Welcome, Maddy Engelfried!
Art Therapy Intern from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Where are you from and what brought you to Chicago if you’re not from here?
I grew up in California but spent the last twelve years in Portland, Oregon, where I went to college. I chose Chicago for graduate school because I wanted to experience a new city that I’d heard a lot of good things about.
What is art therapy?
To me, art therapy is about art in therapy and art as therapy. The therapist and client communicate through art, and the act of making art is also therapeutic. I believe every person deserves the chance to be creative, even if they have no art experience at all. When we make creative choices, we get a chance to practice our agency and reflect on our decisions, which can give us insight into how we relate to ourselves and others.
What kind of art making do you specialize in/prefer to do? Why?
I love making comics! I usually make them with pencil, ink, and watercolor. I enjoy art that tells a story, and I also appreciate the history of comics as a Jewish-American art form. Some of the first superhero comics were made by the children of Jewish immigrants, and I love seeing Jewish cultural values reflected in those stories.
What is one kind of art making you want to learn more about?
I want to learn more about fiber arts, especially knitting and crocheting. It seems like a very meditative process, and I like the idea of making art that people can use every day.
What is one thing you love about Chicago?
I love all the art I see when I’m walking around the city! There are so many beautiful murals, statues, and pieces of street art everywhere I look.
Do you have a favorite book? Favorite movie?
My favorite book is The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle, and my favorite movie is The Princess Bride.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
I can’t stand popup ads. Or any ads, really, but especially popups.
Maddy will be at Selfhelp Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays through May 2024!