This proposal is divided into the following sections: introduction, statement of the problem, purpose of study, primary research question, hypothesis, subsidiary research question, definition of terms, significance of study, limitations of study, organization of study, literature review, methodology, results, and conclusion.

The introduction situates the reader. Art therapy began in hospitals, clinics, and rehab centers during the 1950’s. The goal of this study is to see what art medium would be better suited in a public school setting. The study also asks whether students ability to pick an art medium will improve the outcome.

The study draws from experiences from art therapists, books, and articles. The following terms are defined: art therapy, art, medium, psychotherapy, expressive therapy, and the American Art Therapy Association. One article cited in the literature review discussed the benefits of an arts center for adults that were developmentally disabled. This study started based off of observations of art therapy from a social rehabilitation center for former offenders and people with developmental disabilities. The subjects were asked to draw using  basic art materials.

Conclusions include that art mediums can provide an atmosphere of improving self-esteem, confidence, social skills, and the general quality of life. Psychological imbalances can be can be determined during therapeutic art work in a school setting.No one art medium is sufficient for gaining information on the psychological standings of the patients. Patients benefit from having the freedom and trust from their therapists to pick what art medium they work with.

The schools do see art therapy as giving concrete information about their students psychological status. The school can benefit by allowing lower functioning students a way to express themselves. The social rehab center showed how the larger community benefited through public art shows. This proposal did not include a timeline or a budget

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