting to cope with challenging emotions. The therapeutic use of clay was a meaningful part of her …

Working With Youth Has Its Own Rewards, Challenges, College Of Education And Human Development

Family and Consumer Sciences News

Support and education for professionals who work with young people in programs outside of the classroom are growing, and Western Michigan University has responded by expanding its training and internships in this area.

The College of Education and Human Development added two degrees in 2019 to build its academic offerings, as well as community-based professional opportunities, helping its students become leaders in youth and community development.

Poster, Expanded, Lynnae Strait

Honors Theses

The poster is a fundamental part of graphic design that has existed since the 1800s. Throughout the years, its purposes and aesthetics have changed, but its format has adapted very little. This thesis project sought to define the traditional format of the poster, and then challenge the definition to expand the audience’s understanding of what a poster is and isn’t. This project’s primary goal was not to create aesthetically unique poster, but to create a poster that redefined the format—which would likely result in the achievement of the former goal as well.

The definition was derived by viewing and understanding …

United Families Through Interior Design, Marissa Heintz

Honors Theses

This thesis examines the current problems and support systems within the foster care system and how it could be improved upon. It studies the removal process of children from a hurtful home, the common reasons for placement within foster care, what some of the major problems within foster care are based surveys and existing research. Furthermore, this study seeks to understand the different perspectives of those involved in foster care including; biological parents, foster parents, children and social care workers. In order to better understand what would be best for all of the people involved, research also explores the effects …

Re-Purposing A Dead Mall Into An Art And Innovation Center, Veronika Gaska

Honors Theses

Many years ago, when the shopping industry was booming, shopping malls were being built one after another—more than were needed to support the population. They served as a hub for all kinds of people. But with time, the focus of the retail industry shifted to the convenience of online buying instead of in-store, which contributed in the lack of demand for retail stores, running them into the ground, and leaving the malls empty. Approximately 1/3 of the 1,200 malls in America are dead or dying. With malls emptying out, the future of these buildings comes into question. Either they need …

Benefits Of Doodling, Olivia Bevacqua

Honors Theses

Hello, my name is Olivia Bevacqua and my thesis is on the benefits of doodling. Doodling is something that’s really important to me as an artist and a human. I doodled growing up at lot, especially in high school. It’s something that I often do when I’m bored or when I need something to ground myself during lectures.

Growing up and into adulthood, doodling is seen as a frivolous act. Multiple studies have proven that doodling can be beneficial in many ways including relaxation, focus, and information retention. For these reasons among others, discouraging doodling during development and into adulthood …

The Art And Process Of Wood Carving As A Meaningful Occupation, Jennifer Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Leonard G. Trujillo, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, occupational therapy professor and chair emeritus based in North Carolina, provided the cover art for The Spring 2019 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). The piece, titled “Life’s Struggles,” is a relief carving made from butternut wood. Dr. Trujillo enjoys carving lifelike images that depict previous travels and his love of nature. His carvings are sculpted from a solid plank of wood, yet they provide the illusion of a three-dimensional form. Dr. Trujillo’s body of work reflects a lifetime of learning and engagement in the art and process of wood carving …

Fashion Startup Focused On Sustainability Wins Wmu's Business Pitch Competition, College Of Education And Human Development

Family and Consumer Sciences News

A clothing company focused on sustainable fashion won first place at Western Michigan University’s seventh annual K.C. O'Shaughnessy Business Pitch Competition and Showcase held on campus Feb. 15.

Addition Of Workforce Education And Development Major And Minor Rounds Out Program Offerings At Wmu, College Of Education And Human Development

Family and Consumer Sciences News

In fall 2018, Western Michigan University's Department of Family and Consumer Sciences’ Workforce and Education Development (WFED) program began offering a major and minor in workforce education and development.